It’s time to start “Sewing the Curve”! Let’s get inspired to sew the patterns from my new book.

My new book, “Sewing the Curve”, is the beginner’s guide to sewing that I wish I had when I was learning to sew. In the book, I take you from threading your machine to completing your first garment that fits and expresses your personal style. And it comes with 6 patterns in sizes 12–32 and cup sizes C–H, so you can practice and master new skills on patterns made for bodies just like yours.

There are so many ways to make these patterns your own, so I asked makers from the community to put their on spin on the patterns in my book. Let’s take a look and get inspired to sew!

Today we’re looking at the Montvale Dress & Tunic, the Randolph Skirt, and the Eustis Top. Want to jump ahead? Click on the pattern name below:

• Montvale
• Randolph
• Eustis

(Want to see more makes? Check out this roundup for the Ardley, Fairfax, and Elmley patterns from my book.)

Montvale Dress and Tunic

Christiana’s Montvale Dress

This sequined A-line Montvale Dress definitely gets an A in our book! Christiana sewed her Montvale in a 20 G/H and chose a lovely blue sequined lace with underlining. Boasting both pockets and an undefined waistline, she described her Montvale as simple, stylish, comfortable—just a few of our favorite qualities in a pattern.

Her measurements are 43” high bust, 48.5” full bust, 40” waist, and 49” hips.

Christiana shared this about her Montvale Dress:

“This is a great A-line dress pattern. The pockets and the undefined waistline mean that you can be comfortable and stylish. It is simple with big impact.”

Check out more of Christiana’s makes at @Christianaopus.

Sarah’s Montvale Dress

Silky, straightforward and just the right amount of “skim”, Sarah’s Montvale Dress is checking all the right boxes. Sewn in a size 20 G/H in a Dupioni Silk, it’s the simplicity and versatility of the Montvale that really piqued Sarah’s interest. She loves that she can change the look of her outfit with simple accessories and that it can be worn for a variety of occasions.

Her measurements are 45” high bust, 50” full bust, 41” waist, and 50” hips.

Sarah had this to say about her Montvale Dress:

“It was a straightforward, quick sew! The simplicity of the garment means it will be easy to accessorize differently and wear for various occasions. It was also very comfortable to wear– I love that it just skimmed the body!”

Check out more of Sarah’s stunning makes on her website or on Instagram at @misskitschstitch.

Tegan’s Montvale Tunic

It’s all about the shape! Tegan loves her Montvale Tunic not only because of the simple and straightforward design but because of the fantastic fit and shape. She sewed hers in a 30 G/H, chose a patterned rayon challis, and is already looking forward to adding more Montvales to her wardrobe.

Her measurements are 48” high bust, 60” full bust, 50” waist, and 60” hips.

Tegan shared this about her Montvale Tunic:

“The cut and construction is very simple and straightforward, but the fit is fantastic and it’s such a great shape! This came together in just a couple hours, and I love the way it looks on. Definitely looking forward to making a few more!”

You can follow Tegan on Instagram at @tl_mathews.

Yvonne’s Montvale Dress

The transition to cooler weather has never been easier than with Yvonne’s Montvale Dress. Sewn in a blue floral linen viscose, it’s a comfy addition to her summer dress wardrobe, but simply add a cardigan and you’ve got a fall weather wardrobe staple with a stylish touch.

Yvonne sewed her Montvale in a size 18 E/F graded to 28 at the waist and 22 at the hips. Her measurements are 43” high bust, 47” full bust, 48.5” waist, and 51” hips.

Yvonne had this to say about her Montvale Dress:

“This was such a quick and easy make due to there being very few pattern pieces. The instructions are really clear and the dress took shape in no time at all. It is so comfortable to wear and perfect for a summer’s day. 

I love it so much I’ll definitely be adding a cardigan so that I can continue wearing it into the autumn.”

Follow along with more of Yvonne’s makes on her website and on Instagram at @thewheeliestitcher.

Amanda’s Montvale Dress

We’re definitely getting easy and groovy vibes from Amanda’s Montvale Dress! Sewn in a size 16 G/H in a retro patterned cotton lawn, she loves her easy-to-wear tunic dress, particularly the fit in the bust.

Her measurements are 41” high bust, 45” full bust, 37” waist, and 40” hips.

Amanda had this to say about her Montvale Dress:

“This dress is easy, breezy, and groovy! The dress was relatively easy to sew. The only tricky part was sewing down the facing, but the instructions were really helpful. I really love having an easy-to-wear tunic dress that fits perfectly through the bust!”

Check out more of Amanda’s makes at @TrashPandaFashions.

Randolph Skirt

Lynn’s Randolph Skirt

We’re swooning for Lynn’s red Randolph Skirt for so many reasons. Sewn in a size 20 waist graded to a 16 hip and constructed in a medium weight suiting, the asymmetrical wrap with the chunky tie detailing is a bold and sophisticated detail that we can’t get enough of. Though what really gets Lynn’s heart aflutter about her Randolph is the versatility. Whether it’s paired with a simple tee and flats or a blouse and heels, it’s bound to be simply show-stopping.

Her measurements are 41” high bust, 46” full bust, 40” waist, and 46” hips.

Lynn had this to say about her Randolph Skirt:

“I enjoyed sewing this skirt! I used bias binding to finish the hem and front underlayer edge but otherwise followed the instructions. I love the asymmetric wrap/chunky tie detailing… the perfect companion for a simple tee and flats, jumper, tights and booties, or a fancy blouse and killer heels.”

See more of what Lynn is sewing up on Instagram at @lynnsewsnow.

Sarah’s Randolph Skirt

Sarah’s Randolph skirt is anything but basic and that’s what we love about it! Sewn in a size 20 using Robert Kaufman flannel, the the tie and flannel combo gives it personality and an element of asymmetrical wow.

Her measurements are 45” high bust, 50” full bust, 41” waist, and 50” hips.

This is what Sarah had to say about her Randolph Skirt:

“The pattern came together easily, and I appreciated the tips included for sewing an asymmetrical project. It was comfortable to wear, and the tie gave it a bit of personality to elevate it from a basic!”

Check out more of Sarah’s stunning makes on her website or on Instagram at @misskitschstitch.

Caroline J’s Randolph Skirt

Wrapped in sophistication, Caroline’s watercolor rayon satin Randolph Skirt was sewn in a size 16 and is the epitome of stylish elegance. She added 3 snaps due to the sleek nature of the fabric and paired it with a Kersoe Top from “Ahead of the Curve”  made with leftover fabric from the skirt. We love when two Cashmerette patterns combine into one glamorous look!

Her measurements are 41” high bust, 46” full bust, 38” waist, and 44” hips.

Caroline shared this about her Randolph Skirt:

“I love this wrap skirt, I love how sophisticated it is.  The construction is interesting and the step-by-step instructions makes it easy to follow. I put 2 snaps instead of the button, and added another one by the tie—the fabric is slippery and I was worried that the knot would not hold. With the left over fabric, I made a matching Kersoe Top from “Ahead of the Curve”.”

Check out more of Caroline’s stunning makes on her website or on Instagram at @caroline.jg.

Sean’s Randolph Skirt

The most stylish de-stash we’ve ever seen, Sean’s Randolph Skirt is a blush wool crepe dream. Sewn in a size 22, Sean loved the ease of the pattern and that she has a new work skirt to add to her in-office wardrobe. She has more Randolphs lined up including an autumnal plaid version for the fall.

Her measurements are 47” high bust, 52” full bust, 44” waist, and 56” hips.

Sean had this to say about her Randolph Skirt:

“I was trying to destash some fabric from my collection with this project and I am really glad I was able to make this skirt with this blush crepe. It has the perfect weight for a casual skirt and I am excited that I can wear it to work in the office. The pattern was so simple to throw together. I am really excited to make this skirt again with an autumnal plaid for the colder months. I think it will look amazing.”

Check out more of Sean’s makes on Instagram at @Qfacepaint.

Eustis Top

Sierra’s Eustis Top

Sierra’s Eustis Top is go-to goals! She sewed her Eustis in a size 26 G/H in a patterned poly/Lycra jersey but admits that this pattern would look great in just about any color or fabric. Dress it up or dress it down, this top has quickly become a mainstay in her wardrobe.

Her measurements are 50.5” high bust, 56” full bust, 46” waist, and 56” hips.

Sierra shared this about her Eustis Top:

“This is my new go to t-shirt. It was delightful to sew and would work in a variety of colors and fabrics. I can dress it up or down, which is something I look for in my me mades.”

Check out more of Sierra’s fabulous makes on Instagram at @sierraburrell and on her website www.seamslikesierra.com.

Yvonne’s Eustis Top

Drawn in by the gathered sleeve caps, Yvonne quickly fell in love with her Eustis’ shape and femininity. Constructed in a blue floral viscose jersey, she noted that it was a simple make with subtle effects and is now a go-to in her wardrobe. We love when a Cashmerette piece becomes a brand new go-to!

She sewed hers in a size 18 E/F graded to 28 at the waist and 22 at the hips. Her measurements are 43” high bust, 47” full bust, 48.5” waist, and 51” hips.

Here’s what Yvonne had to say about her Eustis Top:

“I was initially drawn to the sleeves on this top as I’ve never made a gathered sleeve cap in jersey. It was really simple to do and I love the subtle effect it makes.

This top is fabulous, it’s that little bit different to the normal boxy jersey top shape and it makes it feel feminine to wear. It’s definitely very versatile and will become a much worn addition to my wardrobe.”

Follow along with more of Yvonne’s makes on her website and on Instagram at @thewheeliestitcher.

Sofia’s Eustis Top

Stylish loungewear was Sofia’s goal when sewing her Eustis top and mission accomplished. Sewn in a comfy green rib knit in a size 12 G/H, she loves her new Eustis Top and Ardley Pants combo for work-from-home days, running errands or even PJ’s. Maximum comfort and maximum style—a match made in cozy clothing heaven.

Her measurements are 38” high bust, 43” full bust, 33” waist, and 42” hips.

Sofia explains about her Eustis Top:

“I sewed the Eustis Top and Ardley Pants to create a versatile loungewear outfit that I can wear for work-from-home days, errands or even as PJs. They are so comfy! The patterns were both really easy to follow along. Definitely plan on making these two patterns again.”

See more of what Sofia is sewing up on Instagram at @StitchesBySewfia.

Caroline B’s Eustis Top

Caroline’s Eustis Top was an easy breezy make in a blue floral patterned cotton jersey. Her favorite part was the ease of the neckband, our favorite part is the fabulous finished product!

Caroline sewed hers in a 22 C/D and her measurements are 43” high bust, 46” full bust, 46” waist, and 50” hips.

Caroline shared this about her Eustis Top:

“The Eustis Top is very beginner friendly and easy to sew up. My favorite part was the neckband because the notches matched up exactly which made installing the neckband a breeze.”

See more of what Caroline is sewing up on Instagram at @Caroline’s_Handmades and her YouTube Channel.

Sean’s Eustis Top

Remember this Randolph Skirt look from above? It just so happens that Sean’s pleasantly pink Randolph coordinates perfectly with her pink wool crepe Eustis top! Complete with bishop sleeves, Sean’s Eustis paired with her Randolph Skirt looks like a vintage air hostess dress giving us major retro aviation vibes. She also loves that she could’ve chose a casual jersey for a more classic t-shirt look.

Sean sewed her Eustis in a size 22 E/F. Her measurements are 47” high bust, 52” full bust, 44” waist, and 56” hips.

Sean had this to say about her Eustis Top:

“I like the versatility of the pattern and how I can have a blouse for work, or if I make it with a casual jersey, I can make a classic t-shirt. This came together so quickly and smoothly and I like the result. I really like how my two piece set with the Randolph Skirt looks like a vintage air hostess dress!”

Check out more of Sean’s makes on Instagram at @Qfacepaint.

Let’s start sewing!

If you’re ready to sew a closet of gorgeous garments, my new book, “Sewing the Curve“, will help you do just that. I cover everything from the very basics, like how to choose a sewing machine, how to understand sizing, where to find plus-size friendly patterns, and how to use printed and PDF patterns, through to the five core skills of sewing, and then, how to actually sew your first garments.