Thursday 31 July 2014

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?!




30 comments:

  1. Thanks again for a great round-up! It's so inspiring to click through all the new patterns :)

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    1. You are very welcome! I know, I get quite carried away dreaming up new projects when I put these posts together! I hope some new projects have been dreamt up!

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  2. What a fabulous month for Indie Designers! And thank you so much for doing this each month. I really look forward to your posts!

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    1. Thank you Rachel, it's genuinely so lovely to hear that these posts are enjoyed. It has been a wonderful month that has had me wishing I had more time to sew!

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  3. I always love these updates, thank you Fiona! I'm definitely going to try the Ultimate Trousers soon - I'm thinking a high-waisted vintage-style print version - and like you intend to try Ralph Pink patterns as soon as I find a gap in my list of to-makes!

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    1. It's so hard to find the time for all these wonderful designs isn't it?! You'll have to let me know what you think of the Ralph Pink patterns as I think it might be a while before I get to try! I quite fancy picking one of his couture patterns as a long challenging project to sink my teeth into

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  4. Thank you for this post. I really appreciate the links and information. The ultimate trousers, Rae skirt, and several others I am considering.

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    1. I'm so glad you have enjoyed reading it and have found some new patterns to try through it, I hope you enjoy sewing up any that you do buy!

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  5. so glad you highlighted the new ralph pink line - i have been waiting for it to be available and your post alerted me to it. great round up all around.

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    1. O I can definitely see you rocking some of the Ralph Pink designs! Which one's are you interested in? I'll look forward to reading about whatever you might make!

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    2. i think i am going to try either the romper, or the trouser/top combo. those feel like the best combination of wearable and costume without having to wait for a special occasion!

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    3. Good point! Those 1920s couture style dresses look amazing and I'd love to try sewing one up but really I have no need to!

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  6. Aww - you mentioned meeeeeeeeeee! Thank you! You are sweet! I'm having definitely love/hate issues with Mrytle, but I do love the final product, so I guess it was worth the work! Speaking of work - I love these round-ups! I"m sure they take a LOT of organisation not to loose track of all the things that happen, so thank for putting in the time!

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    1. They do take a little while but it definitely doesn't feel like hard work! I love looking up all the news! You are very welcome too, I absolutely love your Myrtle and it's making me more tempted to buy the pattern. Definitely worth all the work

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  7. Oh wow, I'm loving the Lea Dress from Jolie Marie Louise! That's shot right up to the top of my sewing queue, thanks Fiona!

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    1. The more I look at it the more I want it too Elena! It would look so fab on you that style. And congratulations! :)

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  8. Just wanted to say this is one of my favorite posts every month! I love all the clothes you make, but this Indie Pattern update has always been a great source of information about new patterns and companies out there. I spend a really long time every month going through all the links and reading every thing. Thank you!

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    1. O Anita thank you for your lovely comment! I really enjoy putting these posts together and it is so lovely to hear that people enjoy reading them just as much and take time to look through everything!

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  9. Whoa, is it really time for another Indie Pattern Update? :) Like you, I also can't believe how fast this month has gone. Another really informative round-up, thank you! I'm definitely taking part in the Yaletown sew-along, it'll be my first one, can't wait :)

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    1. I know, time flies Jennifer! It always seems to quicker in the summer as well! I hope you enjoy the sew-along, I'm very tempted myself as I love the style of the dress but think I have rather too much in my sewing queue as it is!

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  10. Thank you for putting together this update, it is wonderful! I just went and downloaded the Diana cami and am drooling over those Ralph Pink 1920s couture dresses!

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    1. They are stunning aren't they?! I'm seriously considering purchasing one as a challenge to get my teeth stuck into! Might try out one of his more straightforward one's first though! Enjoy sewing up the Diana!

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  11. Another great update, thank you! I really look forward to these posts. Love the blue trousers, I have to buy that pattern!

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    1. They are stunning aren't they?! I'd been feeling really indecisive about the fabric choice to make mine out off but seeing Julie's has given me the kick I need to get started!

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  12. Ahhhhh I'm on your blog! How exciting!! Huge thanks for choosing little old me, I'm so glad you like my Anna, because I honestly would probably not have made the maxi version had I not seen you wearing it! :) But isn't the nicest dress to wear? I feel so special in it :)
    Great round up this month too, I don't know how you keep up with them all, but it's wonderful to see all them all showcased like this. I've not heard of the Diana cami but it's so sweet and looks like it uses very little fabric so will probably give that one a bash! Hope to see you soon!

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    1. :) well now I love it even more, knowing that I had something to do with it coming about! I think I'm definitely going to try the Diana cami too, looks fairly speedy and is just the type of top I love for summer or layering

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  13. Thank you for including the new Basics Collection in your round up, I'm always so happy to see it amongst all the other beautiful patterns being released.

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    1. You are so welcome! I'm really looking forward to seeing the next patterns in the collection!

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  14. Thank you for another great update. I would miss so much if it weren't for you!

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    1. You are very welcome Claudia! It's always a pleasure to inspire some more sewing!

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