Today I’m thrilled to bring you a chat with Claire Birnie, the founder of new plus size sewing pattern company Sew Outdoorsy. While the market for indie plus size patterns has been exploding in recent years, there’s been an ongoing gap for functional outdoor clothing, whether that’s for hiking, gardening, skiing or any other activity that needs more rugged garments. Enter, Sew Outdoorsy! I’m delighted that Claire has taken the lead in finally addressing this gap, and I’ll pass it over to her to tell you more about the patterns. Hi Claire! Please can you introduce yourself! Hello! I’m Claire Bi ..read more

Deer & Doe has just released their first patterns in their new extended size range, and they offered copies to the Curvy Sewing Collective for review. I’m so excited for the opportunity to sew and review the Sirocco Jumpsuit! I’ve been in love with the pattern ever since seeing Michelle’s review a couple years ago, but I’ve been a good bit outside their size range until now. I’m happy to see another pattern company joining the ranks of indie pattern companies with expanded size ranges, especially one with such a big presence in the online sewing community. Pattern Name Deer & Doe Siro ..read more

The editors are very pleased to welcome Christy Matheson Forrest to the blog. This post will focus on the Cashmerette Roseclair Dress and the Closet Core Elodie Dress patterns. Part Two will add information about the Deer and Doe Magnolia Faux Wrap Dress and the True Bias Roscoe Dress patterns. Enjoy! If you like an airy, graceful summer dress, you might be considering the Elodie or the Roseclair. Both are full-wrap, woven dresses, promising no gaping, and released in two size blocks. Other social media stars you may be considering, with a similar look, are the True Bias Roscoe and the Deer &a ..read more

The Curvy Sewing Collective is delighted to welcome Lindsie to the blog today. You may know her from SewBusty on Facebook, Instagram and the new SewBusty blog. Enjoy! I’m sure I’m not alone in hating pattern alterations. I loathe them. Despise them.  When I sit down to make a project, I don’t want to spend hours doing a full bust adjustment, grading between my waist and mini-booty, and sometimes throwing in a full bicep adjustment. It’s exhausting. But, like most people, my body isn’t standard sized. Most notably, I have giant boobs for my frame. I wore an E cup bra by the 6th grade, and ..read more

Hello to all my old friends at the CSC. And to all of the new friends yet unknown. It has been 5 years since I last wrote a review here but I am back today, with a new pattern company that I found about a month ago and that I am pretty excited about, Stokx Patterns. First of all, full disclosure. Lindy sent me the 7 Dress pattern free of charge after she reached out on Instagram looking for Plus sized women to try her expanded line of patterns.  I did not make any promise of a review or blog post and as always my opinions are my own.   I answered her call but she was looking for wo ..read more

I don’t know about you but I am impatiently waiting for warmer days and ready to ditch my layers and get myself ready for simple dressing. So when Criswood Sews reached out to us to review The Envelope Dress pattern, a loose fitting caftan style dress, I knew that this would be good to add on my list. Her patterns are custom sized, zero-waste and very beginner friendly. I was already intrigued by a pattern that was basically paper free and can be used repeatedly in a variety of fabrics for different results. When we talk about Zero Waste, it took me a minute to wrap my head around the con ..read more

Today I will be reviewing the Hannah dress from By Hand London. It’s described as a wrap dress that can be dressed up or down with a scoop neckline. There is also a gathered skirt and three sleeve options – short, tulip, or bishop. There’s also a top view included in the pattern if you don’t want a dress. Pattern Name By Hand London Hannah Dress Size Range This pattern is offered in the updated size range for By Hand London. The D cup range includes sizes UK 16-34/US 12-30. The largest size includes a high bust of 57.25 in (145.5), full bust of 61.25 in (155.5 cm), waist of 56.25 in (143 cm ..read more

Today we’re reviewing the Tamzin Dress from By Hand London, in their new size range (up to a UK 34/US30 in a D Cup)! If you’ve ever wondered what the Tamzin looks like on a plus size body, here’s your change to find out. Here’s how BHL describe their dress: “Tamzin is the quintessential folk dress that will have you twirling through summer year after year! Featuring an ornamental square neckline, princess seams, two different waist tie options, full 3/4 length sleeves and a gathered skirt – both with a satisfying tuck detail. Even better, the neckline is finished with an external facing, so y ..read more

In some parts of the world, there is a chill in the air and that means coats and jackets are in season! Raphaëlle from the French indie pattern company Ready to Sew reached out to us and asked us if we’d like to try out some of her new patterns with her newly extended sizing. Check out our Curvy Sew Collective post for the Ready to Sew Patsy Overalls and now we are happy to bring you a look into the Pekka Jacket. Pekka takes its inspiration from traditional Japanese clothing. It is an oversized mid-season jacket with wide armholes and a simplified jacket lining. With s ..read more

When indie darlings By Hand London expanded into plus sizes, there were lots of curvy sewists excited about the prospect of pretty party dresses in a more inclusive size range! The Anna Dress is one of BHL’s most popular dresses, and it’s not hard to see why – it’s a versatile dress with slash or v-neck options, midi or maxi skirts (with a dramatic thigh high split!), and cut-on sleeves. I’ve seen awesome versions as a day dress or a show-stopping evening number – but what is it like in the new plus size range, which goes to a UK 34 / US 30 in a D cup? Over to our reviewers to find out ..read more