#memademay day 20!!! brand new @annaallenclothing #helenejeans i just finished last night!!!! i am so fucking thrilled with them. i feel like i finally cracked the code. this is my fourth pair and the others were like okay but i was never super excited with how they fit, the butt and back thighs were always kinda saggy and had drag lines and the front crotch had some camel toe issues on me but i was never confident enough to make changes to the pattern but i finally said fuck it and made some minor adjustments that worked out pretty well. started with a size 0 and -scooped the front crotch a lil to fix the camel toe -3/4” flat seat adjustment -sewed side seams at 5/8” -substituted a curved waistband i’ve had like an unhealthy obsession with this pattern for a long time and scoured the hashtag for more hours than i can count. i’d literally never heard of rudy jude or ever seen these double front patches before seeing everyone’s copycat versions and i’m easily influenced so i had to give it a try obviously. i followed @jessilous_closet tutorial on youtube to draft the patches and i like the visual interest it brings!! honestly i might end up bleaching these because i don’t know how i feel about the dark denim and white topstitching but im gonna wear them for a couple weeks before fully deciding on that. i cannot wait to make another pair now that i have these adjustments down. okay wow that was a long caption 😮‍💨 . . . . . #memademay2025 #slowfashion #memade #memadewardrobe #indiesewing #sewing #sewist #sewistsofinstagram #slocantank #cornellshirt

Cheeky bit of embroidery on my #sewliberated #chanterellepants - paired with my @helens__closet #slocantank #memademay #memademay2025 #memademay2025day3

Yippee, My first 2 makes of 2025 and they are the comfiest clothes I've ever worn no exaggeration! I haven't worked with knit or stretch fabrics much so I chose the @helens__closet #SlocanTank and #NelsonPants because everyone raves about how wonderful these are to sew. The instructions were fantastic and I constructed both garments hiccup free! I used a buttery soft organic cotton and tencel jersey fabric from @corefabrics My big goal for 2025 is to focus on creating a sustainable wardrobe. This means being mindful of my fabric choices and creating lasting garments I'll love wearing over and over again. Core is now one of my new favorite fabric shops! They are transparent about how their fabrics are sourced and manufactured and do their best to carry environmentally and ethically responsible products. #sewist #memade #seamstress

Finally getting some #slocantank makes on the grid. The two teal ones and the black one were made back in February but I don't think I posted them. One of the teal tanks has the shelf bra sewn in (swipe for that photo!). The creamy color and white tanks were just made. Things I learned: 1. Pay attention to stretch percentage directions from designers! They know what they are talking about. 😂 I made the teal tanks first with some amazingly soft cotton/soy/spandex blend I picked up from @boltfabricpdx and at 70% stretch, the fit at my measurements is spot on!! The black fabric is a Robert Kauffman cotton/spandex blend and has 50% stretch. Cutting the same size as the teal, it is a bit tighter than I need it to be, but still totally wearable. The pattern calls for at least 60% stretch. So with the next two I sized up and the fit is perfect. 2. While not necessary for this pattern, a coverstitch machine with a double-fold binding attachment is a GAME CHANGER! I am getting used to my new #babylockeuphoria and this pattern was perfect for learning how to attach knit binding and playing with hemming. More knit patterns will need to be sewn up so I can keep appreciating how awesome this machine is! #helensclosetpatterns #pdxmakers #sewover40 #imakemyownclothes #sewingwithknits #slowfashion #lteghandmade #handmadewardrobe

Here's a cropped #slocantank made with the softest velvety stretch fabric. I got a little sloppy on the strap binding 🫣 so don't look too closely!

#memademay2025 day 22 Harper cardigan by @stylearc in bamboo jersey from @lushfabricsaustralia made in 2024. Slocan tank top by @helens__closet in rib knit from @lushfabricsaustralia made in 2024 Sweatpants by @ellieandmac_patterns in cotton Spandex from @spotlightstores made in 2024 #sewityourwaymay #saharper #slocantank #memadeeveryday

say hello to my new favorite pair of pants!! these are the #adamspant by @daughterjudypatterns and words cannot even describe how happy i am with them. i loooove everything about these pockets. i had to make some minor adjustments because my waist and hip measurements are about an inch smaller than the smallest size. i just did a 3/4” seam allowance instead of 1/2” on the sides and inseam to slim them down a little. also did a flat seat adjustment by cutting the back lengthen/shorten line on a hinge and removing like 1/2”. ohhh and also i used perform-x tex 80 cotton wrapped poly topstitch thread from wawak and now i refuse to use anything else. denim is 11.5oz non stretch from @blackbirdfabrics(sadly unavailable nowadays or i would buy more) and the #slocantank(@helens__closet)fabric is from @lyricalfabrics and both are incredible and thats why those are my favorite stores 🧡

I whipped up a #slocantank bralette to take on vacation while thinking about my packing list. I used some scrap hemp/organic cotton knit fabric from @corefabrics and it's perfect for a nice, light under layer for summer and for being comfy on a long flight! I made some fit adjustments to the pattern as well, so this is a great wearable toile, and I'm planning some more of these tanks with built-in bralettes already. Pattern: Slocan Tank by @helens__closet view C with adjustable straps My goal for this year is for every other garment sew I'll make a garment or bag with something from my scrap collection. So far it's been really fun!

The springiest set! 🌸🌼 I used the #maxinepanties again by @evielaluve and the #slocantank bralette by @helens__closet Love love love!

there’s no way i’ll be able to post every day in #memademay but like 2 days in a row is better than nothing right?? and i can almost guarantee every single one of my posts is just gonna be some variation of jeans and a tank. today we have (yet another) #slocantank and some #dawnjeans . . . . . . #sewing #indiesewing #memademay2025 #memade #memadeeveryday #slowfashion

I made a summer PJ/Loungewear set using two patterns from @helens__closet : the #slocantank and the #nelsonpants. I’ve made several Nelsons but this was my first Slocan. I made a size 12 graded to 14 in the D cup range, crop version. Since this is for sleeping, I didn’t add a shelf bra lining but I would if I was making a non-sleep version. This fabric is a lightweight drapey spandex French terry.

@rebeccacreechcreates made this classic @helens__closet #slocantank out of my “Desert Blooms” French Terry fabric. The simple shaped tank is perfect for the all-over-crazy-cool colours of this dye job. Thank you Rebecca! It looks fab 💥 Bring on Spring!☀️ #elevateyourmake #icedye #frenchterryfabric #collaborations

Both the #NelsonPants and the #SlocanTank, new patterns by @helens__closet, have maternity-friendly hacks!⁠ ⁠ Dressing for pregnancy and post-partum can be difficult, uncomfy, and expensive! We love seeing how creative mamas take these lemons and make them into amazing lemonade. In Episode 80: Maternity Sewing, we chat with six amazing sewists about their favourite patterns and hacks, coping with the bodily changes of pregnancy and postpartum, and making time for sewing after the baby arrives. ⁠ ⁠ Check out the Helen's Closet blog for the Nelson and Slocan maternity hacks!⁠ ⁠ Give your best advice for maternity sewing below! There are probably prospective parents reading along who might want to know. 🤰⁠ ⁠ #LoveToSewPodcast #WeLoveToSew #SewingPodcast #HandmadeWardrobe #MeMadeEveryday #MeMade #Sewing #HandmadeFashion #Handmade #Sew #Sewcialists #ISew #MakersGonnaMake #SewingLove #IndieSewing #MakersCommunity

Finished my @helens__closet #slocantank during #treadysetgo run by @sewhayleyjane today and I LOVE it! I’ve been looking for a pattern to replace a favourite tank from Gap. This top, just like the one it’s replacing, has a built in bra. It was a lovely tank to make accompanied by fantastic instructions. I’m planning my next version already. #sewing #sewingjersey #myhandmadeclothes #handmadewardrobe

happy #memademay fiber arts pals! i made these #pinyonpants by @sewliberated back in march and i’ve worn them a ton so far this spring. 1000% inspired by @jessamyb‘s pair from when the pattern first released. i hacked a button fly using the dawn jeans instructions because im a button fly lover(also zippers scare me!). started with a size 0 and other than the fly change my only mod was to use 3/4” seam allowance on sides and inseam to take them in a bit. extremely obsessed with the comfiness and the shape and all the pockets! my partner says they give off big 90s vibes and i love it 💛 . . . . . #sewing #indiesewing #slocantank #memademay2025 #memade #memadeeveryday #slowfashion

this #slocantank (by @helens__closet) is hot off the machine (finished it about 15 minutes ago) and i think this is gonna be my perfect spaghetti strap tank pattern… last summer i tried a popular pattern that just did not work for me despite everyone else loving it and it was kinda discouraging?? but this one is sooooo good for me, no weird tightness anywhere, easily customizable strap length/placement. i think i’ll crop it like maybe another inch and widen the straps/binding just a smidge next time i make one(which will be soon). have i mentioned how happy i am about this one?? . . . . #slowfashion #memade #memadewardrobe #indiesewing #sewing #sewist #sewistsofinstagram #slocantank #helenejeans

Finally a beautiful 70+ degree day! ☀️☀️☀️ Here is my 3rd Slocan tank #slocantank pattern by @helens__closet in drop dead gorgeous ice dye by @francesfelt (gifted) I’m in love with this artwork she’s created on French Terry and so happy to have brought it to life as a tank top! Please give her a follow and see what she’s dropping on her site next!!! I debated adding a lining/shelf bra but also want to wear it to bed as a comfy set so I left it alone. Helen has a new hack though which I very well may use for my next. Happy Spring y’all ☀️

Tutorial alert! 🚨 Today we want to teach you how to sew pockets for removable bra cups in the #SlocanTank! This method can be used for any form-fitting knit tank or swimsuit like the #SandpiperSwimsuit. 👙⁠ ⁠ All you need to get started is some extra fabric and bra cups or foam to insert into your top. 💁‍♀️ You can find bra cups online, at craft stores, or you can make your own using foam. If you intend to swim in them, try to find cups that are labeled as swim-friendly to ensure they will hold up to the wear and tear of chlorine. 🏊⁠ ⁠ Swipe through the image gallery for a general idea of how to complete this hack, but for full details and illustrations head to our blog to read the entire post (link in bio)! ✨⁠ ⁠ Let us know if you decided to try this hack, we can't wait to see your Slocans and Sandpipers! ❤️⁠ ⁠ [Image Description: 1) A line drawing of the Slocan Tank bra cup pockets hack. There is white text that says, “How to sew removable bra cup pockets.” 2) Two illustrations of the front piece of Slocan. There is text that says "trace or print off another Front (1)." 3) An illustration of the front piece with a red line demarcating where to split the piece in two near the armscye and strap attachment. There is text that says to discard the detached piece. 4) An illustration of two complete front pieces and one altered front piece that says "cut pattern pieces out." 5) An illustration of the altered front piece with serged stitches at the previous cut line. There is text that says "Finish bra cup openings." 6) And illustration of the same piece with center front notches marked and two red lines on either side to indicate stitch lines. 7) An illustration of the same piece pinned to one complete front piece. There is text that says "Pin and sew the linings together." 8) An illustration indicating how to attached and baste the two lining pieces to the front outer piece. 9) An illustration of the completed interior of the Slocan Tank with finished bra cup pockets. End.]⁠ ⁠ #HelensCloset #HelensClosetPatterns #YouCanHackIt

As our #NelsonPants and #SlocanTank launch celebration continues, today on the blog we want to share how easy it is to hack both of these patterns into maternity wear! 🤰⁠ ⁠ For the Nelson Pants, we'll show you how to work with the wider waistband piece to create pants that go over a growing belly . . . but we've also got specific instructions for how to create pants that go under the belly if that's your preference. 😘⁠ ⁠ The Slocan Tank is also easily updated for maternity wear - it's simply a matter of adding length to the front piece and ruching the side seams. 🎉⁠ ⁠ You can swipe through the image gallery for a general idea of how to complete these hacks, but of course for more details and illustrations, head to our blog to read the full posts (link in bio)! ✨⁠ We hope you find these tutorials helpful, and please make sure to tag us if you create your own maternity wear using these patterns! ❤️⁠ ⁠ And don’t forget, there's still time to save 20% on BOTH of these patterns! 🎉 Sale ends Tuesday, no coupon code required!⁠ ⁠ [Image Description: 1) A line drawing of the Nelson maternity pants hack. There is white text that says, “How to sew Nelson maternity pants.” 2) An illustration of the front leg piece of Nelson with a line demarcation of where to lower the front rise. 3) An illustration of length being added to the front waistband of Nelson. 4) An illustration of how to pin and the side seams of the Nelson waistband pieces. 5) A line drawing of the Slocan maternity tank hack. There is white text that says, “How to sew a Slocan maternity top.” 6) An illustration of the Slocan front piece with the side seam straightened out and length added to the hem. 7) An illustration of the previous changes being added to the Slocan back piece. 8) An illustration of more length being added to the waist of the Slocan front piece. 9) An illustration of how to pin and sew the side seams of the Slocan Tank. End.]⁠ ⁠ #HelensCloset #HelensClosetPatterns #YouCanHackIt