There’s no doubt there’s a lot of love for Colette over here at CSC towers: the Curvy Colette tour was our very first project, and the wonders of a pattern up to a 3XL knows no bounds.
So we’re thrilled that there’s yet another – and Sarai has kindly offered a copy of the new pattern as a giveaway!
The latest Colette Patterns knit creation is the Myrtle dress: it has a draped cowl neckline, elasticized waist and a flowy gathered skirt with bonus pockets. It looks sure to be yet another super comfortable classic dress, that could also be mega classed up for evening. And let’s face it: more secret pyjamas = more goodness.
If you’d like to win a copy of the Myrtle dress, just leave a comment below and let us know how sewing has give you curvy confidence! The contest closes Sunday July 20th at midnight EST, and is open to anyone worldwide. Please make sure you leave your email address or a way to get in contact with you – only entries with a valid contact detail will be eligible to win.
Good luck and we can’t wait to see your Myrtles!
I love that I will be able to find you all in one place. Being able to sew for myself has meant that my clothes now fit correctly ( large bust but slim hips) and I can emphasise my best points
I’m so excited to sew a couple Myrtles for myself! I think I’ll make a woven one first & then one in knit. Sewing has given me curvy confidence because I can sew dresses to fit my pear shape perfectly. Colette pattern in particular fit me so well. It’s easy to grade between a 14 on top and 16 on the bottom. I’m so glad you’ve made Curvy it’s own blog! Thanks for the chance to win!
Genetics! They can be so cruel!
I am a petite but always had a prominent tummy and round arms. Suddendly, I started to fill out. I went from a size 34 to a size 40-42 (Spanish size) in a year. It turned out to be a mix between genetics and a medical condition that required surgery. And hormones.
Surgery left me with an ugly scar and a permanent pouch, and the hormones made me grow even bigger. I had to say goodbye to what was left of my waist and welcome my new thights. And back fat. I could not wear anything except maternity clothes for 2 years. My mom, a tall curvy lady who passed away months before my surgery, had begged me to keep her wardrobe for myself. I promised her I would. I learned to use a sewing machine so I could keep that promise.
And I am glad I did.
I have sewn only about 10 pieces but I keep building my new wardrobe from my mom’s clothes. These clothes love me and I love them. It’s not just that I can alter them to flatter me, is that I enjoy sewing them so much that it brings me joy to wear them.
No more crying after a visit to a fitting room in a RTW shop where teens stare at my cellulite! No more “Oh, you have become so large!” from friends and family! Now people comment my handmade garments and how well they fit me. And even when I get the occasional “Don’t you think you should skip dessert?” from someone, I do not get as infuriated as I used to. Women come in many sizes, and it just happens that mine does not acommodate to the 1.65m, 55 kilos RTW standard.
And yes, I want that Myrtle pattern badly.
P.S.: This is a great place. Congratulations. It helps a lot to see how a pattern/garment looks on a real woman.
I’m excited for this site. I am a “curvy” girl, but not overweight. I have a large bust, small waist, and big thighs. Buying clothes that fit is almost impossible! I’m so glad that I can sew, make the style I want in the fabric I want, and have it FIT! I’d love to try the new pattern, so please put my name in the drawing!
I am so excited about this site! After some 30 or so years of quilting and sewing for home, I am just getting back into sewing clothes for myself. I’m usually fumbling through adjustments to commercial patterns to get them to fit me correctly, and searching the ‘net for advice or tutorials from experienced curvy sewists. I have just begun to work with knits, and I’ve just discovered Collette patterns… although, I haven’t worked with them yet. Thank you for the giveaway… and thank you for putting this creative collective together!
Bye bye sweatpants and baggy clothes. Hello clothes that actually fit my body. Thanks for the chance to win this amazing pattern.
As someone who struggles with weight fluctuations of 10 to 15 lbs. a day, I am loving the knit dress patterns. They give me some flexibility for wearing room with the water retention during the day. I also love that non cookie cutter people are finally being celebrated and recognized. I think this kind of thinking will help change the mindset and quite possibly some of the bullying taking place today.
I am just getting back into sewing. I stopped when I could not figure our how to adjust patterns to fit me. I could sew them up real well but they always had a problem. I only kept up with pants because with a 34.5 inch inseam it’s not easy to find ones long enough. Then I started wearing dresses and the length is more forgiving. I am ready to try again and learn more.
I am in the process of making my third Moneta–this time with short sleeves and a tie collar. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned in making these dresses, not only about working with knits and fitting them, but about myself and how much I enjoy a well-fitted dress that is comfortable, feminine and best of all, made by me! The tutorial on the clean finish was a complete eye opener and I was able to make Moneta #2 sleeveless and collarless with no trouble at all. I’ve learned so much in a few short weeks and have become a real Colette fan! Best of all, every one of these dresses has been made with fabric I picked up at place in LA’s garment district that offers remnants and overages from jobbers and the main store! I have unusual fabrics at fractional costs turning into delightful garments that make me feel like a movie star! Next, I am making a Moneta for my sister as a birthday gift and I know she will love the classic lines and styling.
As a 5’7″ woman who wears petite tops and long pants, I’ve always had some trouble finding clothes that fit me. As if that weren’t enough, I’ve recently ‘filled out’ and am now a 28GG/H in bras. I’ve nearly given up on finding clothes that fit me in stores and am turning to making my own. I’m just getting the hang of this sewing thing (I’ve knit myself sweaters for years), but I’m already relieved that I don’t have to spend hours and hours trying to find things that fit or resign myself to ill-fitting clothes.
I’ve only sewn with commercial patterns that are designed for a B cup so sewing actually makes me even more uncomfortable with my body. I would love to try out some other patterns and see if they fit my curves better.
Judith Martinez — doing a full bust adjustment on your pattern pieces is relatively simple, and there are lots of free tutorials on how to do them. I often have to add up to 5 inches (13 cm) to the bust of a commercial pattern to get the proper fit for my curves, and the feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes with wearing a properly fitted garment is well worth the effort. I warrant that you will feel a lot better about your curves, too.
I recently came back to sewing earlier this year after several years of not having the time. Even before, once I learned how to do an FBA, it was such a wonderful feeling to have clothes that 1) fit properly; and 2) were so much nicer than anything I could afford in RTW. My teenaged daughter is also facing many of the same fit challenges as I did even at her age.
Also, my pattern stash was accidentally thrown out when I moved the last time, so I am starting from scratch as far as my collection goes.
Love this pattern and what I see on this site. My friend is plus sized and wants clothes that are stylish and fit well. I’m excited!
so happy to see this site-something like this has been NEEDED for a long time. I’m so tired of looking at patterns for plus sized people, modeled on small women. Blargh!
I sew a ton of my own clothes, i’ll be back to check out patterns for sure!
Hello everyone!
First off, let me say thank you for being such excellent role models for body positivity – it’s a nice change in an industry all about stick thin being the only kind of perfect.
I’ve always been a shorts (or trousers) and blouse kind of gal – when you’re 2-3 sizes different in your comparatively teensy bust versus your solid, childbearing hips, there’s no RTW dress on earth that’s going to both fit and flatter. I say that with confidence because I tried for many years before finally chucking it in and settling for separates.
Enter the power that comes with sewing your own wardrobe! I started sewing just a couple of years ago, but the confidence I feel when wearing one of my own creations is incredible. AND – finally I can wear dresses (insert insanely stupidly big happy grin here!) because finally I have the knowledge, skills and power to combine the appropriate sizes!
Colette patterns had had a large part in my body positivity metamorphosis – yay for Moneta, yay for Mabel, and now yay for Myrtle (and of course, I’m still giving a yay for my long-time woven friends Parfait, Macaron and Peony!).
And finally, yay for CSC, both for this opportunity and for the many happy hours reading about, and identifying with, your sewing/life adventures
I love the fact that I can make clothes that I feel happy about wearing, and not ones I was just lucky to find in a store 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful resource. Even though I’m an 8-10, I’ve struggled to find RTW to fit. My thighs are at least a size or two larger than my waist, my legs are a little long and my waist is short. So I was used to that struggle and tailoring, but recently trying to find tops that are pretty, not sheer, nice feeling fabric, AND for them to fit! That was the last straw, I dusted off my sewing machine and started tackling tops and dresses (still scared to try pants). I started reading a bunch of blogs and am excited with the possibilities.
It is so nice to see talented clothing design aimed at BBW (big,beautiful women). Wonderful dress, I would love to try out Colette’s pattern!
I have a one size top and another size bottom so sewing for me is a must unless I wear separates all the time. And I do LOVE a dress!! This pattern would be a new look for me with the neckline, would love to try it. Thanks for he chance
I’ve always been big up top and didn’t really know what to do in RTW clothes – always being squished in or popping out. Now with a bit of pattern geometry I can be modestly covered up without looking like I’ve got a boob shelf or show a bit of skin without the fear of everything falling out! The FBA is this girls best friend.
I was so happy to see this website pop up, looking forward to seeing all your lovely future makes 🙂
I recently started sewing for myself, and I love that I can make garments that fit my body shape and make me feel great about myself. It’s a lot harder to get that feeling when I’m shopping for ready to wear clothing! Thanks for the chance to win a great looking pattern.
Wow it’s so exciting to see how many new sewers the curvy collective has attracted already!!!
I am unable to articulate how I feel in my me mades…but just a huge amount of pride and pleasure. I am aiming for a 100% home sewn wardrobe! (I have a fairly long ways to go but…optimism people!)
It is nice to be able to walk into a store and see items in regular sizes that I can take pics of andlook through my pattern stash to use to fit the dress for me- a true curvy girl.
When I show my husband the items I make, he tells me how proud he is of me and it makes me feel really good. He has been so supportive of my efforts and sometimes when we see stuff, he would say- you can make that better. I love it.
I’m very excited about this site. So far I have only sewed one item for myself to wear, but I’m very excited to sew up some more!
I’m still a newbie sewer with more “meh” results than I’d like, but since I’ve started sewing my own clothes I’ve realized I’ve been wearing more fitted (and therefore better looking) clothes. Now I can fit all the parts of my body instead of just making sure my biggest measurement is comfortable and swimming in fabric everywhere else.
Since going through chemo a couple of years ago, I am much more curvy than I was before. I sew because I like a good fit. I look forward to many makes from your collective!
As a curvy girl w/ a particularly curvy top half, it’s pretty hard for me to find RTW items that fit me up there without the shoulder seams being 1/2 way to my elbows. However, about a year ago I finally remembered (yes, I always knew, but the little voice in my head tried to convince me otherwise) how my mom had taught me basic sewing skills as a kid & how I’d done pretty well in home ec. in school. So, I found my sewing machine, dusted it off, & tried to figure it all out again. Easier said than done. Since I last sewed a garment for myself I’ve gained about 70 lbs & 4 cup sizes & we all know how hard it is to find patterns that fit when you find yourself in this predicament. Still, I forged ahead in my search for simple, yet stylish curvy girl patterns. That brings me to a few months ago when I found all of you in various ways. That being said, things are finally starting to look up. 🙂
moyler316 at me dot com
I haven’t done much garment sewing yet, but I have been doing a lot of reading and it has gotten me more familiar with the right shapes for me. I have finally memorized my measurements too!
Lovely website and looking forward to new posts!
I haven’t sewn much for myself and must admit I still find it difficult, but still on a learning path. 🙂 I must say sewing for myself does suddenly make me a nitpick, making it means for me I want to make it perfect, I think I have to step away from that for a bit…
I am really new to sewing but find that styles available on the high street are not always flattering so I am super excited to start making classic pieces that look good and make me feel great.
I like sewing for my odd-shaped body (tummy as big as hips, no backside, short waist) because I can make clothes that fit. Try doing that in a department store!
So excited to follow you!! This cubby girl is always on the hunt for plus-sized patterns that aren’t muu-muus.
Sewing has made me able to make clothes that fit my curves! I am super hour glass shaped (literally 8-9 inches between bust and waist and hip and waist) and long bodied with a high natural waist so NOTHING commercial fit me! But sewing made me realize that my body is just different and I AM worthy of beautiful clothing.
Thanks so much for starting this website and collective! I am new to sewing and spend a lot of time trying to find patterns that are actually designed for fuller figures (and not just hour-glass figures since I don’t have one.)
Just because I am fatter than the ideal shouldn’t mean that I am doomed to a life of ugly, poorly-made, expensive polyester shrouds. I have a bright and bubbly personality and I want my clothes to reflect that. Sewing has really opened up an amazing world of design and delight for me.
I’d love to make this dress and I love what you are doing.
Would love to give this pattern a try. Also, really enjoying you new website!
Sewing has opened up variety and fit for me. Most RTW clothes don’t fit my body. I am at least 4 different sizes and I have to alter RTW clothing. My shoulders are narrow, my bust is a different size, my waist is a different size and my hips/upper thighs are another size. By making my clothes, I make them fit my body. I enjoy the compliments I receive on the garments I sew. Sewing is also very relaxing to me.
Sorry, I entered the wrong website address above so I entered again. I couldn’t delete or correct the address in my earlier post.
Sewing has opened up variety and fit for me. Most RTW clothes don’t fit my body. I am at least 4 different sizes and I have to alter RTW clothing. My shoulders are narrow, my bust is a different size, my waist is a different size and my hips/upper thighs are another size. By making my clothes, I make them fit my body. I enjoy the compliments I receive on the garments I sew. Sewing is also very relaxing to me.
Hello
Thanks for this new sewing communauty !
It’s hard to find affordable AND well fitting clothes when you are a “plus-size”. Well cut clothes exist but I can only afford to buy a piece once in a while so I’ve been sewing clothes for me for one year.
I’m still a beginner with plenty of tips to learn but I enjoy it so much that I lose track of time when I sew (or visit sewers blogs 😉 )
I’ve started with patterns from the French designer Eleonore Klein : http://boutique.deer-and-doe.fr/?lang=2 which I’ve graded up to my size.
Colette Patterns is one of the website I often visit but never dare to order from as I’m not sure my English is good enough to understand all the sewing instructions. But I’m pretty sure I’ll try those patterns soon as I can’t resist the beautiful, girly & curvy shapes of those dresses…
I’ll be back soon to read more from your team…
Julie Lucie
I’m so excited for this site! It will be so great to see some of my favorite sewing patterns on similarly sized ladies as myself. Sometimes its so hard to figure out if a style will actually look good on me from the photos provided by pattern designers. 🙂
Just found the link and am thrilled with what is happening here. It will be so great to have this resource!
I have struggled through recent weight gain with one work skirt, one very forgiving dress and a maxi skirt, all either black or grey so that I can match them with my knit tops. Now I am making my own clothes, I have ones in comic print, florals, bright colours and all that fit me. I’m getting compliments on my clothes, which is making me finally feel pretty again.
I love this site, and it’s great to see what works for people with curves
I have been gathering information but have not yet sewed anything for me because I lack the confidence (and time!) to do it. But like everybody else here, I’m tired with RTW not fitting so I think it’s going to change very soon!
Wow! I just happened upon your site tonight. I’ve been pregnant or nursing for the last 8 years, so my curves are constantly changing. I’d love to be able to create something for me that will beautify and enhance the curves no mattere where they are located or when they change!
Loving the new site. Sewing has helped my curvy confidence as I’ve been able to identify silhouettes that suit me and enhance or mask my curves and are therefore most flattering. Often RTW clothes just don’t suit me
I just found this fantastic website, and am so looking forward to learning from all the editors and contributors. I’m not all that good at sewing for myself, but sometimes I feel there is no other option. Short sleeves for instance – why do they always end at the least flattering point of my upper arm?
Nothing makes me more confident than rocking an outfit I created myself! Building a wardrobe based on measurements and fit adjustments has helped me drop the body image baggage of RTW sizing.
passfailsewing AT gmail.com
Like everyone else, I just found this site! Sewing allows me to adapt a look a like into something that will actually fit me!
I haven’t sewn in years but finding this site tonight has me excited to try it again! Regardless love, love that pattern and finding this blog!
Can’t wait to see all the lovely ideas that will come from this site! Hooray!! Thanks for the give away!
I just found your site! I’m hoping this will be a place I can get information about sewing for a real body! Thanks!
So thrilled to have discovered this site. I’ve just returned to sewing clothes after many years away doing the quilty thing. I have trouble finding RTW that fits good and hoping I can make some clothes that appeal to my artsy side and find some TNT patterns too.
I have been viewing all of your blogs for months now. I am so glad that I can have all of you in one place now. It is about time that the curvy gal gets some credit. I am a RTW 24. I love the new patterns that come in my size from Colette. I bought the Mabel and the Monetta. I have made the Monetta and I love it. Even though I have sewn for years now, the pattern taught me a few new tricks. Now I can have new clothes that fit and don’t cost me an arm and a leg.
Sewing has opened a new world to me. I always thought I had to be a frumpy girl-next-door in oversized tshirts and jeans, because dresses and cute blouses and skirts never fit me. It actually makes me a bit angry, because “standard” RTW sizing essentially shaped a significant element of my identity! It has been a powerful experience to take control of how I present myself to the world, now that I can sew dresses that actually fit my body. It’s been so liberating that, yes, I just posted a photo of myself in a swim suit on the internet. That would never have happened even a year ago. Sewing made that happen!