July Customer Spotlight :: Heather Lou of Closet Case Files

Our July Customer Spotlight is sewing and crating maven Heather Lewenza of blog and pattern company Closet Case Files.  Heather started her crafting life by sewing clothes for her barbie dolls. Since then she's become the designer and creator of two of the most trending sewing patterns of late- the Bombshell and the Nettie. These patterns continue to be featured, worldwide, through pictures, reviews, and tutorials.  We congratulate Heather on her success with taking her pattern making to a full time job.  It is not an easy jump but Heather's story shows that it is definitely possible!  Here is Heather's story. 

About Heather :: 

Hi! I'm Heather Lou and I've been sharing my sewing journey and style evolution over at Closet Case Files for the last few years. I have a modern, feminine sensibility along with a love for 60s and 70s vintage; nothing makes me happier than a sunny day spent in the studio with about 8 cups of strong tea and a full stash of fabric to dive into.

I released my first pattern, the Bombshell, almost on a whim. I had drafted it for myself and saw a hole in the market that needed filling, namely for a flattering vintage style swimsuit. The response was so great I decided to release a bodysuit and dress pattern called Nettie this spring. I've never felt more engaged, creatively stimulated or motivated then I have designing patterns; seeing the diversity of my customers in their unique, beautiful interpretations of my designs has been amazing.

I've worked in commercial interior design for over 6 years but I've found the process of assisting people in their creative sewing process to be so much more fulfilling than my day job. This summer I've made Closet Case Patterns a full time concern. I'm hoping to help women round out their wardrobes with flexible, stylish, beautifully designed garments that they'll reach for again and again.

I love designing for knits since they're so flattering and quick to make, and I'm so happy I discovered Girl Charlee! No one on the web has a better selection of hard to find fabrics like cotton lycra. This year I made more than half of my Nettie samples with Girl Charlee fabric and I've seen lots of my patterns cropping up around the web using Girl Charlee as well! Here are a few:

Nettie examples from fellow bloggers :: Sown Brooklyn, Sallieoh, The Afro Crafty Engineer, and Four Square Walls.

I write all about my adventures in sewing on my blog; this year I'll also be sharing a lot more DIY projects so come for a visit if you're looking for inspiration! If you're making a Nettie or Bombshell, I'd highly suggest checking out the sewalongs for each pattern. They really walk you through each pattern step by step and may save you some hair-pulling.
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We hope you have enjoyed reading about Heather. If you would like to be featured in our next Customer Spotlight post, email gcblog(at)girlcharlee(dot)com and we will get in touch.

~ Heather & The Girl Charlee Team