Good morning readers! Welcome to 2016!
We completed our first full year as a collective blog in 2015, and as to be expected, we had some ups and downs in that respect. One area where we felt like we had some room for improvement was to increase the participation from the curvy sewing community. Many of us had fun sewing along as part of the Wrapalong Wrap Dress Sewalong a while back, but the Season of Separates from earlier this past year fell a little flat. Among the CSC editors, we had some internal discussion about which topics, themes, or sewalongs would most engage our fellow curvy sewist.
After brainstorming quite a few ideas, we decided to post a poll to ask you all what topics you wanted to read about and sew along to in the coming year. Over 400 of you responded with your top 4 choices, and here are the results:
Sorted by vote, here are your top 10 picks for 2016:
- SWAP (Sewing with a Plan)/Capsule Wardrobe – 207 votes (50.6%)
- Pattern Hacks – 179 votes (43.8%)
- Bra-making and Lingerie – 157 votes (38.4%)
- Shirtmaking – 144 votes (35.2%)
- Knits – 142 votes (34.7%)
- Jeans – 123 (30.1%)
- BurdaStyle de-mystified – 113 (27.6%)
- Vintage – 105 (25.7%)
- Outerwear – 95 (23.2%)
- Activewear – 89 (21.8%)
Now, we’re certainly not going to try to have “theme months” or challenges around everything on this list, but we are going to take these numbers to heart and for the topics that had a lot of interest but didn’t make the cut for a dedicated month, series, or challenge, we’ll be looking at recruiting guest bloggers and writing our own posts throughout the year. So, you’ll still get to read about them, but it’ll be in a less-focused manner. Overall, I think you’re going to see a lot more variety of content from the CSC in coming months.
So let’s talk about our current plans for the four most popular topics. These are the topics that we’ll be focusing on at various points in 2016.
Bra-making and Lingerie
No, bra-making and lingerie wasn’t the top vote-getter, but there was a LOT of interest in it, based on our poll numbers. As readers, you included a lot of comments and suggestions for this topic area, which led us to believe that there will be a lot of interest in it. “Bra-making and lingerie” will be the first focus area that you’ll be seeing from us in 2016, and we’ve already got a lot of planning and research in progress for this topic area. I’m really excited about this, and I hope that you will be, too!
SWAP (Sewing with a Plan)/Capsule Wardrobe
Over 50% of you voted for doing a SWAP (Sewing with a Plan)/Capsule Wardrobe as one of your top choices. We don’t want to bore everyone to tears who has already read/done the Wardrobe Architect or any of the other many wardrobe planning challenges, so our SWAP will focus on interactivity and encouragement. We expect this challenge to run over multiple months; we’ll do a few planning and inspiration posts at the beginning and then periodic “checkpoint” posts to encourage people to stick to their plans. Ideally, there will be a community component for participants–either through Instagram or Facebook–so that we can share our progress and cheer each other on.
Pattern Hacks
When patterns don’t fit out of the envelope and require a lot of fitting adjustments, as they often do for curvy sewists, it makes sense that you’d want to “fit once, sew many times”. With that in mind, it’s understandable why “Pattern Hacks” came in second place in our poll. Among the editors, we’ve been kicking around the best way to share more pattern hacks with our readers.
Let me ask you–would a month dedicated to tutorials and show-and-tell around pattern hacks get tedious? That’s our fear, so we’re leaning towards turning “Pattern Hacks” into a regular series. The post count would be the same by the end of the year as if it were a dedicated month, but the posts would be more spread out. Or, would you prefer a dedicated month?
Shirtmaking
I think that shirtmaking, as a theme, is pretty self-explanatory. This will likely be another “dedicated month,” similar to the upcoming bra-making/lingerie month. Expect a few posts on shirt styles, some pattern reviews of curve-friendly shirt patterns, and some tutorials to help you improve the fit of woven button-down shirts.
Other topics
We had a box for “Other, fill-in-the-blank” on our survey form, and we received quite a few interesting post suggestions there, too:
- Many of you commented that you wanted to read about sewing for specific shapes–often shapes such as “apple”, that don’t get as much attention as say, “hourglass” or “pear”. I think you’ll be happy to discover that we’ve had a guest post series in the works for a while that comprehensively covers sewing for different shapes. Expect to see the first post in this series very soon.
- Two of you (independently, as far as we know) suggested a new series along the lines of “Same pattern, different bodies” where multiple sewists with different body shapes make up the same pattern and share their alterations and how the final garment looks on their bodies. We loved this idea and think that the side-by-side comparisons could be eye-opening.
- We received a lot of requests to address specific fitting issues, such as a swayback, high hip, full tummy, etc. We’ll try to post more about fit in 2016, knowing that most of our readers are like us–we don’t typically fit patterns straight out of the envelope.
- While not one of the top-vote getters, we had a lot of interest around BurdaStyle in the comments that we received. We’d like to do a short series around the “BurdaSytle de-mystified” theme, even if we’re not dedicating a month’s worth of posts to it.
Final Thoughts
What do you think of the polling results and our plans for them? Are you looking forward to sewing along with the CSC on these topics in 2016?
I would love to see photos of bad -fitting garments and THEN how to fix them. I have patterns that I alter, sew and then still can’t figure out what to adjust. I would be happy to send you some photos of me in my projects and ask for your help!!!! I am never sure if I need a FBA or a whatever……
Love, love, love your work. I’ve been sewing since I was 9 ( I’m now 51) because I was a chubby kid and my mother refused to buy me clothes that fit. I have sewn lots of clothes over the years and had an instructor that would help me fit patterns. Since she died, I’m on my own. Help!!!!!
Bernadette
One thing I’d be interested in finding out about is how to identify what causes each fit difficulty.
I know I need FBA because I have a fairly large bust, but I have no idea if I’m also short or long waisted, have a sway-back, a high hip etc etc. And no idea how these impact on a pattern or how to spot the pattern-fitting flaws when I make something or how to measure myself to see where fitting adjustments need to be made.
I’d also really be interested in anything about real amounts of fabric needed for different items at different sizes so I don’t feel I need to always buy 3m of something!
I really like the same pattern/different body idea. Sounds interesting
These sound like some very sensible aims.
The Same pattern, different bodies idea sounds brilliant and should be taken up by more than just the curvy community, I’m only a UK14 but have issues with RTW as I actually have arm and leg muscles and sway back. I’ve been lurking CSC for a while now but never commented on anything.
I think the pattern hacking should be spread out over the year as if you want to suggest hacks to multiple garments then it gives people time to try them out with out feeling like they are having to rush, whereas things like lingerie or shirts more of the posts would be relevant to different aspects of one single garment that people could make during the month.
SWAP sounds like a great idea and something I really need to get behind this year.
Keep up the good work
As a fellow Apple, I have been wanting to see what other Apples are
sewing. Shirtwaist dresses and Lady Skaters are not appropriate for me. I
need to look professional at work! I do wear a lot of separates and
just finished a major pattern hack on a Lois Ercison Over & Under
vest pattern (Lois did not believe in full busts and the arm holes were
open to my waist). Once the narrow shoulder adjustment, petite
adjustments, slope shoulder adjustment, rounded upper back (I am 62),
waist adjustment, and FBA went in, it is practically a different
pattern! I’d like to see some posts in which Apples share our favorite
TNTs for both casual and work clothes.
The CSC editors are wonderful and have created such a safe, friendly and vital space for us! The feedback comments are just as informative as the posts!
Melinda, have you ever tried any of the petiteplus patterns. They are made for the petite figure with a D cup and delicious curves. You have to look past some of the styling as the patterns are a few years old. Look at the line drawings. There are some really great fitting patterns there. Very Apple shapes look great in these well fitting patterns. I have not seen them reviewed much lately. They might be a better starting point for your figure. There is a great looking blouse and dress pattern. Take a look.
Oh yes! My tunic blouse and v-neck button front short-sleeved blouse from Petite Plus are TNTs! I have made the tunic at least 9+ times and the button blouse at least 5. Unfortunately for other sewers, they are no longer in print. I am also working on a vest (arm-hole princess seams) from PP that is out of print. At the same time, I bought her book that included multiple patterns and those did not fit as well. I had to fuss quite a bit to get the right fit and produced some wadders. Those were really disappointing. It seems there is a difference between her sizing on her paper patterns and the ones included in the book.
Melinda,sounds like you’ve got the beginnings of a post brewing! Info on how ot submit a post is under the “contributors” tab at the top of the blog!
Lingerie sewing would be great but make sure readers know bra sewing and fitting is a whole ‘nother ball of wax. It is not easy to do especially if you’re large cup/smaller band. I’m a 34N and getting coverage and lift is a bear.
For example, the Watson won’t work for anyone over a C cup. Most bra patterns do not go over a D or E(DD) cup. Fabrics and supplies aren’t readily available in brick and mortar stores.
Who will be doing the lingerie write-ups?
Yup, those are some of the challenges that we’re going to be talking about. Personally, I’m going to be doing a round-up of bra patterns with large cup sizes. I don’t want to spill too much in advance, but most of the other editors have posts in the works, and we have several experienced bra sewists (of varying bust sizes) who will be contributing guest posts.
I’m glad you mentioned this. My problem is just the opposite, a 48B, and trust me, almost impossible to find one, and then the cups are inevitably loose and bunchy, as if no one quite can believe a 48 is a B cup!
Exactly!
You can be a 48B with different shape, projection, and root width than others. Not every 48B is the same.
Yes!! Me too!! I knew I wasn’t the only one!
Hopefully we will learn something to help with it this year Megan.
I’ve made some that have worked, I will try to share some tips during the lingerie month! but the basic gist is to start with a wire size that is comfortable, the cup will end up way to big but you can modify it to fit. It requires a few frustrating muslins since you basically have to make up the whole bra to see how it fits, but now I make all my bras because it is so much more comfortable than any RTW options!
That would be great, I will be looking forward to it.
I love the idea of same pattern, different bodies!
i find this entire post so exciting! I love that you took a chance and posted the survey to see what the community as a whole was looking for. I am really excited for the lingerie series and I’ve been hacking up patterns left and right so I’m excited to see what else people are doing with our favorites.
I’m glad you are excited, Jessica! Maybe you’d like to write up one of your hacks for us? I’d love to see what you are doing!
Major impostor syndrome, but I’d be happy to give it a try.
We’re a just people who like to sew – no card-carrying experts here! if and when you feel like writing a post, there is info about how under the “contributors” heading at the top of the blog! 🙂
Oh, I had no idea! Will certainly check it out.
Looking forward to another great year. I really like the idea of spreading the posts out, and varying the content; that way, if you aren’t interested. In the one topic, you can just skip a post, rather than the whole month.
I love this blog. Keep giving us the info as you have in the past. Patterns have never fit me even when I was skinny which was a long time ago so I’m interested in fitting help and the comparison of different bodies with the same garments will be helpful Not sure if I’m an apple shape but I do have narrow shoulders and a big belly with no waist so am guessing that would be the closest description.
Very excited about the lingerie, also more fitting and alteration elements. Probably a long running series is better than a dedicated month? Also really interested in the “one pattern, many bodies” idea and would love to be involved. I used Mary D’s FBA post as reference last week for an oakridge top and realised we are the same size in the bust but suspect we look very different (I am 6 foot tall!). Anyway, it got me thinking along those lines too…
That’s part of what makes fitting so complicated–you can have the same measurements as someone, but the way those inches are distributed can be very different, and height does play a big factor.
I’m returning to sewing after many years (and many pounds!) so pretty much anything you post will be super helpful for me. Though I’m not interested in lingerie, it’ll still be interesting reading. I LOVE the SWAP plan and any info for Apple shapes will be helpful. I’d vote for making Pattern Hacks as a series to be able to try something out before moving on. Mostly I hope you keep doing what you’re doing because I’m really enjoying everything!
Sounds exciting! And a lot of this actually lines up quite well with the sewing goals I’d already set for myself this year. Especially the lingerie and the shirt-making. I’m excited to see if I can finally manage to get the whole FBA thing right! I do like the idea of the hacks being spread throughout the year as well.
Have you ever sewn underwear, Becky? I feel like it’s the perfect way to get into lingerie sewing, and it’s quick enough to do during nap times… 😉
I haven’t tried it yet, but I have been saving my natural fiber knit scraps that look large enough for just that. And either the washer or one of our dogs just chewed up one of the only pairs I have that fit, so I legitimately need some!
I hope the lingerie section will include some slip and camisole reviews!
Would you like to write one for us? (As it happens, I was just looking this morning for slip patterns for myself, and gave up because there weren’t many options that would fit me!)
Barb Deckert has several plus size slip patterns. http://www.craftsy.com/user/815361/pattern-store
Well… at first I thought that my experiences had been so unsuccessful that I couldn’t, but then AmericanGrammy posted the Barb Deckert link and I am really interested in trying hers! I fall outside of her sizing range though. I have tried Gertie’s Butterick slip pattern (B6031) but wasn’t thrilled with the instructions or result. My self drafted one after that was unwearable… if I can find a pattern that I want to make work, then I will happily write a review for you.
Well, if you decide to sew one up and you feel like posting pics of you in your slip on the internet, do let us know! 🙂 There’s info on how to submit under the “contributors” tab in the header!
I lengthened the Seamwork cami and its been a perfect slip!
Thank you! I haven’t come across those ones before!
I don’t know why I missed those patterns. I took her class. Great plus size slips and amazing shape wear. Thanks for that link.
How did I NOT know about these?? going to go down load the full and half slip ones now!! This is why I love this group!
I had never seen those before. Those are great!
Yes! I need a slip so badly! I’d love to figure one out if anyone has tips. Otherwise I’ll be searching patterns and my pattern drafting book myself.
If you get Seamwork, their cami lengthened works great as a slip!
oh yes! definitely slip patterns
Exciting plans! I voted for the SWAP category. I think I would like to see some work more specifically on patterns and fabrics and how they work together. I know I love dresses partly because it reduces the amount of items to be sewn and the amount of coordination required. Posts exploring how certain patterns go together and then how they can be used for different seasons (or at least for transitional season wear) would be great, and particularly valuable for people who can’t afford lots of patterns. Particularly useful would be some work on the best cardigans/jackets to go with some of the most popular dresses. This is a curvy challenge as I can’t grab a cardigan ‘off the rack’ which goes over my rack appropriately, and sewing cardigans/jackets has been one of the less successful areas of sewing for me.
We’ll definitely keep the dress/cardi/jacket pairing in mind when we start to work on the planning posts for the SWAP. There are actually some pretty good options for plus size cardigan patterns right now–you just might need to do an FBA to get them to fit properly.
I would like to see a monthly fitting issue topic such as swayback, full tummy, etc. and how to fit the pattern to resolve these issues.
I won’t make any promises about a monthly focus on a specific fitting issue, but we are hoping/planning to getting back to have more posts related to fitting issues and pattern alterations that you can make to improve those issues.
Looking forward to another year with CSC and love the ideas that are in the works. Regrettably, I face two big challenges. The first being super size and not just curvy. The second is the lack of a sewing buddy. It’s easy for me to adjust others, but have never found anyone with any sewing experience to help me out. How do you connect with others?
I don’t think that many of us are lucky enough to have fit buddies. What I do is to make sure that I take photos of myself wearing my muslins–it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. That makes fit issues a lot easier to see. And if you run into something that you can’t figure out (e.g. I need a knock knee adjustment, which is an adjustment that isn’t covered many places), you can post your muslin photos on the forum and see if anyone has any suggestions.
That is a great tip – taking photos. The fitting issues lines can’t hide from the camera.
Ah man such a simple answer to my biggest problem! I’m glad I took the time for the comments today!
Looking forward to a happy stitching New Yearwith y’all.. You’ve had some great subjects along the way. I’ve learned and observed a lot. For me it’s ALL about fit. I know you have archives of subject matter. The greatest good you can do is to make sure the archived subjects are retrievable for readers as that detail comes up in our personal sewing activities. That said, it probably wouldn’t matter so much how you presented “pattern hacks” Personally I’d like to be inundated in one month and then go back to the archives as needed.
Bless you Bless you Bless you. Building my own bra THAT FITS! The answer to my dreams. Do it. Do it now. Let’s go !
I like your plan for ‘same pattern, diff. body’. Again, it’s nothing if it doesn’t fit (and flatter). This subject is addressed, if not directly, in the posts of pattern reviews.
And FINALLY, I’d appreciate more suggestions and guidance on styles and patterns that look best on our bigger bodies. “A Wardrobe Consultant” On the bolt it looks one way; on my body, mmmmm, well, not quite as expected.
Again, thanks for this specialty web site and the ladies who are enthusiastic enuf to make it work.
Susan, I think you’re really going to like the sewing for different shapes series that’s going to kick off next week.
We’ll be presenting a pretty wide variety of topics on bra and lingerie sewing and our own opinions of different bra patterns that we’ve tried. I hope that will be of some help to you!
Hey, everyone! I would also like to see some more hacks for apples ( I have a digestive issue that causes me to bloat…grr) but with an additional prob of a completely flat butt! I am interested in trying making my own jeans this year but definitely need some hand holding! Love the CSC.
You should definitely give one of the new-ish elastic waist pull-on jeans patterns a try! They’re designed for stretch denim and can definitely account progressive bloat as the day goes on. Several of us have made the StyleArc Misty jeans (myself included–and I’m wearing a pair of them right now), and Jalie also has an elastic waist pull-on jean pattern–the Eleanores.
Thanks for the jeans pattern names. I will def check them out. We get jeans days at school for charity 4 times a year and I’d like to wear jeans that aren’t killing me by lunchtime!
Look at the post(s) below betw. Laurinda and me. about Apples.
I like the idea of spreading the sewing hacks out throughout the year. That gives me time to try a hack before another one is presented. I’m looking forward to all of the great ideas that have been presented!
I agree. Posting them all in one month won’t give us time to try them out and would be overwhelming. Honestly, there’s no way I could even read them all if they are spaced that close together.
Love it!! Can’t wait for bra-making and the capsule wardrobe!!
Awesome! Lingerie month is going to be in February, and we’ll post more details about it in a week!
Fun thoughts. I have been hacking like crazy. Since Jenny’s patterns fit me so well I have hacked Washington Tshirts, tunics, sweatshirts, and I am working on a cardigan. I have also hacked my favourite neckline from the Appleton on to a Washington Tshirt. It is great fun and why try a pattern that might not fit as well.
I also might work on a cohesive travel wardrobe this year.
I am newly returned to sewing after a 40 year hiatus so I’m excited to learn whatever you decide to post much like Michelle. I am interested in SWAP for sure 🙂
This sounds like it’s going to be great! I’m not a new sewist, but I’ve never done much sewing for myself. I expect you’re going to be the biggest reason that changes!
I hope you spread the tutorials out through the year, so that they don’t get overwhelming, & so I get a chance to really learn them before moving on to the next thing.
I love the “Same pattern, different bodies” idea, because I’m an apple & we don’t get as much help. There’s a plus size knitting book that has pages of advice, with pictures, on what different shapes should wear. But when it came to the apple, it said “you should wear what looks flattering on you” Grrr.
& that’s why I love the Curvy Sewing Collective- actual advice, even for me ?
ha ha ha. A fellow apple. Don’t you just love it when you hear “you’ll look better if you emphasize your waist. Even a modest curve is better than no curve” This piece of wisdom is usually coming from a size 10-14. I have NO WAIST. None. but I do have narrow shoulders and skinny legs. Wearing beige, I look just like a 220 lb carameled apple.
So you look yummy? ? While I’d never be mistaken for pregnant, that really is my shape. I’m really hoping to be able to make blouses that look good on me! Is there really such a thing as a comfortable, good looking shell?
Hey! Maybe you hit on something. Maternity tops were usually very cute (way back when). I could try that again. Since I”m 72 most folks wouldn’t assume I’m pregnant. Cute, comfortable, sophisticated if done right. The current style seems to be the Snug Look. To me it doesn’t look comfortable. Even on a small person, it looks like they’re wearing the same clothes they had before they gained the weight. My next pattern hack will be to allow for pregnancy. Yes – – – —
I’m not a fan of the new snug look either. But for everyday, at home wear, I used to steal my extra large husband’s clothes! They were too long, but when I was at home, I didn’t care ?
Yes, I did that too back when he was “buff” and I was “cute” Won’t work at all these days. Back to Maternity-inspired tops: I am going to Hack in that direction BUT I’ve found a key feature in looking good is a small shoulder pad or even a padded sleeve cap and shoulder seam. That keeps the entire neck and upper blouse sharp looking. The rest of the top can be style lines that come from this good beginning. This little step also conceals the grooves in my shoulders from bras. Just tuck in a folded bit of fabric while you are wearing an older top and see if it helps with your body.
Thank you Susan, I’ll try that! I’ve always preferred the way dress clothes looked & hung on me when they had a little shoulder padding. And yeah, way back when, I was cute in his buff clothes too ?
I’m still new when it comes to sewing clothes. I have a lot to learn and am SO glad I found this website. I can’t wait to learn, whatever is decided.