Plus Size Sewing

Wacky Pajama Pants

I’m finally back into sewing after moving in August, even though not everything is tidily packed away yet. I was determined to sew some things in time for winter, and these pajama pants by Indygo Junction were at the top of my list.

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The fabric is a kinda crazy flannel I bought a few years ago from Discount Fabrics in Berkeley, CA. It feels like good quality flannel, and hopefully it won’t pill too badly like other flannels I’ve used before.

I did enlarge the pattern by a few inches around, since the largest size for this pattern is a 2x, but I left the ruffled hems the same size just so they wouldn’t flare out quite so much.

I’m debating whether to make the matching top or not. I actually made a pair of these 2 years ago in a black linen and I do wear them out and about, grateful that I live in a somewhat hippie-ish place.

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Two New Kwik Sew Patterns for Fall

I know that Kwik Sew is not known for their fashion forward patterns, but I do use their patterns and am looking forward to sewing with them in the future. When I say “Two New Kwik Sew Patterns,” I mean two TOTAL in Plus Sizes. If I had clicked on Summer, there would have been none. I had honestly thought Kwik Sew had given up on Plus Size patterns altogether, but no. A few drips here and there will quench our thirst. And apparently we fat people don’t go out much because all I need for fall is a pair of pajamas and one 3-piece outfit.

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A Pattern Size Survey

The Curvy Sewing Collective is holding a pattern size survey. I encourage you to take it as I think it will have an impact. I was especially happy to fill in my dimensions as I am beyond most pattern size ranges, most notably the Big Four (except for Connie Crawford patterns on Butterick).

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This Applies to Fashion Sewists, Too

Humor, from The Sewing Lawyer.

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Alabama Chanin Magdalena Stencil

Cutting a Stencil

 

It took several weeks to cut this stencil out. It sat on our dining room table like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle you pick at whenever you pass by. I think I bought too thick a sheet of acetate so I had to stop because it was hurting my hands and enlist my husband to finish, which he did, the sweetheart.

This Alabama Chanin design was printed out, pieced together and spray glued to the acetate. It’s called Magdalena and it’s one of their biggest patterns. Why didn’t I start with a smaller design, I wonder. I think next time I’ll try their other suggested way of making a stencil which is to use the same method on felt.

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What’s Up Simplicity Patterns?

I got a nice email today linking to Simplicity’s newest patterns. Clicking through, I found one, that’s right ONE plus size pattern, and its maximum size is 28. I’m about a 32/34, which in the ready-to-wear world is around a size 3x/4x.

Now, I’ve become quite proficient at altering patterns to fit me, but the closer the pattern is to my size, the easier it is.

Even though it’s not always easy to find ready-to-wear clothes in my size, they are available, which is to say, it’s not absolutely freakish to be this size. Clothing in my size is mass-manufactured overseas, imported to this land and is being sold to people all over the country as we speak.

Oh, excuse me, there’s a swimsuit pattern, too.

There used to be many more patterns in my size in the 80s and 90s.  I’m collecting photos of them so I can prove it!  Even Vogue designer patterns.  I will report further.