I can't say enough about this book. It's fantastic! Sewing books tend to assume that everyone is small and slender, which is very unhelpful for the rest of us. Sewing for Plus Sizes: Design, Fit, and Construction for Ample Apparel is a wonderful resource. Author Barbara Deckert really knows her stuff. A big woman herself, she understands how difficult it is for those of us who are fat to find fashionable clothing, and she encourages us to take up sewing and create our own clothing as a way to look good and feel fantastic.
Don't let the styles shown in the book throw you off. Personally, I dislike most of the fashion examples given here. What matters is that they are examples of clothing that fits well, hangs nicely, and is comfortable to wear. Deckert gives detailed information on how to adjust patterns to fit both size and variations in shape. She explains how to take a standard pattern, and accurately adjust it to fit plus sizes. She's very straightforward, addressing questions such as how to adjust patterns for large buttocks, a hanging belly, or big neck.
One fabulous tool included in the book is an explanation of exactly how to take your measurements, and a chart where you can record the numbers for your own reference.
If you're fat, big, plus-sized, voluptuous, or simply have trouble fitting into the narrow range of clothing sizes commercially available, read this book. Even if you don't already sew, you may be inspired to start!
