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...

Please pardon the radio silence. Life. You know. Anyhoots.... I have a dress! A new one to share with you. I have literally been dreaming about this dress since the spring of 2017. I went back and looked at my records and found that I'd bought the fabric in July of 2017. I cut out the fabric in early December 2018. And finally!! A dress!! Without further ado...I bring you my blue baby. This is the Cashmerette Lenox pattern in a straight size 30 DD. Can you tell I was feeling myself today? I took the opportunity of sunshine and a quiet apartment complex to get some fun outside shots.  The Kaufman ivy blue Oxford cloth is from fabric.com . They seem to be out of the ivy color I used but I linked to the navy which looks just as crisp. I would say this was a great fabric to work with. Given the amount of handling this dress took over the months, it frayed very little and pressed like a dream. It does wrinkle, as you can clearly see, but I think that...

Isn't it always the way? It's spring break this week and, of course, I've come down with a cold. Or maybe a sinus infection. Or just a bad case of hay fever? Stuff has started to bloom here in Alabama so...ya know...snot. My plans for the week involved sewing, sewing, and sewing. There may be a little more curling up on the couch than anticipated. I can barely breathe upright much less bent over my cutting table. Cashmerette Cedar Dolman Top This past week, I spent some time exploring the Cashmerette Cedar Dolman Top . Ultimately, it was a wadder. I just don't think dolman sleeves are for me. Certainly not with the jewel neckline. I found it unflattering for my body type but the pattern itself went together quite easily. It's such a cute top and I was hoping to sew it up in some lovely linen from Fabricmart for the summer. I used a cotton/silk mix I bought at a local shop that went out of business as a hopeful wearable muslin but no joy. I have plans t...

Greetings! Today, you're getting my first pattern review. No, don't back away. I'm giving it to you whether you like it or not! Was that a tad confrontational? Sorry about that. Anyhoots, the Pattern4Pirates Peg Leg leggings pattern. My first class as a dance cardio instructor! Likes: freeeeeeeeeee wheeeeeeeee!!!! so many variations available in the same pattern the pdf is NO TRIM (scissors need not apply) the pdf is in layers which means you can print out ONLY the sizes you want pocketsesssszzzzzzz  (the free add-on gives options on a side panel, color blocking, two pockets, a gusset, and a contoured waistband...lots of options! and pockets!) the pattern has a size chart  the pattern webpage has lots of pictures that show a wide variety of the combinations the pattern webpage shows this pattern on lots of different body types Dislikes: only in pdf, not available in printed form. (I would be willing to purchase the printed pattern while the pdf r...