Saturday, July 19, 2014

No Longer Sick and Shut In! Yay

Hello to all my darlings,

So I emailed you about a couple weeks ago about my back and sciatica nerve flare up! Well since my last blog, I was referred to a pain management doctor and started my first of 3 scheduled appointments for corticosteroid injections.

Before the injections, I was having major issues that was getting in the way of my daily routine like walking, bathing, going to work, taking care of my family and blogging.

I'm feeling better since my first injection, almost like a new women! I'm not pain free but I'm doing so much better that I've been able to sew a few new items that I can't hardly wait for you to see. I really really miss you guys and I can't wait to be back in regular communications with you.

So in my last blog I talked about my first Give Away and how excited I was and still is!

Please be patient as I try to catch up on things I wasn't able to do and post about how to enter the Giveaway Contest. It's hard catching up after being down for awhile.

We'll chat later about some new pattern reviews and my first Give Away!

Dee's Doing it the Plus Style Way!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Down This Week!

Hey ladies,

So I've been down this week dealing with a flare up with my sciatica nerve in my left leg.
And because of my flare up, I have not been able to post anything this week yet.

Y'all pray for me! The pain, the pain, the pain!

It's nothing that I can compare the pain too, childbearing don't have nothing on nerve pain.
(Wait, let me think about that)! The two might be on the same playing field.

I'm feeling a little better and I will be posting a pattern review soon.

Also, stay tuned because I will be doing my first Give Away and I'm so excited!

Details of the Give Away will be posted as well.

We'll chat later about the old/new pattern reviews and my first Give Away!

You all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Dee's Doing it the Plus Style Way!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

DIY Burda Pattern 7400 Review



Hey ladies,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. So I was sitting here thinking about what my next post should be on. Should it be a skirt, dress, pants or shirt; what could I possibly post on that will uplift women like myself to find clothing that accentuate any body type. With that being said I decided to go with pants.

I love Burda patterns, their sizes go up to a 34! Yes, they definitely had the plus size women in mind.

Pattern Description: These pants have a comfortable waistband of rib knit fabric, forwarded side seams, and in-seam pockets. View A has wide, straight legs, view B has wide hem bands. Both are truly stylish.

Burda Style 7400 view B

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing? Somewhat, the only different is with the elastic waist and ankle band.

Pattern Difficulty: Easy

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the loose, baggy fit. No dislikes!

Fabric Used: Reversible bottom weight fabric from Joann's Fabric here. Same fabric in a different color can be found here.

Pattern Cut in Size: 28/30, but could have made it in the 24/26.


Fitting: Good 


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the pant legs by 2 inches, I also added a 2 inch wide elastic band for the waist and at the end of each pant leg.

Would you sew it again? Yes 

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!

Conclusion: I really like the loose baggy fit and I love the fact that the sizes go up to a 34.

Accessories: White T-Shirt from Target, Ugg Shoes and Burberry Sunshades.


Special thanks to my daughters Khameren for styling me; who also wants to be a future stylist and Khouri for being my photographer. I couldn't do this without them being on my team.

Dee's doing it the Plus Style Way!










Monday, June 16, 2014

DIY Vogue DKNY Pattern V1027

To my Queens,

Can I be real for a moment? When you walk, do everything on you shake, rattle or move? What are you wearing underneath your clothing to help control the movement? If you're considering making this dress then you should also consider your undergarments as well. For me I'm wearing a high waisted brief, which helps with control as well as legs rubbing together. I'm also wearing the Butterfly Plunge Bra sold at Ashley Stewart. The plunge bra is the style of bra you should be wearing with this type of neckline dress.

For me, wearing undergarments has become an important part of my daily routine. It really helps to accentuate any body type as well as unnecessary movement.

I'm tired of seeing women with either no undergarments on or the wrong undergarments on. It's just as important to look good underneath than what people see on the outside.



Pattern Description: Misses' Dress Calf length dress has semi-fitted, pleated and lapped bodice, bias skirt with inseam pockets and stitched hems.

Vogue 1027 DKNY 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing? Yes, except mine is shorter.

Pattern Difficulty: Easy

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 
I love how the bodice fit closely to your body and love love how the skirt flares out immediately after the bodice. No dislikes!

Fabric Used: ITY Crinkle Tie Dye Knit from Low Price Fabric which can be found here. Same 
fabric in a different color can be found here

Pattern Cut in Size: 22

Fitting: Spot-On


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the dress 5 inches, I wanted a 

more flirty dress and I decided not to add pockets.

Would you sew it again? Yes, eventually but no time soon. 


Would you recommend it to others? Yes! 


Conclusion: What's not to love about this great summer dress that drapes and flows beautifully.  

Accessories: Nine West Purse, Easy Spirit Shoes and DKNY Sunshades. 


I'm very new to blogging but stay tuned, there will be more exciting things to come as I learn my way in the blogging world.  

Dee's doing it the Plus Style Way!










Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Happy Birthday to Me and DIY McCalls Pattern M6969

Hello to all my Darlings!

Today is my birthday and I can't tell you how overjoyed I am to have made it another year. I have only my GOD to thank for that.

There are so many thoughts and feelings that came to me on this special day. As I approach this brand new year, I plan to strengthen my relationship with God, family and my friends. All relationships should be tuned up yearly, just like your car. Then you have some that need maintenance throughout the year to keep it running smooth. So I plan on fine tuning some thing's and relationship's in my life. You know what I mean?


And if this is the day you were born then I celebrate with you as well! 
Will you reflect back over the year and see what things you can fine tune?

So I wanted to make something new to wear on my Birthday and found this cute little McCalls romper/jumpsuit pattern from Hancock Fabrics for .99


Pattern Description:  Misses' Rompers and Jumpsuits - Rompers and jumpsuits have front button closing A and B: semi-fitted, shoulder straps.B: tapered, elasticized lower edge. C and D: loose-fitting, collar. A, C and D: wide-legged. Purchased bias tape for elasticized waist casing BC and armholes C and D.

McCalls M6969 View D

Did it look like the photo/drawing 

on the pattern envelope once you were done: Yes

Pattern Difficulty: Easy, Really Easy!

Was the instructions easy to follow? Yes 


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how easy this came together, so if you've been in a sewing slump then sew this baby. It does not disappoint and you'll have a great number to add to the wardrobe. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used: Blue Tie Dye Stretch Denim from Denver Fabrics here.
Here are some other suggested fabrics this or this.

Pattern Cut in Size: XXL


Fitting: It was spot on after some minor alterations.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I took 3 inches off each pant leg starting from the bottom merging up to the hip, it was a bit too wide for my liking. I also graded down the waist area to the XL size and left the hip area at the XXL.


Would you sew it again? Yes


Would you recommend it to others? Yes! It really was easy to sew and I love the fit.


Conclusion: I love the wide pant leg, it reminded me of something my mother wore back in the early seventies but with a new twist.

Accessories: Dooney Bourke Purse and Jessica Simpson Shoes here.

I'm very new to blogging but stay tuned, there will be more exciting things to come as I 
learn my way in the blogging world.

Dee's Doing it the Plus Style Way!








Friday, June 6, 2014

Mimi G Style DIY Regal Maxi w/Sash, Short Version


Hey ladies,

So if you're anything like me, I stay far away from anything that makes me look bigger than what I am. Trust me I don't need any help in that department. LOL However, every once in a while I like to test the waters and do something totally out in left field.

As usual I was on Mimi G's website here and came across this tutorial I had to have. Although I stay far away from patterns with a lot of fabric near the waist and hip area (too much bulk) I really wanted to make this Regal Maxi skirt. 


Let me tell you that I was not disappointed with the outcome and mainly how I looked it in.

If you're one of my plus size dolls that steers clear away from clothing that makes you look big, then have no fear, this is one tutorial you must try.

Pattern Description: Regal Maxi w/Sash, short or long version with side pockets, invisible zipper, gathering at the waist and waist band.

Mimi G Style Regal Maxi w/Sash Video Tutorial view Short

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the video tutorial once you were done 
sewing? Yes

Pattern Difficulty: No paper pattern required, just your measurements. Mimi G shows you how to measure yourself and use that measurement to make clothing without any pattern. Easy Breezy!

Was the Video easy to follow? Yes, that is one of the things I really like about Mimi G tutorials, they are videos with her actually sewing. You sew along with her and you can stop along the way and pick back up where you left off.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 
I love the fact that it was made to my exact measurement so the fit was just right! My only dislike is the gatherings, 
Lord Help Me! I was so frustrated because of the amount of fabric I had to gather. So if you plan on purchasing this tutorial, do the gathering in sections and do it with a heavier thread. 

Fabric Used: Gray and Blue Patchwork Cotton Denim from Mood Designer Fabrics here
Here are some other suggested fabrics this or this.

Pattern Cut in Size: My exact measurement.

Fitting: Spot-On

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Yes, the long version in a really thin fabric.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes! 
It really was easy to sew. If you’ve never done 
gatherings that might be an issue however Mimi G is really good and walks you through the process. Remember if you're one of my plus size dolls, do the gathering in sections; you’ll be working with a lot of fabric that will need to be gathered which makes the process a lot easier. 

Conclusion: I love the fact that this skirt is made to YOUR exact measurements, no guessing, praying and hoping that it will fit. No pattern cutting is also a plus.

Accessories: Dooney Bourke Purse, Ugg Shoes and Coach Sunshades.

I'm very new to blogging but stay tuned, there will be more exciting things to come as I learn my way in the blogging world.  


Dee's doing it the Plus Style Way!











Monday, June 2, 2014

DIY McCalls Pattern M6744, Sexy Long Split Version

Hey ladies,

Listen here listen here, just let me tell you!

So if you want to get your sexy back or on, then this will be the dress to make. I made this dress to wear to a wedding renewal that my husband and I attended. Oh yes, my husband made it very clear that I'm only to wear this when WE go out. 

I sewed this dress in two days and could have done it in one day if I didn't have so many distractions.

Pattern Description: Pullover dresses have bodice variations, elasticized (seamed) waist, and narrow hem. A, B: Fitted bodice (B is racerback) C, D: Mock wrap, very loose fitting bodice with elasticized shoulders.

McCalls M6744 view D

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing? Yes

Pattern Difficulty: Easy

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, one of the better written patterns.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My only dislike is the amount of ease, I normally sew anywhere between size 22 and 24. But I sewed a large; the fit was just right! 


Fabric Used: ITY Knit from Gorgeous Fabrics which I can't find online anymore so I'll assume that its sold out. Here are some other suggested fabrics thisthis, or this.

Pattern Cut in Size: Large

Fitting: Spot-On

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a self belt that definitely put the finishing touches on this dress. 

Would you sew it again? Yes
I envision me in another but will move on to the many other pattens I want to sew for the summer. 

Would you recommend it to others? Yes! It really was easy to sew and would be great for a beginner.

Conclusion: What's not to love about a great maxi for the summer and this one is definitely a must. With the sexy long split, it's not overly revealing but gives you just enough class/sass! 

Accessories: Coach Purse, Kenneth Cole Shoes and Ralph Lauren Sunshades. 

I'm very new to blogging but stay tuned, there will be more exciting things to come as I learn my way in the blogging world.  

Dee's doing it the Plus Style Way!