2016-10-02



Sorry that this month's update is a little late. I'm working away from home at the minute and the last couple of weeks have involved some fairly crazy hours! I have done my very best to keep on top of all the independent sewing pattern news still though so I've got a corker of a post for you to enjoy today. It's been a busy September!

New Pattern Companies

Sophie from Ada Spragg posted on Instagram about new pattern company Orageuse and I was checking out their website in a flash! Their first collection (Indian Summer) is a stunner. I particularly like the Copenhagen Jumpsuit and Lisbon Dress and Top. Patterns are available in French and English.

New Patterns

The first big release of the month was the Evolution Theory collection from Named. Another drop dead gorgeous selection of patterns, make sure to take a look at the line drawings to fully appreciate the clever designs. I bought the Pulmu Skirt straight away and the similar style lines on the Aava Blazer are simply delicious.

Seamly Co. released the Versalette pattern in collaboration with Indie Sew. It's a knit, one size fits all garment that can be worn a total of 30 different ways! I can't really explain it so you'll have to click the link to find out more!

The San Francisco Swing Top and Dress is the latest pattern from Sew Caroline. It's a knit dress with high neck and option to have a full or split back, great if you're just getting in to sewing.

Style Arc's releases this month included the Nell Cape, Isla Pant and Adeline Dress. The pants are definitely the stand out pattern for me with the adjustable wrap front.

The two patterns launched with September's issue of Seamwork Magazine were the Delavan Blazer and Neenah Knit Turtleneck Dress. The dress may be just the thing I want to make with one of a few pieces of merino I have been hoarding, especially with the bonus cowl neck downloadable pattern piece.

Pauline Alice released the Port Trousers and Shorts. They have an interesting combination of a relaxed fit through the hips and thigh with tapered legs. I really like the zip back pockets on view B.

Colette Patterns returned to their vintage roots with their latest design. The Rue Dress really epitomises the style I associate with Colette and I really like how the curved style lines of the front bodice work with the little cap sleeves.

Anya from Designer Stitch has been busy this month; releasing both the Charlie Dress and Pippa Wrap Dress. I'm really taken with the cape like shape and style of the sleeves of the Pippa. It's got a feel of a 1930s/40s tea dress to it.

Continuing her impressively regular output of patterns, Kennis from Itch to Stitch released the Bonn Shirt and Dress. It features four different sleeve options and a tiny mandarin collar with v neck opening.

Megan Nielsen released the Dove Blouse which is available as a PDF download only. So much to like with a deep v neck, faced curved hem and seventies inspired sleeve variations. I've sewn this up already and can't wait to show you all. It's love.

Pattern Fantastique launched the Genoa Tote pattern in collaboration with Blogless Anna. I've got some amazing pineapple print furnishing weight brocade which I think would make an awesome one of these!

The Harrison Shirt is the latest pattern from Cashmerette. Jenny has really filled a gap in the market with this one; a fitted shirt for curvier women that won't gape open between the buttons! Alongside the shirt Jenny has released her first online class 'Shirt Making for Curves'. It looks to be packed with shirt making and fitting tips to help you make your dream shirt.

Kristiann from Victory Patterns has released another stunning dress pattern in the form on Trina. Halfway between a classic wrap dress and a kimono those samples scream dramatic glamour.

Lisa from Sew Over It has branched out from their standard patterns and given us 5 new downloads in the form of an ebook. Called 'My Capsule Wardrobe: City Break' it includes a pair of jeans, a jersey top and dress, a button downs skirt, a shirtdress and waterfall front coat. I tested the Mia Jeans and am looking forward to sharing them, they've been seeing a lot of wear and I've got them on right now in fact!

New from Gather Kits is the Azaire Top and Dress. It's a versatile design with lots of options; a yoke, front panels and a peplum plus two sleeve styles. The shorter tulip sleeve is cute but I really like the longer sleeve with wrap cuff.

I was able to take a good look at some samples of the new Rosa Shirt and Dress from Tilly and the Buttons at the Handmade Fair a couple of weeks ago. I really like how fitted it is and the little breast pockets, it's got a really distinct look to it.

Wear Lemonade released the Maria Jacket which is a lovely simple style with shoulder darts and three small patch pocket. I think the fabric choice would entirely decide how smart or casual this looked and you could have some real fun with that.

Pearl Red Moon released her latest Boho Banjo pattern; the Grecian Tunic. I love the shape of this one which is inspired by the drape of a toga. The way it swoops round to the side with an irregular hemline is lovely.

I'm really interested in The Tailoress' new pattern venture which is to release a number of basic blocks which you can purchase and download to experiment with. So far there is an adult close fitting non stretch bodice block and child's close fit jersey tee block available. She also released the Georgiana Dress this month which is a loose fitting shift with long slits down the sleeves and centre back

Blank Slate Patterns released the Auberley Dress and additional hack pack which includes several sleeve and neckline options. It ties at the high waist babydoll style.

The Maker's Atelier released another beautiful, chic design in the form of the Shawl Collar Coat. This could be a contender to combine with the beautiful Burberry coating I've got waiting to be sewn up this winter.

I think I might be making a purchase of the new Sew House Seven Toaster Sweaters. The shape of both versions looks really modern and yet easy to wear. The wide turtleneck really appeals to me but I love the simple shape of the second view and the side slits in the hem.

Seamingly Smitten released the Cocoon Cardigan pattern. Super easy to sew as the dolman sleeves mean there is just a front and back pattern piece. It also has an optional hood.

I'm quite taken with the new Elskan Dress and Top from Charlotte Kan. I love the combination of fitted bottom half with the relaxed fit and batwing of the top. It looks chic but really comfortable which is my favourite combination!

I really need to get on and try a couple of Kommatia patterns as a lot of them look like fairly speedy makes which would be very useful in my wardrobe. Released this month is a loose fitting cropped turtleneck and a mini skirt with curved hem.

Peta from Atelier Louise has released her second shoe pattern which may interest those of you who are tempted to branch out with your sewing skills! It's for another pair of sandals, this time named Brighton which have three simple straps.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

Marilla Walker released a free downloadable sleeve pattern piece for her Bennett Dress as well as updating the dungaree instructions for her Roberts Collection to more thoroughly explain the  fastenings.

Sew-Alongs

There is a sew-along for Colette's new Rue Dress already in progress on Sew-Alongs.com. Led by Katie Whittle it covers fitting and sewing up your own version of the pattern.

Megan Nielsen has been running a sew-along for her recently released Dove Blouse in the form of a number of tutorials on how to best handle the different construction aspects.

Seamingly Smitten are running a sew-along on their blog this week for their Sazerac Shift Dress pattern.

Upcoming!

Melissa from Fehr Trade has a new mens sportswear pattern coming soon. It will be her first PDF pattern to have a layered format, making printing and assembly that bit easier.

Sewaholic Patterns gave us a tiny sneak peak of their upcoming release on Instagram. It looks to be some sort of shirt to me. This will be the first pattern without Tasia at the helm so I'm really intrigued to see the full design.

Schnittchen's competition to design one of their future patterns came to a close. The winning designs have been revealed as Marta's Bustier Dress, Trine's Cocoon Dress, Mrs I's Versatile Cape Top and a lovely pair of pants from Anoush. All four designs will be released in 2017.

I took a good look at the two new patterns coming soon from Sew La Di Da Vintage while at the Handmade Fair. They're really interesting unique designs but I'm not going to give the game away yet!

Also at the Handmade Fair I discovered pattern company How To Do Fashion when their beautiful A4 pattern envelopes jumped out at me from the back of a stand. They have the Stockholm and Malmo patterns coming soon including two jacket designs and a top and pencil skirt.

Waffle Patterns have a new coat pattern coming soon with two minimalist styles to choose from.

I'm very excited to see more about Christine Haynes' next pattern, the Ellsworth Coat. It will be interesting to see how her style comes out in an outerwear garment.

Charlie from Audrey and Me has another pay as you wish pattern coming shortly.

Currently being tested is the Arenal Top from Itch to Stitch. I'm loving the look of the cut of this and the lace yoke pieces on the sample.

Jennifer Lauren has changed the Vintage part of her name to Handmade and has the Ivy Pinafore Dress coming soon.

And finally, In The Folds has a new pattern on the way. All I can tell you from the teaser picture on Instagram is that it has a spaghetti strap!

Other Exciting News

I Am Patterns has launched a brand new website in English and French.

Papercut Patterns has been running a competition for their Skipper Tunic and as part of that have been posting some great hacks to do on the pattern. I'm looking forward to seeing the winners.

Phew that upcoming release list is almost as long as this month's release list! It looks like October will be a busy sewing month. Hopefully we'll have lots of inspiration for our handmade winter wardrobes. To get you started here's a handful of amazing makes from the sewing community this month.



Jade's amazing vivid red Cascade Skirt is one of those projects that grabs your attention immediately when you open up your blog feed! It's the kind of skirt I wish my wardrobe was full of.

Melissa's watercolour Style Arc Pamela Dress is just dreamy and so perfect to wear to a wedding. I'm dying to work with some silk noile now, what amazing fabric. Love the matching handmade clutch too.

The incredible silk evening gown Lesley made for her daughter used the Sophie Swimsuit pattern for the bodice and is jaw droppingly amazing. I've had the inspiration dress pinned on Pinterest since forever ago and can't get over the amazing job she's done recreating it.

Helen used the Archer Shirt pattern as a starting point for her awesome striped shirt dress. I love the fit of it and playing with monochrome stripes is a great idea.

I almost bought the Wren Dress pattern when it was released and every now and then I get tempted again. Heather Lou's brilliant version just made me take the plunge. Merino stash here I come.

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