DIY — Blog — Stephanie M Decker

Minerva Exclusive Fabric: The Chalk and Notch Fringe

It’s been a little while since I last wrote up a Minerva post to here’s my most recent make with them! This is one of a long line of exclusive prints that have just (and will continue) coming out for Minerva!

I was excited to see that the fabrics up for grabs was going to be one of my favorite fabrics (viscose challis) and I was even more excited to see that they’re OEKO-TEX certified! For anyone that doesn’t know, that simply means that the fabrics have been tested and cleared of harmful chemicals, making them healthier than a number of other fabric options!

DIY, FashionStephanie DeckerSeptember 9, 2022sewing blogger, sewing blog, sewing, plus size sewing, plus size sewist, curvy sewist, curvy sewing, Minerva, fabricComment

7+ Plus Size Friendly Swimsuit Patterns

Hey all! I’m so excited for swim season! Last year I made two different suits that I have yet to actually use and this year I have plans for (hopefully) another 2 or 3 using patterns right here on this list! I had a bit more of an issue finding some swim patterns friendly to larger sizes but I found some of the styles that I actually plan on making up myself that I’ll be sure to let you know about once they’re done! If you don’t see your favorite pattern listed here, make sure you leave a comment and spread the love!

Fashion, DIYStephanie DeckerJuly 29, 2022summer, swim, sewing blog, plus size sewing, sewing, curvy sewist, curvy sewing, sewing blogger, plus size sewistComment

New Pattern Test: The Nia Dress!

The second I saw this dress pop up in my Facebook feed (I’m in a number of plus size sewing groups) with a call for pattern testers, I knew that it would be the perfect versatile dress for date night and some of the other occasions I have coming up this year!

New Pattern Review: The Saguaro Set!

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to post something I’ve made thanks to some personal things that popped up but I finally got back into the swing of things with pattern testing with this super fun and versatile pattern set from Friday Pattern Company! I was fortunate enough to help work on this set (Yes - you get 2 pieces for the price of one!) and had so much fun sewing up this outfit that I already have a minimum of 3 more sets and versions planned and ready to go!

Minerva: A Zadie Jumpsuit Hack

With all of the incredible buzz I’ve seen around the Zadie Jumpsuit since its release, I’ve been meaning to try the famous pattern myself. However, when I came across the fabric for my most recent Minerva make, I knew instantly that I had to make myself a maxi dress out of the stunning floral I had found. So I decided to combine the two!

How to Be the Best Seamstress/Tailor Client

I always come across the same questions from alterations clients. While I may be a little more “unconventional” in my practices, I still know that most of us have the same requests across the board. I wanted to make sure to share those tips with you so that you’ll have the best experience with your tailor or seamstress!

Fashion, DIY, How To, SustainabilityStephanie DeckerOctober 16, 2020sewing blogger, sewing blog, seamstress, How ToComment

BOO! A Last Minute Ghost Costume

I don’t know about you all but the only “ghost costumes” we had as kids were sheets with holes cut out for eyes. So since they didn’t know what they wanted for a ghost costume and, let’s be real, I can’t do something as simple as cutting up a sheet and calling it a day, I jumped on Pinterest and searched for “Kids ghost costume”.

DIY, Self-DraftedStephanie DeckerOctober 9, 2020Halloween, costume, blogger, diy, diy costume, handmade, handmadewithjoann, sewingComment

#Twinning

I was never the biggest fan of tie dye or shibori. I actually ended up finding this fabric at my old job and only planned to use it as a muslin to test the Pattern Scout Hana Tank for fit since I was just barely within the size range. The second that I tried it on I knew it was a keeper (and my sister did too)!

How To Get the Most Out of Your Wardrobe

The past couple of years I’ve seen a huge change of tide in so many of my peers looking to be more mindful and sustainable in their clothing purchases but not entirely sure how to care for and make the most out of them. SO I’m starting this series “Get the Most Out of Your Clothes” sharing my fashion/seamstress/education knowledge on how to look and feel your best in your off-the-rack fashion that’ll make you feel like every piece is custom!

Zero to Hero

See how a plain black leotard became a military-inspired dance costume in a week!

DIYStephanie DeckerSeptember 11, 2020costuming, costume, dance, leotard, upgrade, sewing, sewing blogger, diy, Joann fabrics, handmadewithjoannComment

Shop Small: Patterns!

There are so many incredible Small Shops out there that rely on us as consumers to support them. I loved writing about and sharing my favorite small fabric shops that I couldn’t go without a list of my favorite Indie Pattern Designers! Check out this list that features my favorite indie designers that each have a size range of up to at least a 30!

We Out!

We sat down the day after her prom last year when my sister told me she wanted a jumpsuit with a removable skirt….Thanks to COVID, her prom outfit became her graduation jumpsuit!

Be Mine?

Do you ever have a thought cross your mind at the most random moment? Check out one of my favorite projects I’ve designed and made that pushed me outside of my garment box!

Prom-a Mia!

Ever come across a dress you loved but it didn’t come in your size? Check out how we turned a plain bridesmaid dress into our interpretation of a prom dress Missy fell in love with!