July Indie Pattern Update!

It's the end of another month and this one has absolutely flown by for me! It's been a bit of a hectic one for me work wise and the number of posts waiting to be read in my bloglovin' feed has reached new heights! As a result I'm fairly sure I've missed some important goings on or got the wrong end of the stick with others so please feel free to leave your own additions/correct me in the comments and I'll be sure to update the post.

New Indie Pattern Companies

• There's another new pattern company in town this month readers! Jolie Marie Louise is the brain child of Anto from blog Stardust Soul. Her first PDF release is the Lea Dress, inspired by French Actress Lea Seydoux and an intermediate sew, it's a stunning classic design. I know from pattern testing (another secret design!) how detailed Anto's patterns and instructions are, they even include tutorials for some of the more common fitting adjustments!

New Patterns

• Sewaholic have had a busy month, releasing two new patterns! I'm trying not to buy any new patterns at the moment but the stunning wrap style of the Yaletown Dress and Blouse has seriously tempted me. They've also released a new beginners skirt pattern in both PDF and paper form, the Rae Skirt. It was designed with sewing teacher Carley from SewGood so should be the perfect first project!
• I'm also really loving Colette Patterns' newest release, the Myrtle Dress, which can be made up in knits OR wovens. I think it's got a really sophisticated 1970s vibe to it with the cowl neck and skirt shape, especially made up in crisp white as in one of their promo versions.
• Along with some 1920s inspired couture dress patterns (!) Ralph Pink has released a whole collection of beach cover up patterns which made in a variety of fabrics can double up as casual day dresses or elegant evening wear too. I'm yet to make up a Ralph Pink pattern but often drool over the designs, I must take the plunge soon!
• The most recent pattern from Imagine Gnats are the Juba Shorts which has slight variations for both men and women. I'm loving the idea of these unisex patterns I've been spotting recently, buying one might encourage me to sew more for my boyfriend!
• I have been waiting with bated breath for the new release from Grainline Studio. I was just about to attempt altering the Archer Shirt to make a dress version when I spotted Jen's sneak peak of the Alder Shirtdress. It is exactly the pattern I have been looking for and I can't wait to find some more time to sew so I can get started on it!
• After the huge hit that is the Lady Skater Dress, Kitschy Koo has released another fantastic knit pattern, the Comino Cap Top and Dress. I've spotted some rave reviews and if it's anything like her first pattern the instructions for working with knits will be worth your pennies alone.
• Sarah from Ohhh Lulu produces what seems to be a constant stream of stunning underwear and patterns. Considering the swimwear sewing love I've been sensing on many sewing blogs recently you will surely all be excited to know that she has just released her first swimsuit pattern! The Zooey Bikini Top and Bottoms. 
• Measure Twice Cut Once has also been offering gorgeous knicker patterns and has now branched out and released a new collection of basics! The first pattern in The Basics Collection is a simple ladies racer back vest. The collection will be added to over time and every pattern comes with a 'Designer Manual' which will inspire and guide you to put your own personal design spin on the block patterns.
• There's a new free pattern available from Sew Loft, The Diana Cami! It's just the kind of top I like to pair with skirts in summer. As with all their patterns (many of which are free) there are sew-along resources available on the Sew Loft Blog.

Sew-Alongs

• The sew-along for Pauline Alice's latest release (the Alameda Dress) started on Monday 21st July, complete with some video tutorials! Are any of you joining in? If this is the first you've heard of it the resource will always be there to follow so you've got plenty of time!
• Not so much an official sew-along but Papercut Patterns have been publishing a series of posts with hints and tips to help you along with sewing their Soma Swimsuit. I've been reading these eagerly as they are definitely feeding my swimwear sewing addiction!
• Sewaholic are running an in depth sew-along for their new Yaletown Dress and Blouse. It starts on Monday 8th September and I think there's a high chance I will have given in and bought the pattern by then so I'll probably be joining you if you're in!
• Jen from Grainline Studio has just announced this very morning that she will be running a sew-along for her new Alder Shirtdress. She's including instructions for a wide number of variations on the pattern including an Alder/Archer combo! Starting on Wednesday 6th August.

Other Exciting News

• For those of you overseas you may be happy to know that Waffle Patterns have just released Japanese versions of some of their patterns. Isn't it fantastic that many Indie Designers are now available all over the world?
• PDFs have been taking the Indie Sewing Community by storm over the last few months and both the By Hand London Anna Dress and Sewaholic's Cambie Dress are now available in this instant download and print at home format!
• As well as releasing a brand new pattern this month Jen from Grainline has launched a new (and rather lovely) shop design and has begun to release her patterns in paper form. I'm a huge fan of Jen's drafting talents so am incredibly pleased for her and can't wait to try one out.
• It's been new studio's galore this month with Jen from Grainline, Heather Lou from Closet Case Files, By Hand London and Tilly and the Buttons all spreading their wings or reshuffling. It's so wonderful to see these ladies doing so well. Tilly had a moving sale, did anyone nab a bargain?
• Pauline Alice published a great tutorial for sewing your own stylish beach bag. It comes with a free downloadable template for your project!
• Tasia's much awaited first book 'The Sewtionary' has been released! It's a kind of sewing dictionary, taking you alphabetically through sewing terminology, techniques and tips with photographic step by steps where necessary. Has anyone been lucky enough to get their hands on a copy yet?
• If you're now missing a sewing book release to look forward to (though don't forget 'Gertie Sews Vintage Casual' won't be long!) I've got another exciting one for you. Written by Lauren Guthrie (runner up in the first series of The Great British Sewing Bee and owner of the Birmingham haberdashery and sewing school 'Guthire & Ghani') 'Learn to Sew with Lauren' is due for release on 1st September.
• Another little nugget to keep you going, Jennifer from Workroom Social is going to be releasing her very first pattern soon! There's only been a sneak preview so far but we know that it's called the Tate Top.

And here's some really wonderful inspiration for you this month, I just love light, bright colours and prints in the summer months don't you?!

• Underwear sewing is something I'm still a little bit in awe of but would love to try one day. Handmade By Carolyn's stunning watercolour underwear set from MakeBra is making me want to make that day come sooner.
• Doesn't Colette Pattern's new Myrtle Dress look incredible on Gillian from Crafting a Rainbow? I love the print and the style looks so great on her. Gillian is proof that knit garments can look chic.
• The Ultimate Trousers from Sew Over It are high on my list to make, the pattern is even ready and waiting. Even if I wasn't inspired to make them already Julie from Jolies Bobines' beautiful powder blue version would have me clicking buy right now!
• I've always been a big fan of the Anna Dress and Jodie from Jodie's Adevntures in Sewing Land's purple maxi version is a knock out! 
• Kelli from True Bias has sewn up such a fun and breezy looking pair of Lakeside PJs. I love how she's used the green binding and make sure you check out the back!