I don't know about you but I've been diving headfirst into winter sewing this month so have been keeping my eyes peeled for new patterns which could be a good addition to my cold weather wardrobe. I'm toying with the idea of making a coat...anyone got any good pattern recommendations? It's the perfect time to be looking for patterns to add to your collection as this weekend has seen a surge of Black Friday/Thanksgiving sales from many indie designers as well as a couple of anniversary sales. I've spotted discounts on offer at Grainline Studio, Sewaholic, True Bias, See Kate Sew, Imagine Gnats, Kate & Rose, Jennifer Lauren, Gray All Day, Megan Nielsen, Jamie Christina, Colette, April Rhodes and Tilly and the Buttons. Check out their sites/blogs for full details.
New Pattern Companies/First Releases!
Jennifer from Workroom Social has released her very first PDF pattern, the Tate Top. It's a racerback tank top with two variations, plus it's FREE! It's super simple to make so bear in mind that it has has no instructions.
The new company on the block this month is Pattern Fantastique who have launched with a three piece first collection of PDF patterns. Their focus is on shape and their designs have a contemporary simplistic aesthetic which I find intriguing. The style kind of reminds me of COS. Their blog is also worth checking out for some great construction and finishing tips!
New Patterns
Christine Haynes released a gorgeously simple pattern for a chic knit dress, called the Marianne. It has capped sleeves, or 3/4 length additions and a collar option. I love it made up in a classic breton stripe!
I really love Amy from Cloth Habit's new Watson Bra and Bikini Brief pattern. It's a seventies style soft cup plunge bra with no under wiring and has a longline variation. I can imagine it made up in so many different colours and fabrics and think it might just tempt me into my first foray in lingerie making!
Tenterhook Patterns' Jacaranda Dress is their second addition to their specialist plus size pattern line and has a princess seamed bodice drafted for a C-D cup. It has two skirt variations and comes with detailed assembly instructions.
Tilly and the Buttons' new pattern is the Francoise Dress and for me completely captures her style! It is as usual aimed at beginners and is a classically simple late 60s style shift dress with two variations and raglan sleeves.
By Hand London's Kim Dress is now available from their online shop. I've just started work on my Christmas party version of it in a combination of tricky fabrics so wish me luck!
I was so lucky to be asked by Anto from Jolie Marie Louise to test her latest release, the Chloe Blazer. It was a real challenge for me as my first foray into basic tailoring and I can't wait to give it another try. I'm really inspired by the brocade fabric Anto chose for her sample version.
Blue Ginger Doll released theViolet Dress which is a vintage inspired knit dress with three variations. I like the little details on the shoulders and bust which make it unique to other knit patterns available.
Kathleen from Grosgrain has launched a free dress pattern called the Simply Shift and has instructions to accompany it available on her blog. I really like the topstitched centre front seam detail on her sample.
The Zoe Raglan Top is the most recent release from Liola Designs and is currently available through Kollabora, soon to be available through Etsy too! It features a really unique, bold pleated feature along the upper sleeves.
While clicking through the sale links when writing this post I discovered a new Jamie Christina pattern which I might have to treat myself to! The Lark is a maxi-cardi with a collar or hood. It's currently available as a PDF pattern but is soon to be released in hard copy form too.
Iconic Patterns' new release is the Rachel Blouse. It's got two variations with two different sizes of neck tie and long or short sleeves, I can imagine it made up beautifully in gorgeous silk chiffons! It's also on offer as part of their two week pre-Christmas sale so how can you resist!
Anne from 1 Puddle Lane released the Miss Audrey Dress PDF pattern this month! With a full skirt and fitted bodice it's got options for different cup sizes which is a feature I love. She's selling kits for the pattern too.
Republique du Chiffon released two new patterns this month! The first was the PDF Marthe Blouse, which has raglan sleeves with a dipped hem and deep gathered peplum. The second is the paper Annabelle Dress which is a simple tunic dress with v-neck and centre front zip.
Upcoming!
Tasia and her team at Sewaholic have been busy working on a whole load of new pattern designs by the looks of things. Two new patterns are coming in January!
Marilla Walker is going to be releasing a coat pattern with a very on trend cocoon silhouette in mid December. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of that one.
Pauline Alice gave us a sneak peak on Instagram of her next pattern which had a stunning pleated detail around the hem. To me it looked like some sort of coat/jacket and I can't wait for the full reveal!
Megan Nielsen has plans to release a free PDF circle skirt pattern called the Veronika Skirt, aimed at beginners. It's going to have two waistband choices, optional pockets and will suit either knits of wovens.
Sew-Alongs
Kelli from True Bias has been running a sew-along on her blog for her most recent release, the Sutton Blouse. It wrapped up on 14th November but the posts will remain up if you are after some tips!
Thread Theory's sew-along for their new Jutland Pants starts tomorrow (1st December). It's one of those sew-alongs that I'm going to be following eagerly despite not actually sewing the pattern as it's going to have some great tips on sewing techniques and details that I've never tried before.
The sew-along for Cloth Habit's Watson Bra is starting January 12th. Amy is quite the font of knowledge when it comes to sewing lingerie so I'm going to be paying close attention to any of her tips and recommendations.
I have been intently following Heather Lou's Ginger Jeans sew-along which has just wrapped up over on Closet Case Files. She's packed so much useful information into it and has clearly invested so much time, research and thought. My supplies are ready and waiting and armed with those posts I feel pretty confident!
The sew-along for Tilly and the Buttons' new Francoise Dress is in full swing. There's also a competition with some great prizes! The deadline to finish and share your dress by is 14th December.
The sew-along for the Bonnie Sweater from Blue Ginger Doll which was released last month has just started over on their blog. It contains thorough tips for choosing and working with knits.
Sew Over It are running a sew-along for their new Pussy Bow Blouse which is aimed at an intermediate sewer. It will include tips for working with the slippery and lightweight fabrics which are suited to this pattern and starts on their blog tomorrow (1st December).
See Kate Sew ran a week long series of posts on tips and tricks for their Icon Coat including a detailed welt pocket tutorial and instructions for bagging out a coat lining.
Anne from 1 Puddle Lane is starting a sew-along for her new Miss Audrey Dress on 1st December. She's got a handy little sign up box specifically for the sew-along so you can get all the information delivered directly to you!
Other Exciting News
First up a bit of news that I personally am super excited about (and may have already taken advantage of!). Australian company Style Arc are now offering PDF versions of some of their patterns on Etsy. I've often been tempted by the on-trend style of their designs but the delivery costs and times have put me off, along with the fact that you buy just the one size. The PDF patterns are instant download and you get a bundle of three sizes!
Colette Patterns launched Seamwork Magazine. There will be monthly digital issues which are free to read containing in depth articles on a variety of sewing topics. Each issue will come with two digital patterns which can be sewn up in 3 hours or less which will be available to subscribers only. The first issue comes out next week and I'm really looking forward to it.
Two more Sewaholic patterns are now available to download as PDFs; the Tofino Pants and Saltspring Dress. (Which makes them super tempting here in the UK with this weekend's sale!)
Katie from Papercut Patterns is working on PDF versions of her designs. She already offers free world-wide shipping on her beautifully packaged patterns but I can see instant downloads being a very popular alternative to waiting for the shipping from New Zealand!
As usual if you know of any more news or events please let me know in the comments so I can add them to the update. Here's your does of monthly indie sewing inspiration to get your creativity fired up for the month ahead!
I didn't get a chance to make up Named's Kielo Wrap Dress over the summer, despite my best intentions. I didn't even think about it working for winter but Katy from Katy & Laney has made an incredible wool version with widened and shortened ties!
If the pattern itself hadn't tempted me enough Sallie's gorgeous white Ginger Jeans tipped me over the edge. Stunning!
I loved Caroline from Sewaholic/Blackbird Fabric's choice to use lace for the yoke piece of the Sutton Blouse. Such a beautiful lace to use too.
Reana Louise made the most amazing trousers from Grainline's Maritime shorts pattern and some seriously fun fabric. Plus that's an Archer shirt she's wearing with it. Killer outfit.
I love the cut out at the back of the neck on Kirsten from Fifty Two Fancies's gingham Scout Tee. It turns out that it was a bit of an accident due to lack of fabric but I love it as an intended design feature!