Oh my friends I can’t even tell you how long I have been waiting to write this blog post! Actually, I can, it’s been over three years. That’s how long we’ve been working on updating the sizing for Darling Ranges and drafting Darling Ranges Curve. I’m so excited to tell you that Darling Ranges is now available in extended sizes 0-20 and Darling Ranges Curve which is available in sizes 14-30.
I’m going to go through the differences between the Curve pattern and the standard pattern as well as detail each of the variations, and tell you a little about them and how you can use them.
What has changed?
The Darling Ranges instructions and pattern pieces haven’t changed at all, the pattern pieces have just been re-graded to include additional sizes. Darling Ranges originally included 5 sizes, and now includes 11!
But we did decide to add a little something extra because I just can’t help myself! Before our last photoshoot, we decided to try out making a belt to go with the View C dartless dress and we loved it so much we had to share it with you! That means the Darling Ranges pattern now includes a bonus belt pattern piece and instructions to go with it.
We love this new addition which makes it possible to wear View C in two different ways!
Whats the difference between 0-20 and Curve 14-30?
The Darling Ranges pattern is drafted for a B cup whereas the Darling Ranges Curve is based on our Curve block which is drafted for a D cup.
The Curve pattern is drafted with the same style and design details but with a curvey figure in mind. Key differences for Curve patterns beyond cup size include a slightly higher waistline, a slightly longer skirt and a bit more ease in key areas.
If you find yourself in the crossover of the two ranges in sizes 14-20 we recommend that you choose your pattern based on your cup size and personally ease preferences. If you have a B cup we would recommend Darling Ranges. If you are a D cup or above, we recommend Darling Ranges Curve.
Both patterns come with the same awesome variations and all our tutorials and add-on ideas can be applied to either!
View A the contemporary shirt dress
Everyone’s favourite View! This View is our take on a contemporary shirt dress. It includes a really cool all-in-one placket with our unique construction method, inseam pockets a gathered waistline, set sleeves with elastic cuffs at the elbow and ties at the back to allow you to wear the dress in a fitted or loose style.
This dress is so hackable it’s crazy. I love using it as a base for lots of things! You can make a peplum, a maxi dress, or a sleeveless dress. You can wear it super fitted or leave it loose and breezy. It’s a winner in so many different fabrics whether they are drapey or structured.
This view is the original Darling Ranges dress and will always hold a very special place in my heart as the very first pattern I ever released when I launched my brand back in 2012!
View B the dartless blouse
This is such a fun view because it uses very little fabric and gives you the same bodice look as darling ranges, but in a blouse! This blouse is dartless which makes it a super easy sew and results in a lovely swingy shape. You can wear it in so many different ways! The generous length means that you can wear it loose and breezy, tie it in a cute knot (our favourite!) or tuck it in. Whether this blouse looks casual or formal is all up to your fabric choice! You can make it an everyday piece, something for the office or even a night out!
View C the dartless dress with bonus belt
Believe it or not, this is the view I actually wear the most! I feel like View C is the forgotten view of Darling Ranges, which is a pity because it’s awesome! This dress is a dartless dress with set sleeves and a lovely swingy shape. It includes inseam pockets and with this release, we have added a bonus belt which means you can wear it loose or cinched in for a completely different look!
One of my very favourite dresses is a sleeveless version of this dress and it’s the dress I get the most compliments on when I walk my kids to school. It’s a super easy hack!
LOOKING FOR MORE DARLING RANGES POSTS?
One of the wonderful things about Darling Ranges is that as it was my first pattern we have an absolutely epic number of support materials in the form of sewalong tutorials, pattern hacks and alterations and even styling ideas!
- Project preparation
- Pattern alterations: full bust adjustment
- Pattern alterations: small bust adjustment
- Pattern alterations: lengthen the bodice
- Pattern alterations: raise the neckline
- Pattern alterations: rounded neckline
- Pattern alterations: fishtail hem
- Pattern alterations: add darts to the back bodice pattern piece
- Sewing & construction: Bodice & darts
- Sewing & construction: Skirt & pockets
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the skirt & bodice
- Sewing & construction: Placket & Neckline
- Sewing & construction: Sleeveless version
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the sleeves
- Sewing & construction: Hemming
- Sewing & construction: Ties & beltloops
- Sewing & construction: Closures
- Sewing and Construction: Sleeveless variation
- Sewing and Construction: Dartless Versions (View B &View C)
I am honestly just so thrilled to be sharing Darling Ranges in ALL the sizes! I love this pattern so much and it makes me so happy that more people can access it now!
If you have any questions at all please let me know in the comments below or send us an email at hello@megannielsen.com. We’d love to see what you make with Darling Ranges and Darling Ranges Curve! Don’t forget to tag your creations #MNdarlingranges and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
