So May has been the month of the Spring/Summer collection releases! We have been inundated with choice of new patterns this month. Luckily I've had a bit of time off and churned through some of my never ending sewing queue so I might be able to treat myself to a couple of new additions!
New Indie Pattern Companies!
Annie from Nine Stitches launched her new company Sew This Pattern with her first pattern, the Pin Pegs Mini Skirt! I'm really taken with the contemporary design which features an asymmetrical hem and diagonal zip closure.
Lilith & Eve released their very first pattern, LE101! It has two very different variations, one a button down tank and the other a long sleeved shirt, both with a gorgeous draped back and curved yoke. A paper version of the pattern is coming soon!
New Patterns
Papercut Patterns launched their Spring/Summer 2015 collection, Chameleon. The Rise & Fall Turtleneck is my favourite, although I absolutely love the look of the Guise Pants too but they're one of those styles that I just can't pull off!
Lily Sage & Co. released two new patterns this month. The first was the Wonderland Skirt and the second the Branson Top. I love seeing unique designs like this being released; the fitted yoke of the skirt I think is particularly interesting.
Style Arc's new pattern offerings included the Hazel Combo, a couple of beach cover ups and the Faith Woven Top which was the freebie of the month. They are also offering more pattern packs which come complete with the fabric; this month's releases are for the Demi Drape Top and Lea Wrap Dress along with more Designer Leggings.
Vanessa Pouzet recently released the Fatale Sister Pencil Skirt which features an exposed centre back zip. I love her samples and might need to brush up on my French so I can tackle it!
Itch To Stitch released the Lindy Petal Skirt pattern which is designed for knits and is also FREE! After testing Kennis's Marbella Dress last year I can highly recommend taking the chance to try out one of her patterns for free as the instructions are so thorough and well thought out.
The latest release from Paprika Patterns is the Onyx Shirt, which is their take on the woven t-shirt. It has lots of options within the two variations to create the look you want, including sleeves, sleeves with cuffs or no sleeves, two heights of neckline and the choice to make it shirt length or cropped.
Madalynne released a FREE pattern for the sequin bra she made earlier in the month. It's named Mallori Lane and is just for A and B cup sizes. I've seen some lovely lace versions popping up on various blogs.
The recent release from Straight Stitch Designs is the Greenwood Tank which is a classic knit top design featuring two back options. It's the first in a collection of Straight Stitch Basics which sound really interesting.
I've been eagerly awaiting the release of Dixie DIY's Bonnell Dress and now I've seen Lindsay's chambray test version I think I'm going to have to make a purchase! It's available in 10 sizes and has one of my favourite design features, a back v-neck along with triangular cut outs at the side seams.
Another company with an entire collection release this month is Schnittchen, with 10 new offerings. It wasn't actually until I was writing this that I properly checked out the new patterns and I may need to take a little break to possibly purchase that Judith Jumpsuit!
Hot Patterns released the Fast & Fabulous Shirt Tail Tees, a pattern for slouchy knit tops. I think you could have some real fun with pattern placement on the variations with the pieced front!
Colette Patterns have been releasing some gorgeous designs with their monthly Seamwork Magazine but this month they treated us with a new addition to their main collection, the Aster Button Up.
Megan Nielsen has launched her redesigned paper patterns, starting with the ever popular Tania Culottes and Darling Ranges Dress plus a brand new design, the Brumbie Skirt. I love those big pockets and Sallieoh's voile version is just gorgeous!
And last but by no means least, Christine Haynes' big new release is the Sylvie Dress. I'm in love with the gingham sample she made for picnic's in the park and think the full skirt is perfect for a border print I've been hoarding!
Sew-alongs
There's been a sew-along running for the Named Jamie Jeans over on Indie Sew. I've got a pair of these cut out (along with a pair of Gingers which I really need to get started on!) so will definitely be referring back to this for extra guidance.
The sew-along for Colette Patterns' new Aster will be coming soon so keep an eye out over on sew-alongs.com for that!
Jen from Grainline Studio is running a sew-along for the already very popular Morris Blazer, which was released last month. It starts tomorrow (Monday 1st June) over on the Grainline blog.
Upcoming!
Norma from Orange Lingerie revealed that she is working on a new thong and brief pattern to go with the Marlborough Bra. I know how popular the bra has been within the sewing community so I'm sure this news is going to go down a storm!
By Hand London have revealed a few hints on their Instagram at their next release, the Zeena Dress. Fingers crossed we should be seeing it sometime next month!
I was very excited to spot a sneak peak of what looked to be a swimsuit pattern on Maison Fleur's Instagram account. After making the Closet Case Files Bombshell last year I'm keen to make some more swimwear this year so am looking out for some interesting designs.
Kennis from Itch to Stitch just put out a call for testers for her next pattern, the Angelia Shorts. They have a huge number of pocket options and interesting details to choose from!
Other Exciting News
Iconic Patterns relaunched an updated version of their Jess Jeans pattern. It now includes options for a button or zip fly and the PDF version now has various printing formats to choose from.
Menswear pattern company Thread Theory released the paper versions of their Finlayson Sweater, Jutland Pants and first ladies wear pattern the Camas Blouse. I'm yet to try out one of their printed patterns but love the look of their packaging.
Continuing their work to make their entire collection available in PDF format the By Hand London Elisalex Dress is now available as a digital download.
As well as relaunching her paper patterns with a gorgeous new look Megan Nielsen revealed her brand new Pattern App! It's available free from the app store and I really think Megan might have hit on something in terms of the future of sewing patterns. It makes it easy to access all the pattern information you might need as well as all the sewing instructions, negating the need to print out instructions with your PDF.
Waffle Patterns have made their Cookie Jacket and Warabi Tunic patterns available in more sizes. The range is now from a 31.5"-43" bust and both patterns are 10% off for the next week!
As always if you can think of any news I've missed or if you're an indie designer with some more info for me please feel free to make a comment below or shoot me an email. To finish up here's your monthly dose of indie sewing inspiration!
I LOVE how Lauren hacked the Lady Skater pattern into a wrap dress! Such a great idea and it's turned out really beautifully. I've been thinking about making a wrap dress for a while now and I've already got this pattern in my stash...
Heather Lou's Asaka Kimono is jaw-droppingly beautiful! What an absolutely perfect pattern for that crazily stunning fabric!
Lindsay has been knocking up some stunning garments recently; I particularly love her version of the Delphi Maxi Dress. It's made me take a second look at that pattern!
Queen of how to use a print to it's best advantage, Marcy has struck again with her two piece jumpsuit combo of a Vogue bodice and the Holly Jumpsuit trousers! Not technically a full indie pattern project but I love it so much I had to include it anyway!
Anna's sunny yellow combination of the Kim Dress bodice and Salme Flared Mini Skirt has turned out beautifully! The exposed blue zip in the centre back is a lovely touch.