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SEWING FOR MY CURVES: NANDITA

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Hello Fellow Curvistas!

I’m Nandita and you can find me sewing my curvy heart out on Instagram @divinedita. When I was first approached by  fellow sew sis Martha, I was BEYOND ESTATIC! Why, you ask? Well, the truth is that before I began actively sewing, I hid.  I hid behind clothes, I put myself in a self created  RTW wardrobe cocoon that only featured “flattering necklines, colors, and cuts”.  But, as my sewing evolved, I began to appreciate every measurement, every area I once felt needed “hiding”.  I was now able to create lines and seams that allowed me to burst out of that cocoon and SOAR!

Curvy Sewing Collective is hugely responsible for helping me embrace not only my curves, but teaching me how to create garments unique to those curves. I’ve learned everything from full abdomen and bust adjustments to how to wear a  jumpsuit and feel like a STAR!

My Body

Upper bust: 42″

Full bust: 44″

Waist: 43″

Hips: 51″

Bra Size: 38 D

Height: 5’2″

Body type: I would venture to say I fall into mainly a pear but I am short waisted with little waist definition since the waist to hip ratio is small. I often find higher waisted clothing much more comfortable.

RTW Size: I normally fall in a L/XL Large on top and XL bottoms. Since beginning my sewing journey close to four years ago now, I have only bought a jean jacket and undergarments. I am proud to say my wardrobe is 99% me made.

Pattern Size: In the Big 4 sewing patterns, my measurements fall in the 18-22 range depending on ease of garments. When deciding which size to purchase, I often rely on finished garment measurements and I also measure the pattern pieces before I do any adjustments. I have found varying in sizes with PDF patterns depending on designer. If I had to narrow it down to most sewn size, I would say 18 graded to 20. I have sewn a few European designers and usually sew a size 46 which usually translates to a 20/22 or XXL. I use finished garment measurements to determine size in PDFs as well. If a designer does not provide the measurements, I measure the patterns pieces and depending on type of fabric, woven or knit, I determine which will be best suited for me.

Adjustments I typically make

FBA: Many people assume that a FBA is a must when sewing. I do not make a FBA until I have sewn a muslin. When sewing Big 4, there is usually quite a bit of ease built in and if the pattern has darts, I usually don’t need to make an additional adjustment. I wind up doing small FBAs on knit patterns. I prefer the pivot and slide method for knits.

Grade between sizes: My hips always put me in the larger block vs my upper body, so I know I will be grading. I use my handy hip ruler to grade between sizes. It is a great tool to have in your sewing stash and I highly recommend every sewist invest in one.

Full Abdomen Adjustment: I’ve only recently started to sew pants, I prefer dresses but like to challenge myself. Since I carry weight in my waist and belly, I find that even if I sew a larger size, the proportions wind up getting very skewed. The larger hip size didn’t translate into a better fit. I have sewn at least 4 pairs of pants that are now only for home lounging because of this. This is where Curvy Sewing Collective really helped me. I found a tutorial that showed me how to keep my hip size but increase for full abdomen. It was MIRACULOUS! I’m still perfecting the pants, but the tutorial has opened up several new projects for me and I look forward to sewing well fitting pants very soon.

Sewing Highlights

Give me ALL the prints and ALL the colors. I love prints in both wovens and knits and even when I tell myself I need to add more solids to my wardrobe, I wind up sewing with prints. Although I prefer wovens, I have a few knit projects I am very proud of. Ellie and Mac patterns fit me beautifully and I can sew a XXL with only height adjusments. This pattern company is my go to when I want to sew knits and not really in the mood or have the time to make a ton of adjustments. The South Shore romper and jumpsuit is my all time favorite knit pattern and I have made several. It is my TNT!

Wovens are where my heart BURSTS

I love the feel of a crisp cotton or the drape of linen. I’ve used everything from sheets to tablecloths to create woven garments and I always keep an eye out for interesting patterns and textiles. Featured in the gallery are a few of my favorites featuring the Big 4 patterns. I learned how to sew on Big 4 when I was in college so I still gravitate towards the old fashioned tissue patterns. Give me a vintage Simplicity pattern any day…something about the feel of the tissue makes me feel calm and content

Now, I consider myself an equal opportunity sewist. While I might be partial to the Big 4, I am always open to trying Indie designers and PDF patterns. The next set of pics are a few of my favorites made with woven fabric.

  • AK patterns Meg Dress
  • SewAltered Style Misty Cami with added ruffle and back bows
  • AliceandCo Patterns
    Mary Quant Mini dress
  • Seamingly Smitten Patterns Sazerac Shift dress with added Peter Pan collar

Where I see my future sewing self

As I look to the future of my sewing, I see myself sewing more separates and definitely pants. In order to challenge myself, I’ve also actively been applying to be a pattern tester for designers interested in increasing their size ranges. I’ve got a few things already in the pattern testing pipeline and I’m both excited and a little nervous at the same time. I sew to express myself both fashion and personality wise. I tend to sew garments that make me feel both dressed and comfortable (hence the partiality to dresses). Yet, I find myself craving the challenge of trying garments and silhouettes that I have shied away from in the past. I see how taking the time to make the adjustments and using resources like Curvy Sewing Collective not only helps me to further evolve my sewing, they inspire and motivate me to learn more. The Curvy Sewing Collective has been a wonderful resource to learn about other sewists and it is nice to be surrounded by like minded people who are expressing themselves through sewing and making.

I am extremely grateful to Martha @garichild for reaching out to me and inviting me to share my sewing journey. I feel like I have finally found a group that embraces both body and form. When it comes to sewing, knowing that you are not alone in having to make adjustments; finding people who can help show you how to make those common curve adjustments is GOLD! A well fitting garment is a sense of pride and accomplishment. I continue to grow and evolve! Each time I make an adjustment following a tutorial or advice I have read here, I become one step closer to creating the wardrobe of my fashionista dreams.

Thank you for allowing me to share this space. I look forward to many more sewing adventures and perfecting adjustments …

Comments

    • Sheila,
      Thank you so much. I am so thrilled with how welcoming and supportive everyone on here has been.

  2. I just now discovered this website, it’s fabulous. And yours was the first article that I read. I’m blown away by your style. Fantastic wardrobe and choice of fabrics. Congrats on a well done wardrobe.

    • Cathy,
      Oh Wow! I am so humbled and happy that you found my article interesting. The Curvy Sewing Collective is chock full of motivation and helpful resources. I am proud to be a member and I look forward to learning more about both techniques and others. Thank you again for your kind words

    • Eliz,
      Thank you so much for taking both the time to read and comment. I appreciate it very much

  7. This is a wonderful post! Thank you for taking the time to write it and including such inspiring photos.

  8. Glad to see you here. I have been enjoying your FB posts the last few months and look forward to seeing more

  10. Thank you for your gorgeous, inspiring clothes, I love the colour and styles you’ve made, giving me some great ideas and I also didn’t know about a full abdomen adjustment, I usually just make my clothes looser over my tummy but I’ll definitely check it out. Thank you

    • Lillian,
      I’m so thrilled to read this! Thank you and I’m glad I could help with the full abdomen adjustment.

  11. So inspiring! I feel I need to be braver and wear clothes that I will feel ‘WOW’ in after seeing your makes. Thanks for sharing.

    • June,
      I’m humbled by your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to read and here’s to you wearing more of what makes YOU feel WOW

  12. Wow — just WOW!!! Every single garment you discussed/pictured was amazing. Your style, pattern choices, color choices are almost completely opposite of mine BUT every one is incredibly inspiring because they captured what you love & makes you feel & look good. You’ve given me so much to work with in determining my personal style better, something I’ve never given much thought to before. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective on curvy sewing.

    • Therese,
      Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m with you when it comes to admiration. I have found so many talented makers that although their style is polar opposite to mine, I enjoy their makes and process and the look of happiness that comes from their posts. As a matter of fact, I continually seek out fellow makers that have completely different aesthetics and style so I can learn more . Thank you for reading and being so complimentary

  15. Thank you so much for your post, I’m very similar to you in my measurements but with a 39″ waist. What I find hardest is deciding on what size to actually start with & hence I feel as if my sewing journey has been halted. I’d be very interested in hearing how you decide what size to use to start with. I normally match my upper bust size to the full bust size on the pattern but know it won’t fit me everywhere else

    • Thank you Debbie
      I actually go by my largest measurements which are my hips. I usually have to sew a smaller size on top and grade out. The finished garment measurements really help me determine what size to choose as well. At times, it can be frustrating knowing that I’m going to have to make adjustments and not be able to sew right out the pattern, however, it has gotten better as I’ve practiced grading more. Also, to be honest, if I’m really finding myself struggle, I’ll choose a pattern with separate bodice and skirt. I hope that helps

  17. How beautiful you look in all your outfits! I absolutely love your style. I love colors and prints. I am 62 years young and still am trying to find my style. So glad you are on here. You made me happy just looking at you in your lovely clothes.

  20. I love how your clothing make you happy. It is in your face and in the way that you stand.
    Thanks for sharing.

  21. Thank you for sharing a full abdomen adjustment! I’ve been complaining about finding patterns that help me with the abdominal swelling I get from my autoimmune disease. I can fluctuate 3-5 inches! In all my reading and looking through videos,etc. I’ve never heard of it! That’s too bad. Now I know what to look for and it should help my fit also. Hips 42, waist 37 zo not a lot of change but yes if I go up a size then baggie in hips. I can’t wait to try this adjustment!
    Your photos are incredible and encouraging. You have a great shape and style ♡ I’m off to find you on Insta! To steal yo lewk!

  22. Wow! You look fabulous in all your me-made clothes, and even better, you can see that you FEEL fabulous in them!

    • This mean so much to me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my makes and self acceptance journey. Thank you for reading and being supportive

  23. Your closet is envious!! I love that you continue to step out of your comfort zones and try new patterns, prints and pieces!! ❤️
    Jenny
    Seamingly Smitten

    • I appreciate the support as well all the opportunity you have provided me. You were one of the first companies to give me a chance to test and I am so very grateful. Thank you

  25. Thank you for sharing your sewing journey with us. You have done a marvelous job of not only creating beautiful and interesting garments, but you have succeeded in selecting styles that not only suit your body, but flatter it as well!

    • So kind of you! Thank you for taking the time to read my post and being so complimentary. I appreciate it more than you know.

  27. You have inspired me this morning! It is wonderful to see all of your creations and to hear how you have grown in your sewing journey and how you plan to stretch yourself even more! Thank you for sharing your beautiful garments – you definitely have found your style and it looks great on you!

  28. You look fabulous in EVERY outfit you made. Love your love of color and pattern. Keep up the good work.

    • Marla,
      Thank you so much. The last two years I have been really trying to improve both my sewing and pictures, so your compliments are very meaningful. Have a great day

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