sewing blog — 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!

What to Ask For at a Seamstress/Tailor

Over the past few years of alterations work I’ve done, I’ve found myself having similar conversations with my clients as well as my social media audiences. A lot of the conversations I have are explaining the different terminology to my clients so that I can confirm I understand what they’re asking me to do so I wanted to create this post with some of the most common terminology so that you can understand what we mean (or that you can use this terminology with your seamstress or tailor)!

How ToStephanie DeckerFebruary 7, 2021sewing blog, sewing, seamstress, sustainability, clothing care, clothing, tailorComment

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

#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: Notions!

Well I’ve done my favorite small fabric shops, pattern designers… I couldn’t call it quits without throwing in my favorite notions/tools shops! Once again, I am in no way being compensated for this list and this is all based solely on companies I have supported in the past or plan to in the near future.

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!

Shop Small: Fabric Shops!

I’ve recently started searching for smaller fabric companies to support since I understand how vital business is in order to keep your own livelihood as well as those of any employees you may have. That being said, I decided to compile a list of some of my favorite smaller fabric companies for you to take a look at and support. Make sure you leave your favorites in the comments below!

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!

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!

Minerva Make: Lou Box Top

Here’s a sneak peek of my first blog post as a Minerva Maker and the link to the post on their site!

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?

Lena Horne

Welcome to the first pattern released by Tabitha Sewer - the Lena Horne dress!! I had to extend the pattern a little bigger so check out the post to see the adjustments I made!

A Sewist’s Guide to NYC Shopping

Are you a sewist heading to NYC? Check out my list of favorite fabric, trim, and notion shops to visit!

Stephanie DeckerJanuary 1, 2020New York, NYC, NYC fabric, fabric, fabric shopping, shopping, travel, sewing, sewing blog, sewing blogger, curvy sewing, plus size sewingComment