curvy sewist — 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!

#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)!

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!

My Latest Obsession...

Check out one of my latest obsessions - the Oliso Smart Iron - and why I love it so much! Iron gifted by Oliso.

Nita Trousers

I haven’t made a welt pocket or zip fly in over 3 years! Check out one of my favorite new patterns to hit the market - the Nita Trousers from Amy Nicole Studio!

#JBB29

Are you in the Cleveland area and love theatre? Do you enjoy volunteering and/or supporting the arts? Check out this amazing program and event that does both!

Dancing Queen

A new, self drafted outfit to celebrate with friends in NYC! Also a peek at the famous Rosé Mansion!!

I Demand Inclusivity: An Essay On Why We Matter

Are companies really inclusive? What does “inclusivity” look like to a plus size sewist and consumer?