Anyone else remember the heyday of the Elizabeth Suzann clothing brand? It had a death grip on my particular internet corner from about 2016 – 2020; pattern designers were releasing dupes (which I sewed in 2018) and I even ordered their Clyde Vest ready made about that time–and returned it, because I didn’t think it was very well-sewn for $200.
You know what’s coming: Elizabeth Suzann has been transitioning from a clothing company to a pattern company since 2020, so I finally made my own version of the Clyde Vest (and made sure it was well-sewn).
This is EXTREMELY Swedish art teacher-coded. It’s giving “Eileen Fisher isn’t cool enough for my collection of handmade beads” vibes. It’s saying, “I take pottery vacations to Taos every winter.” It’s sending a message that you are a certain age and don’t want to get too hot but being dramatically surrounded by fabric is non-negotiable. I like it, in other words.
I used a 7.5 ounce stretch twill from Nick of Time Fabrics, which is fast becoming my JoAnn Fabrics replacement when I need a lot of yardage. The pattern itself is really beginner-friendly, with instructions for clean finishes throughout. I like the deep armholes for layering and the pockets are big enough to hold snacks or a ball of yarn or your plein-air art supplies.