Where does the time go?

Soooo it's 2016.....seriously where does the time go really go? I can't believe it's been over 2 years since I lasted posted here. But time easily slips away when life happens. You know, work, family, health and all that. It's been a busy couple of years.


No major updates in terms of launching "Marlena Boutique" still just a dream at this point. My sewing interests have morphed and changed the past couple of years. I started selling then stopped selling embroidered (mostly) kid's items after having a pretty good run in the local fair/craft sale market. I started sewing more for myself and less for the family and then for all of us. I swear I have crafting ADD, not to make light of a serious problem at all (we're almost positive my mother has Adult ADD, so it's a distinct possibility I do as well). I am constantly trying new things and new projects. I have many sewing projects going right now in various states of creation; some are just pdf patterns waiting to be assembled and cut, others just pretty fabrics, and quite a few UFOs.


I've been trying to be more focused, but that just seems to be my good intentions:)


Anywho, although I don't have any immediate plans to launch the line, I am currently working on sewing and possibly drafting lingerie for me. Yes, learning to do some selfish self-care sewing just for me, myself and I.


So stay tuned.

Boudoir and Glamour Photography

I absolutely adore boudoir and glamour photography. I actually had the pleasure of being on the other side of the camera twice this year. Once for my naughty librarian photoshoot and recently for a ladies' pampering shoot. I think it is so empowering and liberating to get all fancy just for the fun of it and have beautiful pictures to remember the day with.

I think this is especially important for curvy women. There are some awesome photographers that specialize in capturing beautiful women in all their curvy gorgeousness. One of the photographer's I absolutely adore (probably almost to the point of cyber stalking (in a non-creepy way of course) is Sue Bryce (http://inbedwithsue.com/). She is not strictly a boudoir photographer, she actually considers herself a glamor photographer, but her beautiful photos are simply divine! Especially check out her before and afters! She has posing for curves down to an art and a science!

Photos by Sue Bryce, MUA unknown

Photos by Sue Bryce, MUA unknown

There is a lot of great inspiration for boudoir on Pinterest. I have a couple of great boards, follow me if you don't already www.pinterest.com/tortilladesigns, check out my "Lingerie, corset photoshoot, retro, glamour photography and Marlena for starters. Then take a search for "plus size boudoir"on Pinterest for more awesome inspiration!

There are a number of photographers that specialize in boudoir of curvy ladies so make sure you do your research. Ask around, do a search and ask to see a portfolio (you may have to go in person or request online access due to the sensitive nature of these type of pics). A great picture, captures a moment in time, look at those lovely ladies. They will remember that day and have those gorgeous pictures to remind them when they are old and senile:)

New way to connect

I can't remember what fabulous blogger to thank for this cool time saving tool known as Bloglovin' but it is awesome! You can follow multiple blogs at once and see their updates in one screen regardless of whether or not they are on same format (ie blogger, Wordpress, etc). Try it out and connect with me Follow my blog with Bloglovin

New sketches

I've finally been able to put pencil to paper and get some of my ideas that have been keeping me up at night down on paper. I'm really excited about how these little gems turned out! My husband was trying to steal them! So that has to be a good sign right?

I have to say a big thank you to Amarina (isn't that a beautiful name) of Ursa Major (awesome vintage clothing in sizes 14+) for providing me with some gorgeous curvy croquis (is that the correct plural form?)!

Don't be surprised when you see these in garment form soon:) 2014 is my year to go big or go home!

Happy New Year!

Source: TechBlogStop

Happy New Year! Good riddance to 2013! I've been a busy beaver over the holidays trying to get things ready. I have big plans for 2014!

Here's one of my new additions to the sewing workshop.

Got a thrifted dress form and padded her out, still deciding on a name for her

Ordered sample kit of labels from BCI. Review is here, if you want more info.

Sourcing fabrics and lace:)

 And Sketching finally!!!

Sourcing clothing labels

I've been researching labels for a while. Boy is it a bit overwhelming! There is a lot of requirements of what you have to have on your labels, ie materials/content, origin, care instructions. Not to mention your personal branding for your company!

So I got my sample kit from BCI Labels and guess what? They are a local company! Based right here in Seattle, Washington. How cool is that? They have a lot of good reviews. I can say they sent my samples next day!

They have a lot of different options, including printed, woven, and cool materials like metal, bamboo and silicone! They seem to be very innovative with their offerings. I got the lingerie and swimwear sample kit ($38 + 10 shipping as of 1/14).

 From their website:  :: BCI Sample Kit :: Bridal, Lingerie & Swimwear Our best cross-section of all bridal, lingerie and swimwear labels. These are time tested labels in the intimate apparel industry that are soft, smooth and buttery...Think cashmere in a label...Kit includes but not limited to the following label production: Satin Broadloom, Satin Needle Loom, Printed Exosilk white satin, French 76 Hangtag, Mother of Pearl (white and pink) Rhinestone damask, White glossy Hangtag medium card stock, Printed satin woven edge ribbon, woven grosgrain damask labeling, Satin Florentine Collection, Mini Stainless Steel bikini label. One stop shop - get the best cross-section of intimate wear labels here and get your label going with BCI today!

I'm very impressed with their quality! All of these labels are beautiful! Too many choices I think, now I will have to think for a while. Decisions, decisions!

Plus size croqui

Source: Designers Nexus

I'm not sure if croqui is the plural or singular of the the base model that fashion designers use to sketch their designs on? Do any of my dear readers know? Any who, they typically are perfectly proportioned usually super tall line drawings of model on which you draw your clothing on. By drawing your clothing on top of a real body shape you can see how the garment will fit better. Keep in mind that pencil and paper is not bound by laws of gravity or any other earthly laws of physics such as drape or fabric behavior, but it does give you a good representation of body mechanics.

When I first started this blog there were not many plus size croqui out there. I based all my designs on the same pose. I did a search the other day and was pleasantly surprised to find a number of other ones. I actually was given some gorgeous plus size croqui by Amarina of Ursa Major a ridiculously long time ago, that I've recently been sketching on (don't worry you will be seeing them soon).

Plus size croqui links:

Fashion styled

http://www.designersnexus.com/fashion-design-portfolio/plus-size-female-fashion-croqui-pose-three-quarter-view-template-v26/

http://dctdesigns.com/tag/plus-size-fashion-croquis/

http://bibliotecadacostura.blogspot.com/2013/01/croquis-gestante-e-plus-size.html

Need a Deviant art account but these are free: http://lucis7.deviantart.com/art/Plus-size-Fashion-croquis-306781184

Real proportions

http://wickedwitchofthestitch.tumblr.com/post/15424675266/still-more-plus-size-croquis-for-all-your-fashion

http://www.blogadoro.com.br/2013/04/croquis-plus-size.html

Ralph Lauren's New Plus-Size Model Made Waves in Vogue Australia

I would love to dress her!

Plus size pattern part 2

The most popular post on my blog has been my list of plus size patterns, so in that vein, I decided to do a part two. Please note some links are my affiliate links, which help me fund fashion school and buy fabric. Thanks!

Burda

Burda has a bunch of gorgeous patterns, many of them in plus sizes. I love that they show plus size models in actual garments and not just line drawings. There are patterns for coats, dresses, tops, bottoms, separates and suits. Many styles are very fashion forward and based on European trends. *Please note that Burda patterns do NOT include seam allowance so you will have to trace the patterns onto paper and then add (usually 5/8" for garments) your desired seam allowance). But this is actually easier for fitting corrections to be made.

Kwik Sew

Kwik Sew has a limited number of plus size patterns available, but from the patterns of theirs I've sewn they are drafted well. They really excel in stretch knit garments. If you're bust is 45" or less and hip 47" or less you can fit into the XL of their straight sized patterns, which opens up a lot more choices. Or if you're open to going the extra step to grade patterns up of course. But their sizing seems to be much more true to life than the other big name brands in my experience. They also have some excellent sewing books that include patterns. I have the Kwik Sew Lingerie Book, and Swim and Action Wear book. The Easy Sewing book is a great primer on sewing knits and stretch fabrics especially.

Jalie

Jalie is a Canadian pattern company that gets great reviews at Pattern Review. I've yet to sew with them, but it is a goal for the new year! They have a lot of dancewear, yoga, workout type clothing. So think knits:) They have a very generous size range from size US 4-22 on the same envelope. There's a whole section on their website for underwear patterns:)


Have any other favorite plus size pattern designers or companies? I'd love to hear. Leave a comment below. Next I think I'll start compiling lingerie patterns, not necessarily plus size because that would be a very short list. What do you think?

Plus size lingerie patterns

One of my most popular posts is my list of plus size patterns sewing here. I'm going to be doing a follow up part 2 post soon. But I came across a great resource that I had to share. I couldn't wait for a full post.

Barbara Deckert Designs has some great plus size lingerie designs. She has written a book Sewing for Plus Sizes: Creating Clothes That Fit & Flatter (Amazon affiliate link). Barbara specializes in patternmaking and fitting for plus sizes. She has several lingerie patterns on Craftsy that are sized 1X-6X and include a full slip or cami, 2 styles of half slips, and a panty girdle. Images below are not mine, I believe the are Ms. Deckert's but they come via Craftsy's site. If you click on any of the links of pictures you will go directly to her pattern page on Craftsy to see all of her offerings (Craftsy affiliate link). I'm super excited about her individual cup sized cami/full slip pattern. Let me know if you sew it up first!

Goddess of Glam Cami Source

Hippy Slippy Half Slip Source

New website!

Still under development but the new site is up at marlenaboutique.com. I'm in the process of transferring the blog posts over there. I'm still debating on whether to keep this blog updated or move everything over there. What do you think?

Making a swim suit with Folding For Stretch Fabric process

Good tips for working with knits that apply to lingerie design and construction.

Sizély Plus - Desfile para 8ª Edição do FWPS - Verão 2014

Curvy Couture runway presentation at FFFWeek 2013

Curvy Couture runway presentation at FFFWeek 2013

Apparently embedded video isn't allowed for this one, but it is worth the click to check out the beautiful designs!

Moda Plus Size Cachopa Brasil Verão 2013 @ FWPS YouTube

Simone Perele & BGM Models "Curvy Couture" Competition 2013

Lingerie Promo Inspiration

So 2013 is drawing to a close, I have big goals for 2014 so stay tuned! Getting all my ducks in a row to quote my Mom:) I came across this great lingerie line called Curvy Kate via The Lingerie Journal, that specializes in D+ cup sizes. They are UK based but seem to be carried in the US as well. I just love their philosophy, styling and beautiful, curvy models. What inspiration!!!

Without further ado, here's a couple of their promo videos so that you can see these gorgeous pieces in motion!

 

 

Bra Fitting 101

Can you tell I have a thing for infographics? Well as long as they are useful! Apparently 80% of American women wear the wrong size bra! Well never fear here is a handy infographic to simply the measuring process for you. Then you will be off the hard part of finding a comfortable one that is supportive and doesn't look like matronly!


Find your best fitting bras at Herroom.

Dress for your shape part 2

This is a beautiful infographic to follow up my post about finding your body shape. If you want more information about how to dress for your particular body shape and you're a curvy lady I highly recommend Hoax Fashion Formula by Mary Duffy (using my Amazon affliate link helps me buy more fabric). Sure it's a dated book, but you can't beat the wealth of information tailored for full figured women.



Created by IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel

Accessorize your curvy style

Created by IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel