February Indie Pattern Update!

Phew February always goes so quickly doesn't it?! It may be shorter than other months but there's certainly no shortage of news from our favourite Independent Pattern Designers so here it goes:

New Pattern Companies

• I have just discovered a new to me Swedish company that started up late last year called Garmenter. They sell their own basic sewing patterns, one for each type of garment (at the moment just skirts and dresses) and then via resources on their website instruct you how to alter those patterns to create different styles and fit you. What a fantastic concept hey?! The most fun thing is that their patterns come printed on muslin so you can get cutting and sewing up a prototype right away!

New Patterns

• Disparate Disciplines released the Rose Hip Tights pattern. Yes, you heard right, a pattern for tights! Another step closer to wearing totally me-made! The pattern looks ingeniously drafted too, with a very clever 'sock' design.
• Hot Patterns released the new and FREE Windsor Waistcoat, an ideal time to try out one of their patterns if you haven't already I think!
• I was lucky enough to pattern test Pauline Alice's new Carme Blouse. It's a gorgeous design with some really interesting features, plus is a really satisfying sew! 
• Stepalica Patterns released the Zlata skirt. The design includes box pleats which turn into belt loops at the waist; I'm very intrigued and am looking forward to seeing your versions made up.
• Tilly and the Buttons released the super cute Coco, which is a lovely simple design for a knit dress or top. The most exciting news is that it's her first pattern to be available in paper form as well as as a downloadable PDF! The colour photographs in the instruction booklet look amazing.
• The newest pattern from Sewaholic is the Gabriola maxi skirt. As always with Tasia, the drafting looks genius with panels around the hips creating shape and the illusion of length. She also announced that the Belcarra Blouse pattern, perfect to wear with the maxi, is coming soon!
• Finally, Sew Liberated released not one but three new patterns mid January which I missed from last months post (whoops! there's just too much good news to keep a handle on!). They are the Bryanna Dress, Aida Top and Myla Tank; all very classic and wearable designs.

Sew-Alongs

• Perhaps not strictly an Indie Pattern as she designs for Butterick, but Gertie is going to put together a sew along for her first foray into lingerie Her tips and tricks for sewing up B6031 a classic vintage slip will be on her blog at the end of March.
• A sew-along for the Gabriola skirt from Sewaholic will be starting on 17th March. I've resisted clicking purchase so far but as a maxi skirt/dress is absolutely my choice of summer wear this might tip me over the edge!
• Pauline Alice is putting together a VIDEO sew-along for her Carme Blouse which is going to be just fantastic to guide you through those slightly trickier elements. I'm really excited by the prospect of being literally able to watch a technique be demonstrated. Beginning this Monday, 3rd March.

Other Exciting News

• For those of you who thought you'd missed out on purchasing the patterns from Named's first collection, I have good news! Named have been gradually uploading improved versions of their first patterns to their online shop. They've made some amazing changes including a wider size range, illustrated pattern instructions and the inclusion of all sizes with your purchases.
• Tilly's upcoming book Love at First Stitch: Demystifying Dressmaking is to be released on 8th May, but you can preorder it on Amazon now! Have you seen the gorgeous cover design? I can't wait to see inside!
• There were a few great sales on this month, both Named and Thread Theory ran Valentine's Day sales and Sewaholic had a fantastic sale to celebrate Tasia's birthday. Did you manage to snap up any patterns?
• For those of you interested in the Colette Albion sew-along and contest, the posts are now all up over at their dedicated sew-along website. You've got until 9th March to enter the contest and the grand prize is a Bernina so get sewing!

As always if I've missed anything you feel should be included or if you're part of an Indie Label yourself and I've not seen your news then do let me know in the comments or shoot me an email and I'll be sure to add it in.

Here's some of the projects that inspired me this month to get your creative juices flowing ready for weekend sewing!

• Sophie from Cirque Du Bebe's Gabriola Skirt is just wow. She finds the most amazing fabrics!
• Neeno from Sew Me Love turned her second version of By Hand London's Georgia Dress into a maxi! It would never have occurred to me to do this and it looks amazing!
• I think Ginger Make's navy Coco dress is my favourite so far! the style suits her so well and I love that Audrey Hepburn style wide funnel neck.
• Mary from Idle Fancy's Blue Ginger Doll Peggy Skirt is just gorgeous made up in that print don't you agree?
• Another maxi (I must have summer outfits on the brain at the moment, wishful thinking!) Katy from Katy & Laney's mash up of the Renfrew Top, Lady Skater Dress all turned into a maxi is just spectacular.