Big Crafty

One of the new Project Runway patterns by Simplicity is for curvy girls! Fabulous!

Here it is, my first handmade shirt.

Pattern: McCall M5009
Size: 28W tapered to 30W on bottom. (For the uninitiated, most pattern sizes have much higher numbers than ready-to-wear.)
Lessons Learned: The first rendition of this shirt was much too big and the shoulders hung halfway down my upper arm. If I had taken […]

I love that kimono-ish tunic look! Flattering AND comfortable - that’s hard to beat.
Here’s a round-up of six of the latest kimono-like sewing patterns. If you find more that aren’t on this list, let me know and I’ll add them.
From Simplicity:

The Dress [Pattern #4050]
The Short-Sleeved Knit [3890]
The Tunic Top [3697]

From McCall’s:

The […]

I finally took pictures of my new fabric and patterns. You can see why I’ve got some sewing to do!
Take a look at the fabrics and their corresponding patterns in my Fabric Insanity Flickr album. I’ve also got a photo in there of the baby floor pillow I just finished for Ben. […]

A few weeks ago I posted a guest entry from Sarah where she shared her sewing pattern stash with us. She later sent photos of her in the finished Vintage Vogue dress and I’ve been meaning to post them but haven’t gotten a round to it.
So without further delay, I present…
The Lovely […]

Hooray! I love to see new Simplicity patterns.

Love the shirt dress option and the wrap! One of my favorite dresses was a black wrap from Lane Bryant. This pattern goes up to 32W.

Nice options for the office. This one goes up to 28W.

Sarah sent a list of her patterns with a few reviews and I looked them up on the web. She has many lovely costume patterns, dresses for weddings, a yoga set and a great vintage Vogue dress.
Thank you Sarah for sending this in. Have fun taking a look at Sarah’s pattern stash!
Sarah’s Patterns

McCall’s […]

The May 2007 issue of Threads magazine has part one of an article on plus-size draping. Kathleen Cheetham, owner of Petite Plus Patterns, take you through the steps to drape a bodice and create a versatile custom pattern for yourself. This technique works for everyone, large and small, she says.
You can preview the […]

I stocked up at Joann’s $1.99 McCall pattern sale this past weekend. I picked up mostly home decor and accessory stuff but found three plus-size patterns for my stash.
McCall’s M5337

I LOVE this shirt, particularly the lacy version and the patterned fabric w/ bow version. Too bad it’s one size too small! I […]

Some of these are modern styles. Some, not so much. It just depends on your fashion preference.
Sites with Plus-Size Sewing Patterns

Simplicity Plus Sizes - I love the Khalia Ali collection. They also have some Threads plus-size patterns.
Burda Plus
Vogue - Today’s Fit by Sandra Betzina - Stock up on these at Joann this […]