Y'all I knew when Jenny first decided to write this book and I was all for it! She has learned so much and become such a wonderful resource to the sewing plus size community! I LOVE her Cashmerette Pattern line so you know I was beyond thrilled to learn about the book and to pre-order a copy.
However, Jenny being the amazing person she is offered me an advance copy and that's what this blog post is about. I didn't cancel my pre-order so if you were wanted a copy and haven't pre-ordered yet, I will be giving that book away. More details to come later!
So onto the book ~
First Impressions...
I own several sewing books that came with patterns and sewing instructions. But I love, love, love that the pattern envelope is sealed to the back of the book. I will ALWAYS know where those pattern pieces are. Which I will admit as a sewist that's starting to age, is really important.
Next I love that the book opens flat. While it has the perquisite information on sewing tools, the fact that Jenny opens with sharing her sewing story is wonderful. Personally I love hearing how people came to this artform so to me it's the perfect beginning for the book.
Moving On...
- The book is separated into three parts - Preparation, Fitting and Patterns.
- It has wonderful illustrations and pictures in each section.
- Also each section is chock full of sewing and fitting information.
- Jenny even has a section on mobility fitting.
- The fitting starts at the top of your body (shoulders/neck) and proceeds all the way to your calves with extra special care taken to the bust (FBA/SBA) and back areas.
- Jenny used real sewists as her models and featured each one in their own section, including my sewing friend, Dibs!
There are five patterns included in the book - 2 dresses, a tank, a raglan sleeve tee and a pair of flat front pants with elastic in the back waist. The size range is from a US 12 - 32/UK 16-36. Honestly I'm most excited about working on a pair of pants using Jenny's step by step fitting instructions.
Now I know you want to see more pictures of the book so here is a sneak peek...
If you want to see more, please check out Jenny's IG account where she's shared several of the finished garments and more information about the book!
I own ALOT of sewing books - have a complete library of them - with their own place of honor in my apartment. I'm so very happy to add this book to the Library. But more than that, I'm thrilled to have a sewing guide to assist me in getting a well fitted pants pattern.
Like many others, I've gained some pandemic weight due to staying home, surgery, meds and lack of movement. My TNT pants pattern wasn't fitting well pre-pandemic. I knew I needed to revise it but just wasn't up to it because I'm not a huge fan of pants these days. However, I'm working from the office 2 days a week now and pants just work better in the colder weather. So I was really looking forward to the book for that reason.
Lastly, my "mostest" favorite part of the book is where Jenny dedicates it to Josephine her daughter...serious heart swoon! I highly recommend that you get a copy of this book, you won't be disappointed!
Hopefully you will hang around as I document my process of making pants using the Magna Pants pattern from "Ahead of the Curve" sewing book!
...as always more later!