I'm a curvy, 50-something sewist with 30 years of experience making quilts, bags and garments. Here, we tackle the challenges of fitting garments, embracing our bodies, and defining our style. And we sometimes take a break from garments to make a quilt or two! Join us for honest, friendly, and encouraging content that inspires you to sew with confidence and creativity. Let's make beautiful things together!
That dress for Marianne is going to be incredible, a real piece of high class couture. I hope she appreciates it! Some great new fabrics, that stripe 🤩. I had no idea I could get a discount code from Christine, I spend a fortune at Minerva 😫 , now I know. I'm watching this whilst quilting that charity find and hating every minute. How do you do it ?! 😂 Have a lovely afternoon with the ladies ❤xx
That dress will be so beautiful! 👗 Wow! You are so busy! Don't know how you manage! I got my Harrison shirt made and it turned out great! ☺️ I'm working on a pair of jeans now. That'll be a fitting challenge lol.
Hi Izzy! Thanks for sharing what's been going on in your sewing room! I've used boning before, it had a channel that wasn't hard to sew onto the fabric, then the boning was inserted. I've got a firm idea now what I want for my Halloween band concert costume, so that's what I'll be doing this weekend. 😁 I've just started a mystery knit-along, and finding it hard to put it down haha, but I'll try to just work on that in the evenings. Have a great visit and weekend!
Oh Dizzy. Thank you so much… Genius idea at corner to cut thread - I always panic & mess up ( newbie quilter & housebound with Chronic pain 20 years - can’t get to classes) so You Tube is a Godsend. I want to do things “Right” but it goes wrong!! Now I feel confident with your knowledge… also your Board technique looks great too… Will get my husband to order wood for me & sand smooth & also put a clear gloss varnish to prevent snags. Thank you so much. I am in UK. Kind regards J.
It will be so nice to see your makes for Frocktails. I hope you have a wonderful time! It will also be so nice for Marianne’s friend to finally have a button up that will fit her bust!
I love your plans. Burgundy accessories will be gorgeous with that viscose twill fabric. I look forward to seeing the jumpsuit. Also, the Butterick pattern is very pretty. 😊❤
Oeh, I love what you made, but your plans are so exciting! I'm looking forward to seeing them completed. I really love the quilt you made. I am also thinking about a shit=rt dress in my future!
Love the design of Mary Ann’s dress. I wear dresses all the time. I prefer them, although I wear maxis most of the summer. In fall and winter I can wear tights so I can get away with shorter dresses but still prefer midi. Have a great week. I, too, am going to try to make Project Dress a Girl dresses throughout the year this time so I can get more done.
I just love seeing that Remy blouse behind you - still amazing how perfect it is for you in every way. You have a lot of fun plans for October! Marianne is lucky to have a personal dressmaker 😄. My grandmother was a seamstress, so of course sewed for my mom, and then my mother sewed for me, but so far my daughter has no interest in sewing but she knits beautifully and I cannot. My daughter also has a larger bust and gave up on wearing button-downs and much prefers knit tops for comfort and ease of care anyway, but she had a laparoscopic gallbladder removal and was required to wear a button-down shirt for the procedure. We found one at Goodwill, she had the surgery, and donated the shirt back the next day! For me the issue is that a buttondown looks fine when I'm standing up, but when I sit the fabric around my stomach pushes up and looks strange, especially cottons, as you point out.
Thank you so much Mary! Marianne is so funny because now that she has clothes made for her, she doesn't want to wear store-bought stuff anymore LOL I have a tummy and when I sit down, my waist spreads so my waist is about 2 inches bigger when I sit down. That's why I love the Vernon Shirt so much. It's not fitted at the waist - it just glides over my middle section if you know what I mean. And yeah, rayon or linen do better for me because cotton just adds bulk where I really don't need it.
I am looking forward to seeing how the pivot and slide method works with a dart. I am about to make my first Vernon shirt; I have purchased Whitney's course. I hope it will become a TT pattern. I have lots of sewing plans for this month, but my machine is going for service, ahhh!
Yeah I really hope I can figure out the pivot and slide with darts! The Vernon is such a good pattern - I'm pretty sure you're going to love it! I hope your machine comes back from the spa in top working condition. You need your tool!!
I’m very sad that I’m not going to Charlotte Frocktails. My work partner resigned so I am doing his responsibilities as well as my own. I was so excited to go and meet you Izzy and Marianne in person. I just enjoy hearing and seeing your sewing and your life updates. Your project plans sound great! I think I’m looking forward to seeing another pivot and slide try and of course Marianne’s dress! And Frocktails videos!
That quilt is so pretty! And of course so is your top! I'm looking forward to seeing how you'll do that pivot and slide method with that pattern. I've only ever done it on a pattern that was sleeveless or has set in sleeves. Can't wait to see what you get in your pink box!! ❤
Im excited to see the pivot and slide 🙂 I tried it from an online tutorial that someone had done. I managed to follow the first part but then couldn't figure out the second part 😵💫 wasted 2 days trying it lol 🤣 so it would be great seeing you do it on your vlog. Would be super handy if I could get it to work for me because i have an 8 inch difference between my high and full bust. Brilliant vlog and looking forward to see your makes 😀
Oh my goodness - how frustrating is that?! I really hope I can figure this out and make it worth watching for you all. I have a 6 to 7 inch difference so would love to make this method work for me.
Two makes in 2 weeks, jet lag and a full time job- that’s a result in my book!!! Impressed with all your plans - SO am ambitious but I am sure you will accomplish them. Looking forward to seeing all the plans especially Marianne’s dress. Good Luck. Happy Sewing 😊. Lynne
Another great vlog thank you Izzy. I'd love to see you do the pivot and slide video. I heard the technique mentioned somewhere on RU-vid and immediately tracked down one of Nancy's books, but so far have done little more than a quick skim to make sure the technique is covered. I've returned to sewing after a gap of over 30 years so feel like a novice. I made the Remy, short sleeved, in a linen mix fabric. So pleased and proud with the finish, shame it's an inch too small!! and I think I'd actually prefer a softer drape. I have the long sleeve expansion pack so will fish out some viscose from my tiniest of tiny stashes and try again in the next size up.
I love the Remy in a viscose. I think your plan to make the long sleeves with a viscose is a great idea! So funny because I discovered the pilot and slide method the same way you did - a vlogger mentioned it and I immediately went down the rabbit hole 🤣
I think Andrea was hinting on the live, that the fabric was quite heavy. So I'm thinking a knit, corduroy, or denim maybe. But we'll see. I can hardly wait. I enjoy receiving them so much! She said that the farther away packages went out on Friday, but I just got notice today that her post office got mine, so I'm not holding my breath that it will arrive this week. Last month I got the pink background. It isn't something I would have bought for myself, but it's pretty, so I will still wear something from it. I don't mind wearing bright things in the summer, even if I have autumn colouring. And since I get the big box, I will have lots to make my granddaughter a dress too. She loves bright pink and flowers, so I will let her choose a pattern the next time I go to their place and we can match. No matter what I get in my Think Pink Box, I love it because there is always someone I can make something for out of it.
I got my box delivered today and it most definitely is heavy 🤣 I think I have a plan for it now, but I was very surprised to see what was inside. You’ll have to let me know what you think of it when yours gets there.
I can’t wait to see everything!! I have that Butterick blouse pattern, and just haven’t gotten around to making it. Maybe after seeing yours?! All fabrics are lovely, but that rose fabric will be so stunning with the burgundy accessories. Like I said, everything! Thanks, Izzy!
Hi Izzy, the Remy top looks so good on you. From the fabric to the style, it’s an absolute winner. I also love the fabric you’ve chosen for your pussy bow blouse, which I think will be a great office staple, styled as you suggest, but also with one of your super smart jackets 😊 Marianne’s friend is a lucky girl, to have a made to measure shirt and in such nice fabric. What a lovely kind lady you are and how kind of Marianne to suggest it too.🤗 Thank you for sharing Izzy. Happy sewing 😊xx
Fab plans. I love the Remy. Have 3, and plan on more. I want a flannel one for our Manitoba winters. Plus, only you know you are using the same pattern over and over. So dressy/casual depending on fabric.
Happy to see you are using the pivot and slide method of Nancy's. This method seemed to be easier to me and I have the book. I have not found a source with a reasonable price for the dvd and have not seen a video for the pants on You Tube. I am surprised to not see more You Tubers talking about it. Enjoy your videos. Take care
I asked myself the exact same question after trying the method this summer. How is it that so few people are talking about this?! I really want to try it with pants and I’m pretty sure the book I have of hers covers pants as well. I’ll be sure to share that on the channel as well.
Bows on blouses are all the rage this year so that Butterick top will be a complete win! Great plans for October but of course we are all looking forward to the Frocktails outfits 💕👏🏼. I think Andrea had your quilt in mind when she sent you that box as you couldn't have a more perfect backing for that awesome quilt. Thanks for showing us what you will be getting up to in your sewing room and yay to weekend sewing 😁. Xxx❤
Oh and I absolutely love a pussy bow blouse - always have!! This month’s Cashmerette Club pattern is another pussy bow blouse. So you must be right about it being a trend this year! I was sad to say goodbye to the island on Sunday, but I’m so EXCITED about being able to sew this coming weekend. 🤣 xx 💞
I think you should have as many Remy Raglans as you want!!! You look wonderful in that blouse and now that you have the fit nailed, it will be an easy and fast sew. As always, nice work, Izzy.
Thank you so much! I think maybe I need to have the Remy out on my cutting table at all times so I can use it as my palate cleanser. It’s so simple and you’re right - now that I love the fit on me, it’s a sure winner every time!!
I don't know how you resisted doing a second Remy top! I try to make 3 in a row, because it keeps getting faster, therefore a little extra time to plan how to make them different from each other :) Can't wait to see the other makes, they will be gorgeous
You know - I remember a vlogger who said she loved to make the same pattern 3 times in a row because she felt each version was better than the previous one and her technique just kept getting better. It was her way to practice new techniques and make sure she would remember how to do them in the future. Now that I reflect on it, it’s the perfect way to learn!
Every one of your plans sounds great Izzy, but I think I’m most looking forward to seeing Marianne’s dress and your jumpsuit for Charlotte Frocktails. Happy sewing. X
Izzy, I love all your planned makes, can’t wait to see your frock tail dress/jump suit, and your daughter’s friend’s shirt. All your fabrics are gorgeous and I look forward to seeing them made up. Have a good week. 😊
Your Remy looks so nice on you! I didn't wear dresses for over a decade of my adult life, but I'm glad I got back into them. I find them especially great for work because it's much quicker to build an outfit since you just have the one piece. I bet if you give it a try you'll learn to appreciate them too.
Thank you! That is exactly why I want to try dresses again… I’m really struggling putting outfits together for the office after 4.5 years of not worrying about what my bottom half looked like 🤣
First, I absolutely ❤❤❤ the raglan blouse behind you. The colors are just perfect for you. I’m excited to see your Frocktails makes! I’m thinking of making the new I2S shirt dress for a trip to Italy next year out of a beautiful eyelet linen blend I just received from Stylemaker Fabrics. Oh, and did you see the new Cashmerette October pattern? You vacant use the Vernon sleeves on it too😊
Thank you Donna! Your plans for the ITS dress sound amazing. I did see the new Cashmerette Club pattern and it’s gone on my list 🤣 I don’t usually love a high neckline like that though but I’m willing to give it a shot and see what happens. Also, can you imagine the new blouse with the dramatic necktie and the Vernon lantern sleeves? How amazing would that be in a fancy fabric for a holiday party?
Yes - lots of people have asked me to show how I do the adjustments so I’m more than happy to oblige. 🤣 I’m by no means an expert on the method, but I’m a firm believer that people can learn just from me showing how I do things, mistakes and all!!
Oh Izzy I just have to say how lovely that bright pink looks on you! Gorgeous. I am really looking forward to seeing Marianne's dress made up, it looks dreamy. I have only made one Avenir and it was a bit of a failure on me. I love the fabric you have chosen so I am looking forward to that also. We are heading into sweltering hot summer here in Australia so my plans are very different to yours, lots of lightweight linen and short styles. Enjoy Frocktails. Liz x
Thank you so much Liz! I do love that pink Stanton Hoodie and I’m so happy to be wearing it again. I’m so excited about Marianne’s dress. Based on the very successful toile, I think it’s going to be stunning. I made the Avenir a couple of years ago and did not like it on me at all. But I took the pattern out again last Spring and decided to fine tune the fit and see if it would work better. And now I love it. I’m really glad the heat is over here - we had a pretty warm and sunny summer and I’m ready for cooler days!!
Restraint is overrated - repeat patterns you love as much as you want 😂. That is sweet of you to make a Vernon shirt for Marianne’s friend. I am heading up to the sewing room to work on Frocktails outfit.
🤣 Your comment made me laugh - I definitely have nothing against pattern repeats and there may very well be another Remy before Christmas 😉 Marianne’s best friend is just the sweetest and she stood by Marianne when she was going through a rough patch a couple of years ago so I’m more than happy to make this for her. Anyone who loves my daughter like that has my love as well. Xx
I'm late to commenting on this video but really enjoyed it - both hearing about the trip as well as how your clothing choices worked out - it can be hard to enjoy a place when there are a lot of other people (they don't show all those folks in the travel ads!) but I can see that overall it was a great time and your travel wardrobe worked so well! I was surprised to hear that it was often humid because my impression of Greece was that it was hot and dry - you really do learn something new every day, and thanks for taking us along 😃!
I thought the same thing about Greece - that it would be hot but dry! But NO - because it’s surrounded by water, it’s incredibly humid. I mean, you step outside and you start sweating!!
Love the Remy top in that fabric, and the coat as well is perfect! It's amazing how well that backing fabric coordinates with the quilt top when it wasn't planned that way - talk about luck! Whitney's Ladera dress had me wanting one as well - I don't really wear or make dresses very often, but I'd make an exception for that one! One of these days...looking forward to seeing the one you make!
Thank you so much Mary! I feel the same way about the Ladera - I don’t make or wear dresses very much, but this one is just too good to pass up I think. Plus it’ll just be so nice for work.
Izzy that quilt backing and quilt itself is beautiful! I'm thinking about Vlogmas too. I love both behind the scenes and tutorials! Have a blessed weekend and happy sewing.
