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Just finished testing the Lettie Skirt by Goldfinc…

Just finished testing the Lettie Skirt by Goldfinch Textile Studio. This skirt is in testing and the pattern will be released soon. It is a minimal waste skirt pattern. I made the whole skirt for less than 3 yards of 54” fabric. It has extended sizing, accommodating a max waist of 58” and a max hip of 66”. The design features a beautiful integrated button placket, flat piping accents, ample side seam pockets, and a shaped hem. The waistband is half elasticated making it so comfortable.

My make is made with a lightweight slightly shiny denim tencel. The fabric was a bit slippery and tended to fray, which added a bit of challenge. The flat piping is cut on cross grain which with this fabric tends to make it seem like a slightly a different color. I chose to do a front slit. The button placket is wonderful. The pockets are amazing. The flat piping in the seams adds a bit of structure to this flowy fabric, making the skirt skim over the body, and move wonderfully. The construction was straight forward and I would rate it for an intermediate sewist. If you are looking to dig into a bit of a challenge and need a wardrobe staple, this pattern could be for you. This is a straight size O. I am 5’4” so it is a bit longer than intended.

I did receive compensation for testing, but there was no obligation to share or post. I highly recommend this pattern.
#goldfinchtextilestudio
#goldfinchlettieskirt
#curvysewingcollective

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Just finished this Tulpen Top. A new pattern from …

Just finished this Tulpen Top. A new pattern from Stokx Patterns. Made in a drapey lightweight woven for front, and the back and sleeves are a knit. Dressy looking with casual comfort. I never cared for boat necklines due to bra straps showing, but this design offers coverage. Very comfortable as it just skims over the body. Can be sewn on machine. I did use my overlocker and cover stitch machines but they are not necessary. Very Size inclusive. I made a size 7 on top and graded to a size 11 on hips. My measurements are 46 chest, 48 waist, and 56 hips. I also added some length to make it a long sleeve. I did receive a free copy of test pattern, with no obligation.

This is not the same old tired top pattern, the Tulpen Top pattern offers a new and clever construction method for the neckline which will spice up your sewing and your wardrobe. Check it out.

#stokxpatterns #stokxtulpentop #curvysewingcollective #sewover50

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Absolutely loving this new Summer Birdy dress with…

Absolutely loving this new Summer Birdy dress with the recently released Puff Reach sleeve. I chose the no collar option, finished with bias binding. Fifteen snaps down the front add some pizzazz. Perfect side pockets. These sleeves are so comfortable, providing a full unrestricted range of motion while providing amazing upper arm coverage, perfect for my larger upper arms. The wide elasticated part of sleeve feels modern and yet the puff adds a softer touch. Made in a dead stock cotton twill this is going to be perfect for the summer heat. Check out Stokx Patterns if you haven’t already. An inclusive size range with max chest, waist, hip measurement of 59:53:60 inches (150:136:153 cm) No affiliation just a very happy customer! #curvysewingcollective #stokxpatterns

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Just finished this test of Pierce Button Up Shirt …

Just finished this test of Pierce Button Up Shirt for #goldfinchtextilestudio it is zero/low waste pattern and is size inclusive. For about 2.25 yds of 54” fabric I made this blouse. It is not for beginners but with a little experience this is a truly fun sewing adventure. I would recommend lighter / thinner fabric. I used a medium weight linen that I had hand dyed. Lovely pleating detail and the inside is finished beautifully. #sewover50plus #goldfinchtextilestudio #curvysewingcollective

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First make of 2024! This dress is a heavily hacked…

First make of 2024! This dress is a heavily hacked version of the “Its Sew Becca” Forager pinafore pattern which is more of an apron. I just love the proportions on me. This is size medium top using width of fabric for bottom. Made in dusty plum heavy cotton twill from Mardens, with Kaufman navy kona cotton for accents. I designed the machine embroidery myself, and added appliqued strips for accent. Insides are finished nicely. I added a label, to keep my New Year’s sewing resolution of signing my work this year. Slowing down, and tackling more challenging techniques like continuous embroidery for border accents. #sewover50january2024 #punkfrockers #curvysewingcollective

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Skirt Skills by Brooks Ann Camper I am a customer…

Skirt Skills by Brooks Ann Camper

I am a customer of Brooks Ann. I have no affiliation with her, and this review was not requested or suggested. That said, her Skirt Skills class was truly a unique and vital part of my sewing journey. I am an intermediate/advanced sewist. I am a short, overweight, pear shaped woman who lives in me made clothes. Ready to wear clothing never fit me. In my youth I loved wearing skirts but had to give them up. They shifted throughout the day and hung crooked, even ones with elastic waistbands. Her classes are not cheap. They walk you through the steps to develop your skirt block, check and correct the fit, and then she guides you through designing and flat patterning a skirt of your choosing. It is a lot of work. For me it took 7 iterations of my block before I settled on a solid skirt block that addresses both my tilted waist from front to back and some significant asymmetry from left to right which I did not even know I had. Suddenly all my challenges with pants started to make sense. Here is my first skirt from Skirt Skills, I love the drape, the even hem, the waistband that stays in place and is comfortable both sitting and standing, and my deep pockets are just where I like them. While making this first skirt I committed to Brook Ann’s methods. I will not adopt all of her techniques going forward, but even after many years of garment sewing I was pleasantly surprised at all the useful tips and tricks I learned throughout the course. With every new skirt pattern I see I now know I will start with my block and draft a pattern. I might still the buy commercial pattern to aid in recreating design details and to provide instructions on assembly but no more trying to make standardized patterns fit me. I am currently taking her pants course, so tuned.

The skirt is made with cheap medium to lightweight denim. I was playing it safe with my first attempt. It pairs great with Itch to Stitch’s Shay vest made in linen. Unfortunately the comfort level of this outfit cannot be captured in photos!

#brooksanncamper #punkfrockers #sewover50plus #curvysewingcollective #itchtostitchpatterns

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This started out as a toile of the hacked ItsSewBe…

This started out as a toile of the hacked ItsSewBecca Forager Pinafore. It is a bit big but I decided to finish it up and use as an apron. Lovely work pockets and No ties. Good coverage too. This should be getting lots of use. The fabric is a heavy duty cotton. Maybe I will toss it in my next dye pot. #sewover50plus #punkfrockers #curvysewingcollective

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October 22, 2022 my beloved Bernina B710 started i…

October 22, 2022 my beloved Bernina B710 started its final downward slide. My local dealer did a few repairs that extended its life but the time had come to pull the plug. I know it is not a human or pet, but it was my main tool in my sewing room, and over the many years I spent so many hours using it to make so many amazing things. I cannot help but feel sad. And then with the world as it is, sadness seems to come from so many directions. They don’t make them like they used to … which applies, as it was the most basic machine of its series, just enough bells and whistles without all the extra hoopla, and they do not offer this combination anymore. It was a sizable investment which I have no regrets as it gave me so much value for my purchase. I picked up my new machine today and seem to be lacking the excitement that should come with a new purchase. At 60+ the learning curve is not as fun. So long old dear … you will be remembered fondly. #sewover50 #punkfrockers #curvysewingcollective

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#stokxpatterns Here is my finished Birdie Blouse. …

#stokxpatterns Here is my finished Birdie Blouse. Heading out to dinner with the family. So comfortable! Made size 8 graded to 10 graded to 12. My measurements are Chest 46” Waist 48” and Hips 58”. Unique construction and beautiful design lines. Extended sizing. I did receive a complimentary copy of pattern with no obligation. #curvysewingcollective #sewover50plus