Sewing the Curve - Cashmerette Book Review

Sewing the Curve is a beginners guide to sewing for plus size makers with the aim of boosting your confidence along the way. This book comes with 6 beginner friendly patterns that you can create to completetly match your style. Make something unique for everyday or build your confidence and push the boundaries to customise the patterns unique garments for special occasions! As it is for plus size makers, all of these gorgeous patterns come in sizes 12–32 (16-36 UK) and cup sizes C–H.

Full to the brim of beautiful patterns to fill your handmade wardrobe, we couldn't help but head in to the store to find some stunning fabrics to pair with our favourite patterns in the book!

Dressmaking project inspiration incoming!

Montvale Dress and Tunic

This swooshy swing dress or tunic is described as a 'perfect first garment sewing project’ so great if you are getting back into sewing again or looking for an easy make. With this make not only can you get to grips with darts, neckline facing and build your confidence but you can choose a stunning light weight cotton or linen, which will be easier to work with. Or opt for a rayon or viscose fabric for a bit more of a challenge.

Recommended fabrics

For this pattern the recommended fabrics are cotton voile, linen or rayon.

We have picked a range of these stunning fabrics that would all make your Montvale pop!

Randolph Skirt

This simple wrap skirt pattern promises to be easy to wear with asymmetric drape and a chunky tie, no zip and just one hidden button! It's the perfect chic and easy quick make that would benefit anybody's wardrobe.

Recommended fabrics

For the Randolph the recommended fabrics are cotton twill, rayon/viscose, wool gabardine, linen, chambray.

See our recommendation below to make this chic skirt come to life.

Eustis Top

Deep down we are all t-shirt fans, and the Eustis Top pattern from Sewing The Curve means you can make a simple tee extraordinary and chic.

Recommended Fabrics

For the Eustis top light to medium weight knits with at least 20% stretch are recommended.

Loads of options for this! A viscose jersey would give it more drape and be good as a layering piece, but could also use heavier options like French Terry as long as they have good stretch. Feast your eyes on our top picks!

Ardley Pants

The Ardley Pants are super-comfortable straight-leg pant with an elasticated-waist. This is such an easy wearable style, designed for knits. Create relaxed, comfy PJs with jersey or opt for a ponte or French Terry for athleisure-style track pants.

I think pants are often seen as super intimidating by beginner sewists, so the Ardleys are there to prove you can do it! They’re designed for a knit, and you can go super simple with jersey to make PJ bottoms, or create athleisure-style trackpants from ponte or terry – if the sample had only been in my size I totally would have stolen it… There are also slash pockets, a great technique to learn.

Recommended fabrics

Lots of super comfy jersey options here! We would suggest a heavier weight in a darker colour for a smarter (secret PJ) look and lighter weight knits would be good for loungewear. This pattern doesn’t specify sweat shirting but this would absolutely work for more cosy jogger style.

Fairfax jacket

The Fairfax Jacket is a loosely fitted, quilted jacket with huge potential for creativity! The Fairfax also includes a lot of bias-bound edges, great for adding a touch of colour and practicing your bias binding skills.

Recommended fabrics

This would be beautiful with mid weight woven fabrics, like cotton lawn, linen, flannel and chambray. How about using a different inner and outer fabrics?

The Fairfax would also be nice in a lightweight wool or you could also use a pre-quilted fabric!

All of the stunning possibilities are below: