Plus size sewists; welcome to your brand new bible!
Hey friends! How are we doing this week? I’m struggling with the change in weather, but the smell of autumn evenings are keeping me above water. That and the cat, but we’ve gone over my crazy cat lady in last week’s blurb. Today, instead, I wanted to talk about a project I modelled for back in April! And so here’s a little first look at the first ever book by the gorgeous and talented Jenny Rushmore. So here’s a look at Ahead of the Curve by Cashmerette!
Before we get into this; I’m always trying to be as open as possible where my posts come from and things that I may or may not have been given. I was a paid model for Ahead of the Curve, and was given the book in advance because of this. I am not paid to promote this book, and am posting on my own accord because I truly love the book and want everyone to own one! You can always see my disclaimer page for any other information.
Ahead of the Curve by Cashmerette
If you’re a plus size person who sews, you’ve heard of Cashmerette. Chances are, you may even half half a wardrobe of their lovely patterns, because for the longest time it was the only place you could find plus size sewing patterns. I’ve been following the brand for a long time, but hadn’t taken the step to making one of their patterns before. Do I have a reason? Absolutely not; I can still see myself in about 100 versions of the Upton dress!
But for the uninitiated or the non-sewing people reading this; Cashmerette is a sewing pattern company based in Massachusetts that specialises in sizes UK16-36 (US12-32). Run by Jenny Rushmore, a plus-sized sewist who believes that well fitting clothes should be for everyone, regardless of size. And now she’s written a book!
Fit Clinics For Every Body Type
The bulk of Ahead of the Curve is about fit — the tagline on the back reads ‘change your clothes to fit your body’ — and it’s broken down into great little ‘Fit Clinics’ throughout the book. From busts, shoulders, arms and even tums, bums and thighs — this book will show you how to adjust your sewing for every part of your body. The fit clinics are written neutrally, which means that different ways of a body aren’t held in higher esteem than others. It’s so refreshing to read about Flat Bum Adjustments without any
One of the most amazing things I saw whilst reading through the book was this page; Fitting if you use mobility aids. As someone who’s mostly able bodied and doesn’t need to use mobility aids, I’ve never really thought of that in terms of sewing. Although it’s only a page in a book, it doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It was really good to see, and also helps educate abled-bodied people; which is always a plus!
Five Plus Size Patterns Included
There’s five included patterns in the book, in which the Fit Clinics are based around — but they could easily be interchanged and hacked to be whatever you want! You can see the Honeybourne Dress that I modelled, which was made in a signature look for me — gingham! But as well as that dress, there is the knit-loving Foxhill dress modelled by Emily @Notinator. The Kersoe top modelled by Miranda @Mirry_Maker. Then there’s the Stanway t-shirt modelled by Corrie @ceramic67. And even some trousers with the Magna pants modelled by Dibs @DibsAndTheMachine.
All the models are also sewists themselves — and Ahead of the Curve even includes a page of interviews with each of us! We get to talk about our bodies, sewing for them and a bit of our sewing history!
Ahead of the Curve is out in the UK now!
You can buy the book in the UK and pre-order for other countries in the following places (although do try and support your local businesses if you can!);
- Amazon UK
- Bookshop.org
- A chain like Waterstones
- Your local independent bookstore
- Or, you can order directly from Cashmerette (the book will be sent from the USA)
Remember to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily outfits in my stories, on Pinterest for my inspirations and on Twitter to read my thoughts on a semi-regular basis!
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