Not a size 2? Neither are most of the rest of us!

One of the reasons you may sew is for fit.  I know I have fitting challenges with asymmetrical hips and a tummy that curves out instead of Jessica Rabbit concave.   Big and baggy, or stretched way too tight flatters no one.  How to gauge whether a style or pattern will look good on your figure?  One of the ways is to browse places that show images of “real” people instead of airbrushed, photoshopped models.  Internet blogging and sites specific for sharing information  can give you a head start on creating garments that are flattering AND fit!

Here is a site that features multiple curvy sewing bloggers, all ages, all shapes :  CurvySewingCollective

I do love to browse ready to wear fashion ideas – and how others have styled (clothes, accessories, make-up, shoes, hair) their fashion : Curvy on Pinterest

Young and curvy ?  This girl has some style  – and a love of high heel shoes (my kind of girl!)  Curvy Girl Chic

I have found that Pattern Review.com  is my new go to site for sharing of information on sewing pattern experiences.  Sewists give feedback on how easy a pattern is to sew, how much it looks like the front drawing or picture, what they changed, and what the fit was like.  Also they post pictures of the finished outfit – usually on themselves.  There is no better way to judge how a fashion will look on me, than seeing it on a similarly shaped women.    I have found great information, especially about the independent pattern companies.  Check out the “Over 50 and Fabulous” forum on the site, the forums post the most recent entries last – I always go there first to see the latest chat.

There are now several independent pattern companies that draft patterns specifically for curvy women.   Are you petite?  SkinnyBitchCurvyChick patterns are drafted especially for women under 5’4″, but can be modified for those that are taller.  As their name implies they have both small and large sizes for petites.

Feeling vintage?  Check out new indie designer  Blue Ginger Doll  Abby, the Australian designer has a Made by You link with photos of sewists modeling their finished garments.

**7/31/15 ** I just found but wanted to add this great tutorial to this post on curves.  I love indie designers, this blog post by Maria from Maria Denmark Patterns , shows how to alter a skirt to flatter a full tummy, pot belly or I like the term Maria uses in Danish ” top-mave”.  Have you been afraid of pencil skirts?  Fear no more – and follow this link to altering for a “pot belly” 

Whatever your shape or style – sew something and show it off!!!