Sewing, I hates Sewing

Again, this site went dark as school prep ramped up but today I give you an A-line skirt from Laura Marsh Designs.
This pattern is free and comes in two size ranges8-22 and 22-36.
Given this is a UK based site I think that sizes run one larger than a US size. If anyone has a better or more specific conversion please let me know.

Dropping the Ball (of Yarn)

Summer has kept the Dubh House incredibility busy this year. There have been summer camps, home improvements (now 1/2 done which means each one is 1/2 done not that we have accomplished 1/2 of them), a family vacation and the inevitable worries about how fast it is all going. All this to say that PFF has been updated solely by the lovely custardfairy. No more I say. ;)

Today I want to talk about knitting magazines. Most of them are worthless to me unless I want a specific accessory pattern. The reason is that most of them do not have a significant number of plus sized patterns to warrant the price (Vogue Knitting about $10.00, Interweave $7.00). But I often find myself buying knit simple. In the Spring/Summer 2010 issue a full 7 of the 14 sized women's patterns are 3X. 3 more go up to 2X which means the majority of patterns have sizes that I can consider. Highly recommended!

Some of the things I am thinking of making from them include:

Strapless Summer Top

I am on the Craft Mag blog all the time, and today I came across this pattern and tutorial for a really easy summer top made with elastic thread and a big rectangle of fabric. I'd need to add straps (more on this later) but I love the blousy look accomplished with elastic shirring on the top and bottom.


This is yet another "use your own measurements" project. Handily, the blog includes a pdf link that shows where and how to measure, as well as the math you'll need to do to get the right amount of fabric. Easy! The tutorial has a lot of pictures and instructions to make this project a breeze.

Once you get the hang of a top like this, you can easily lengthen it to make a dress or cover-up. Add more shirring at the bottom for a nifty 80s throw-back or more at the top for a form-fitting chestal area. See the shirred dress tute link below to see what I mean.

If, like me, you need to add straps, just measure your shoulder area where the strap will be placed and cut a three inch wide strip of fabric to your measurements (plus 1 inch for hems. I like three inches because it results in a wide, sturdy strap (perfect for keeping bra straps neatly tucked away). You can find instructions for making tidy straps in this shirred dress tutorial if you'd like a little visual assistance. How you attach them is up to you; you can sew them directly to the inside of the dress or you can create buttonholes on the straps, then place buttons at the top front and back of the dress (both sides) so that they are removeable. Buttonholes can be a little tricky, so practice on scrap fabric first if you've never made them.

Enjoy!

Crochet Leg Warmers

I am so excited about this pattern from Lion! It includes a plus size option, with measurements (unstretched) given at the top. It looks like you can play with it a bit to make it bigger if necessary with some simple maths. Again, the key here is knowing your measurements.

While the color scheme here isn't my cup of tea, I'd love these in red or orange stripes.

Note: you do need a Lion account to view the pattern, but signing up is free. Found via the Craft Mag blog.

Fashion Patterns by Coni

Fashion Patterns by Coni includes patterns from 2X to 6X. I really liked this cute flared skirt.

She has a whole range of patterns from skirts, dresses, and blouses to basic underpinnings and sleepwear.

She produces patterns for Butterick in addition to her own line.

Halter Top with Built-In Bra

I'm really excited about this tutorial! Sewing Dork provides instructions for making a halter top with a built-in shelf bra, similar to those used in bra camisoles and tanks.

I love the look of halter tops but my rather large bust makes wearing them...rather difficult. Instead of a strapless bra, I might try this tute. Now obviously, the larger your chest the heavier it will be so a halter tie might bother your neck. You might also want to reinforce it a bit to make sure it can do the job.

Still, the pattern can once again use your own measurements (I think a post on taking measurements is in order) and you can modify it as needed for your own body type. The seams are simple and no fancy stitching is required. Another option? Instead of halter ties, cut a longer piece of material for the straps and attach either end to the back top. That removes the pressure from your neck.

Bernat Knit Sleeveless Top Pattern - up to 5X

Did you know that all of the patterns on the Bernat web site go up to 5X? That's a 62" bust, if you were wondering.

I found this cute little sleeveless top, done in a bamboo yarn that would be light enough for wear through the summer. The web site says the pattern is easy, and a peek through the instructions show that with some careful counting this can be accomplished by even a beginner. The simplicity of the design means it would be a cinch to size up if necessary, which is always a bonus for those of us who have chests that go beyond the largest circumference.

One con might be that it takes 15 balls of yarn (at 60g each) for the largest size. If you need to size up, it'd take even more. Save this pattern for a great sale at your local yarn or hobby store, or try it with a less expensive cotton yarn that will make it very easy to wash & wear.

Things That Scare Me

I will be honest, I have never knitted a Vogue pattern. They scare me, a lot. However, one of the things I love about winter is when you can bundle up and that makes me love this sweater. Me, the sweater, leggings, a book, some tea and a fire, sigh. It makes me consider breaking down and knitting Vogue.

Bigger is Better

Vogue Knitting Fall 2007, Special 25th Anniversary Cover Pattern

Shiri Mor designed this oversized cabled pullover.

Well that and these fingerless gloves for which I cannot locate the pattern.

Vogue Knitting, Holiday 2009

Two Projects: Airy Crochet Shell and Grecian Tunic Top

A couple of fast projects that can be easily sized up for larger sizes.

The first is the Airy Lace Shell from Lion, which is a crochet pattern. It's written up to 2X (50 in. chest) but you can easily size this up by looking at the sizing patterns. Each size adds an additional six chains to the initial chain, and because it's a repeating pattern length can be added without much thought. For anything above the 2X I'd add at least one more skein of yarn to the total. If you're like me, you overbuy yarn anyway so you'll have extra on hand.

What I really like about this option for the bigger sizes is that it's lacey and airy, which means it takes less yarn than more dense, bulky designs - that translates into a more affordable garment for someone who may need to purchase up to three or four additional skeins to size up the project to meet his or her needs. Fantastic!

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90416AD.html?noImages=

The second project is a Grecian Top that couldn't be simpler to whip up in an hour or less. The top consists of two pieces of fabric attached at stragetic places, and is worn over a tank or shell. I adore the yellow version. This is another pattern where you use your own measurements to create the garment. As a bonus, the measurements are simple and don't have to be exact since the finished top will be loose and flowing.

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/how-to_grecian_tunic_top.html

What She Said

My dear friend already laid out the rules and biases of this new place very well. So, yeah, what she said. :)

When she recently posted her bolero pattern elsewhere I realized that I was tired of searching for larger sized patterns by using the term "plus size" and getting returns where an XL is considered plus size. I am a 3X and have been for about 10 years now and am increasingly tired of stores which charge me unreasonable amounts of money for clothes which generally are, well, ugly. I do not want to wear a tent nor do I think Polyester is a fabric which one should put on their body. So I suggested a site where we can come together and share ideas and patterns. And as always my dear custardfairy took it and ran.

So here is my first contribution, a lovely pattern from knitty.com for a skirt which runs from a M to a 4X.

Bell Curve Skirt
Ravelry has about 148 projects with many different kinds of yarn if the recommended yarn is out of your price range. For me $130.00 for yarn is a bit over my pay grade.

And, may I say, the only thing that would make this better is if you could have the shoes she is wearing as a reward when you finished knitting it.

We're not just knitting around.

Hello and welcome to Fat Knits. This site could also be called Fat Crochet, Fat Sewing, or Fat Patterns. It's basically a place to link to and discuss various patterns designed for fat women and men, especially those who are on the larger end of large and therefore may have more limited options than someone in a size 18. However, all are welcome here. As long as we're talking about fat patterns and playing nice, it's all good.

So to start, this is a neat pattern for a Ribbed Lace Bolero (knit) that uses your own measurements to make the pattern. I haven't made this one yet but I am looking forward to starting on it soon. I'll let you know how it goes!