January Indie Pattern Update!

So it's the end of January already and time for the first of my posts rounding up the news from our favourite Independent Pattern Companies from the past few weeks.

New Pattern Companies!

• Lena from The Sewing Space has just launched her 'Iconic Patterns' line with the FREE Sami Cami pattern and Jess Jeans - could this finally be the skinny jeans pattern that wins our hearts?!
• Based in London, and using beautiful illustrations, Gather have just launched their first two 'Gather Kits', the Mortmain Dress and Tallis Collar

New Patterns

• Named released their Spring/Summer 2014 collection! I'm completely in love with all of it, especially the Kielo wrap dress and Vanamo two-piece cocktail dress, and the pattern testers are raving. Which is your favourite?
• Deer & Doe released the FREE Plantain t-shirt pattern and is running a competition for the cutest version - voted for by the Deer & Doe team and us! Head over to the blog in the next few days to vote.
• Thread Theory released beautiful paper versions of their patterns and the PDF version of their new Goldstream Peacoat! I've had my eye on that peacoat for my boyfriend for a while so am stoked that it's now available
• Blue Ginger Doll released the Sherri singlet pattern, another gorgeous vintage inspired design
• Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick released the new Manhattan Trouser pattern. Looking forward to seeing that made up!
• Elisa from Salme Patterns released her first pattern for knits! It's another gorgeous classic design to fit in with the rest of her growing collection - a v neck dress with cap sleeves which could work for casual or polished look

Sew-alongs

• Colette patterns launched a separate website (sewalongs.com) to host all their sew-alongs. You can already easily access all their previous sew-along posts there, it's a fantastic resource! Their Albion coat sew-along started on 24th January so there's still time to catch up. They're running a competition to win a Bernina!
• The By Hand London Georgia Dress sew-along has just started. I know a few of you (including me!) have been eagerly awaiting it to help achieve the perfect fit on your dress so I can't wait to see the results. They're including instructions for bonus strapless AND baby doll versions so get sewing!
• Lolita Patterns' sew-along for the gorgeous Spearmint coat starts on Monday 3rd February - I'm hoping it will inspire me to make my own coat
• The Blue Ginger Doll sew-along for the Stella blouse is up and running. New contributer to the blog Heather from Handmade by Heather B is writing some of the posts and it looks to be packed with some great tips and diagrams.
• Sew Over It are starting their very first sew-along for their recently released pattern line on 4th February. They'll be sharing their tips for constructing their 1940s Tea Dress

Other Exciting News

• Tasia from Sewaholic announced the upcoming release of her brand new book 'The Sewtionary'. It's based on the Sewtionary page of her blog which is basically a sewing dictionary, useful for novices and experts alike
• Christine Haynes also announced the impending release of her new book "The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction" - in fact it's out tomorrow!
• Ralph Pink and Named kicked off the new year with fantastic sales. Did you manage to pick up any patterns?
• Melissa from Fehr Trade's new sportswear pattern line (which almost makes me which I was more athletic!) is now available in an XXS
• Megan Nielson announced that two of her maternity sewing patterns are now being licensed through Simplicity, with more planned. Great news for those of you who have been unable to get hold of a paper copy

As always I have been so inspired by how you guys have made up these patterns in your own unique ways. Here are 5 that caught my eye in January:

Images borrowed from the lovely ladies' blogs. Click links below to see more

• Anna from Paunnet's absolutely stunning dress made from the bodice of By Hand London's Anna and the skirt of Christine Haynes' Emery. She used the wool blend border print to perfection.
• Oonaballoona's smoking hot Georgia Dress. It fits like a glove and the decision to add that fringing makes it totally unique.
• Chantal from A Handmade Wardrobe's amazing plaid wool Minoru by Sewaholic. It's the first I've seen made up in such a smart fabric and looks so beautifully made.
• Sally from The Quirky Peach's floral Riegel Bomber Jacket from Papercut Patterns is just beautiful! I need some of that print!
• Miss Amy's Deer & Doe Plantain with leather elbow patches and shoulders is such a great example of using a pattern creatively to suit you! I love the fabrics she chose and how it turned out.