Curvy Sewing Collective

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Introducing our new editors!

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We have a bit of “behind the scenes” news at the Curvy Sewing Collective today. We’re sad to say goodbye to Meg, who’s leaving the editor group, but I have no doubt we will continue seeing her great garments and hacks around these parts!

And now for some introductions… We have three awesome ladies joining the editor group, so let’s get acquainted!

First up, we have Andie, who’s been a long-time contributor to the CSC, and we’re thrilled to have her onboard as an editor:

Hi, Curvy Sewists! My name is Andie and I currently live in Toronto, but I have lived in a lot of places in Canada and will mostly say my heart is on the east coast. I blog at Sew Pretty in Pink about sewing, cosplay (mostly Star Trek), and accessibility in sewing.

 

My mom sewed a lot when I was a kid, but she also managed to sew her finger a couple of times and scare me out of using her machine. I did a lot of handsewing but it wasn’t until 2008 that I started sewing with a machine because I needed a costume for a burlesque routine and was not able to find plus-sized costumes. My first sewing machine was a tiny pink Kenmore that didn’t cost me a lot, made a lot of noise, and didn’t have a zipper foot. I started blogging in 2013 and began to create the handmade wardrobe that I enjoy today. I have since gotten a better sewing machine courtesy of my wonderful mother and mastered zippers finally!

I sew mostly indie patterns because their sizing tends to be more inclusive. I also love a good Burda pattern and have recently gotten into Simplicity patterns, which are sadly not available easily in Canada. I sew a huge range of styles and fabric patterns, but will more often reach for a bright colour or a knit. I sew everything from bras to coats to costumes.

In the past couple of years, after being diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, my sewing has focused on creating accessible garments for myself. I will often speak about those needs and make changes to a pattern to make it easier for me to wear it. This change could be as simple as changing a back zipper to a side zipper or more complicated by changing where a seam hits or changing the look of the sleeves for better movement. Beyond that, my chronic illness can impact how my space is organized, what chair I use, or even if I can sew that day.

In my non-sewing life, I am a project manager for the provincial government. I perform improv comedy with my troupe, the Dandies, and am often seen at comicons and other geek culture events in Toronto. When I am not sewing or socializing, I am probably either cooking delicious foods, doing paper crafts, or binge watching something with my husband.

I’ve been following the Curvy Sewing Collective since it was created and absolutely love the blog and the community. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the editor team and am excited with what I can offer the community. 

Next up, we have Jessica, who’s written some great reviews for us already, and is now joining the team:

 

Hi! I’m Jessica and I’m thrilled to join the Editors at the CSC! I’ve been active in the sewing community for the last few years over at Always A Crafty Lady, but have been sewing since I was a preteen. Like many of our members my mother sewed for my sister and I when we were children, but otherwise her skills were mostly spent making holiday and orchestra dresses. Her Singer in a sewing cabinet was my first machine.

 

As a young adult I fit into misses size patterns pretty easily as long as they had a full skirt, but since having children I’ve found I have to work a lot harder to get clothes to fit my current body. The CSC has been a valuable tool in navigating pattern alterations and helping me branch out from my standard fit and flare dress preference. This group is just filled with inspiring sewers! Currently I like to sew a combination of Indie and Big 4 patterns, but I also pull out my sloper and draft my own patterns. 

 

By day I work at an art school and by night I can be found spending time with my husband, daughters, and our adorable mutt of a dog. Also like many sewers I split my time between sewing and knitting and probably spend as much time hanging out on Ravelry as I do catching up on my favorite sewing blogs. 

 

And last but by no means least, Mary Alice, who’s a super busy lady!

 

Hi!  My name is Mary Alice and I am a sewing educator, fashion designer and fashion enthusiast. My entire life I’ve been what’s sometimes referred to as an “in-betweenie” (size 12-16) and successfully got away with wearing clothes from all the popular stores- and boy did I love to shop. But after the birth of my daughter everything got bigger, boobs, bum, you name it. With limited options available in my new size, and unable to find quality items in my signature style I turned to sewing.

Having learned from my grandmother as a young girl I had solid beginner sewing skills to start. With TONS of practice and countless hours at the machine,  I started building my own wardrobe, piece by piece. Shortly thereafter I started my blog, WellSewnStyle.com to help women find new ways to create their dream wardrobe through sewing, styling and a whole lotta self love. 

 

Realizing I had a real knack for blending silhouette, style and fabrication, I enrolled in design school to improve my skills as a sewing educator and launch my own ready-to-wear brand. This past May I left a successful career in the nonprofit sector to give 100% of my attention to building both Well Sewn Style, and my new brand, Alice Alexander.  Launched in September 2017, Alice Alexander is a contemporary clothing company, sizes 12-28, which seeks to prove that women of all shapes and sizes desire high-quality, ethically-made, fashion-forward pieces.When I’m not sewing, sketching, or brand-building you can find me with my rescue pup Nala, my husband of 5 years, Alex and my sassy three (going on 16) year old daughter, Alice, in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

 

Please join me in welcome our new editors to the team!

Comments

  1. I will be in touch soon over on your blog, I had some forms turn up at the same time as sorting all this wedding stuff for my brother and losing a whole pile of ‘spoons’so my online life got cancelled.I don’t care for printer paper as it is crisp and hard. Plus the tape or glue gives out long term. The up side of this approach is I only need to lightly tape the pages together..I don’t have a Moto jacket pattern in my stash, and yes, this one suit me to a tee!! This was a great line up and there were a couple of patterns I was on the fence for but now I think this pushed me to order them. http://www.bci.edu.bd/

  2. Aww, sad to see Meg go; now I’ll just have to stalk her Instagram and blog!

    And welcome, new editors! It’s really cool that each of you have such varied experiences and backgrounds. I’m looking forward to your contributions!

  3. Welcome Ladies! What fabulous style you all have! I look forward to many inspiring articles and reviews from you all.

    Miss Meg! I will miss you! However, I know how super busy you are! You must never sleep!

    Best wishes to all!

    Your grateful fan, Julie Dunn

  4. I love what they are all wearing! Congrats and looking forward to continuing amazing content at CSC!

  6. Welcome ladies. Looking forward to your contributions. Sorry to see you go Meg. But congratulations on your new adventures… what ever they be. 😊

  9. Congratulations! What a wonderful group of new editors! Meg take care, I’ve really enjoyed reading you!
    (((HUGS))) to all!

  10. Sad to see Meg go but also looking forward to seeing the new editors. Thanks for all you do!

  11. Welcome to the team Andie, Jessica and Mary Alice!!
    I have been following all three of you and can say that I have learned something from each of you. What a great addition to the curvy team! This is such a talented group of women, the ones we hear from as well as the silent majority. We are all better sewists because of the sharing that goes on with this group.

  13. So sad to see Meg go as I have so much enjoyed her sewing style, but excited to welcome the new editors on board! You all have a unique sense of style that will bring me many hours of contemplation for sewing my own wardrobe!

  14. Welcome ladies. I can’t wait to see the articles you ladies will write. I hate to see Meg go, but I am sure CSC will stay on top with the ladies who have joined the ranks.

  16. Hello Andie, Jessica and Mary Alice.

    I’m really looking forward to seeing your upcoming posts and hope you enjoy your time in the ‘editor’ seats!

    Andie, I will be in touch soon over on your blog, I had some forms turn up at the same time as sorting all this wedding stuff for my brother and losing a whole pile of ‘spoons’so my online life got cancelled! Nearly done so allowed myself a quick comment! I’m really happy for you, taking, in taking on this role you’re being a real ambassador for us Zebras. I’m proud of you 👍

    Happy sewing everyone!

    T x

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