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:
From McCall’s:
From Butterick:
Check out Knitty’s Spring issue when you have a moment. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the fact that they included plus sizing in the patterns!
Just out in the Lion Brand e-mail today - a free sweater pattern from the book ‘Knit Three Ways‘, and it goes up to 1X!
You’ll have to log in to see it, so keep this page handy if you need to click on the link again.
Hmm - that’s a shorter list than I thought it would be! I’ll post more details on Knit.1 and Vogue Knitting asap.
Happy long Memorial Day weekend for those of you in the U.S.! Happy Weekend to everyone else!
Crochet! Magazine has another issue headed to the news stands any day now, so if you like any of these projects, pick up this issue before they’re hauled off to wherever old magazine go.
(I always wondered what happened to old issues at big bookstores. Anyone who works for Barnes and Noble or Borders want to enlighten us?)
This vest sizes up to 2X (49 1/2″ finished measurement) and is for the “experienced” skill level. I think it would be a flattering addition to any wardrobe.
The bolero has a finished measurement of 50 3/4″ bust and is also advanced. I think it’s cute, but it seems like a chunky piece. I’m having a hard time imagining it on myself and so probably won’t give it another thought.
This short sleeved fitted top seems fun to make and fun to wear. Finished largest bust size is 50 1/2″.
The men get something for a change! This one goes up to 2X. I like the colors and the strips, but I think I would rather see it knitted.
That’s all from the May issue. Can’t wait to get the next one!
Lion Brand featured these free patterns in today’s newsletter. I feel like I’ve seen them before but I’m posting them anyway:
Babysoft Kimono (knit)
Size: Medium, 1X, 2X
V-Stitch Wrap Around Sweater in Cotton Ease (crochet)
Size: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
In Lion Brand Organic Cotton, there’s a knitted Boatneck Raglan Pullover which is frighteningly off-the-shoulder but it does go up to 2X. There’s also a knitted cropped raglan sweater which is actually a cropped, buttonless cardigan that looks kinda comfy. It goes up to 2X.
For Crocheters, there’s an elegant shell in Lion Brand Organic that sizes up to 2X.
I have so much to share with you and so little time! I’m going to post a few catch-up posts this weekend about new magazines and new sewing patterns.
Thanks for stopping by and have a marvelous weekend!
Here’s a round-up of the plus-size free patterns sent out in the Knit Bits newsletters from Berroco this month.
Karole sweater - Up to 48″ finished bust size.
Brittania modified polo - up to 52″ finished bust size. Hooray!
Valpuri form fitting tee - up to 48″ finished bust size.
Melody Shrug - up to 48″ finished bust size. And there’s a matching purse.
One more newsletter to go for April - I’ll post here if it contains any patterns for real women.
Take care!
Jen
Spring is here! Time to break out the crochet hooks for some light and lacy pieces. I picked up the Spring 2007 edition of Interweave Crochet at a Wal-mart in the middle of nowhere, Ohio (otherwise known as Upper Sandusky.) Every piece in it goes to at least an XL or 1X with some going to 2X. I listed the highest finished-size bust circumferences. You generally choose a size 2″ larger than yourself for a good fit.
Here are the curvy sized patterns. Follow the links to find bigger pictures and supply info.
Simplicity Top
Up to 52″ bust circumference
It’s shown with tiny cap sleeves but you can work it with optional longer short sleeves.
Beachcomber Tunic
Up to 49 1/4″ bust circumference.
This tunic combines simple knitted pieces with crocheted edging. I like this!
Weekend Jacket
Up to 46″ bust circumference.
I like the color blocking but would probably lose the horizontal strips, or maybe do a stripe or two up top and the darker purple color for the rest. You could also try to repeat the backside pattern on the front - it’s solid purple with green and gray bands around the bottom, just like the sleeves.
Linen and Lace Cardigan
Up to 48″ bust circumference with fronts meeting.
Empress Baby-Doll Top
Up to 48″ bust circumference.
I love kimono wrap tops despite always having to wear a cami under them or safety pin them to keep too much from showing.
Seafoam Vest
Up to 46″ bust circumference.
Spiderweb Cardigan
Up to 52″ bust circumference with fronts overlapping by 6 1/2″.
Sugarplum Bolero
Up to 47″ bust circumference.
Deceptively Simple Stole
18″ wide and 92″ long. One size fits all, but worth mentioning.
Versatile Wrap Top
Up to 46″ bust circumference.
Flora Kimono
46″ or 50″ finished bust circumference, “including open kimono sleeve,” they say. “The waist does not need to come together at the bottom, adding room to each size.”
ZZ Topper
50 (56, 60)” bust circumference - “choose a size 10″ greater than your bust circumference.”
I also have Vogue Knitting and Crochet Today updates to post here, and there are a few more new free patterns on the yarn company sites.
Thank you for your patience with my sporadic posting! My toddler’s been unusually clingy lately and fusses profusely if I pay more attention to anything other than him, including the computer. He’s spoiled, I know, but I have a terribly soft heart.
Have a happy rest of the weekend!
Jen
Hello all! I’ve been super busy at work and am about to go out of town for the weekend, so I apologize for the sporadic updates. We’ll be getting back on track soon.
In the meantime, I started a Big Crafty Flickr Pool! I have no idea how this is going to work but please check it out when you have a second:
http://flickr.com/groups/bigcrafty/
Hi! My name is Jennifer. I’m big and crafty. I’m also tired of seeing only itty-bitty crocheted bikinis, cropped sweaters, and skinny clothes when I look for knitting, crochet and sewing patterns. Give me a break!
I made this site because I want to see all of the plus-size patterns options in one place. I don’t actually have time to craft much since I work full time and have a toddler. But I love to fantasize about what I would make if it did have the time.
I hope you find this site useful. Please send me any feedback - it will help me focus my efforts. I work on this site in the mornings before I go to the office. By day I’m Director of Product Design (basically Interaction Design or “making things easy to use”) for an online advocacy solutions company. In the evenings I chase my toddler around the house to get my daily dose of laughs and giggles.
I have a personal blog at blueskyday.com.
Take care,
Jennifer