SueBear Sews And Flows

So, you know how sometimes you have a favorite thing and you have many of this thing because it's your favorite and you can't imagine that you could want a different version of this thing because you think this thing is already perfect? No? Just me? Well, I'm a die-hard Cashmerette fan, in particular the Springfield top. I have made at least six version of that tank top, maybe more like ten. It's a quick sew for me. I've perfected the fit. I've started hacking it into different iterations. I love it. Sooo....when Helen's Closet asked for testers for a beginner's level tank top, I was happy to help but not terribly enthusiastic about the pattern itself. Because, you see, I had already solved that issue in my closet. Or I thought I had. Y'all. I love this top. It was a sleeper for me. I was unsure if I liked it up to and including putting it on my body to wear for the first time. By the time we got home from a dinner out with friends,...

I'm in the midst of packing for a big vacation we're taking with my mom. We're cruising with stops in Key West and Havana, Cuba and I could not be more excited. For several reasons. 1. I'm going to do awesome relaxing things like read in a deck chair while overlooking the water. 2. I'm going to HAVANA CUBA!!! 3. I'm going to KEY WEST!!! (Both places I've never been.) and a biggie... 4. I know what I'm going to wear. I've talked a bit on this blog about how I'm currently in the midst of making lasting positive changes in my life. Part of that process has been learning to sew my own clothing. I'm taking quite a few things I've made with me. My whole wardrobe won't be hand made, but a good 60-70% will be. So knowing what I'm going to wear means so much more to me on this vacation. I know where the fabric came from. I know how it was constructed. I know how much time went into the garments. I know it will fit. I know I...

Greetings! Helen’s Closet is releasing their new pattern today, Yanta Overalls. This is their first new release in their new extended sizes. I was excited to be one of the testers for this pattern. I chose to sew the short option with a brown 100% cotton micro-whale corduroy from my stash, originally from Fabric Mart Fabrics. I used a batik quilting cotton as the lining to reduce bulk and add a pop of color. I don’t like unfinished pocket interiors so I lined the chest and tush pockets as well. The tester version also had in-seam pockets which I used, but the final version eliminated those and uses front patch pockets. I think that was a smart change as I found the in-seam pockets bulky. I may sew up the seams, cut them off and add the patch pockets later. Helen also raised the tush pockets on the higher end of the size range. I would definitely say my back pockets look a little saggy in placement. I chose to use the clever hidden zipper and I am quite pleased with the added eas...