September Indie Pattern Update!

Whoops. This month's Indie Pattern Update is coming to you a little late this month! I can't believe it's the end of September and the start of Autumn already! It's been pretty crazy for me with work recently and time is flying by. I've had hardly any time to sew (with the exception of my Selfish Sewing Week dress!) but have very much enjoyed still making time to read blogs and check out the news from the indie pattern world on social media. Here's the round up on what happened this month:

New Pattern Companies/First Releases!

• Amanda from Apples and Green has recently launched her new pattern company, Tenterhook Patterns. She is specialising in plus size sewing patterns which I think is a fantastic gap to fill in the market and her first pattern is the Snapdragon Skirt.
• I was very excited to see that the lovely lady behind one of the very first sewing blogs I discovered and creator of Me Made May, Zoe from So Zo...What Do You Know? has released her first PDF pattern. It's called Dolores, is for knits, has batwing sleeves and three length variations so you can make yourself a top, tunic or dress from the one pattern!
• Orange Lingerie is an established company offering custom made bras. They have recently expanded into offering bra patterns for sale for those ladies who would like to sew their own! Currently the Marlborough Bra PDF pattern is available through Etsy.
• Lindsay Woodward has released her Senna Dress. I've got to admit to not being that drawn to this pattern when the preview pictures were released but now that I've seen the tester versions I'm seriously tempted to make a purchase! It looks so chic (especially when sewn up in black I think) and also super comfortable.

New Patterns

• The much anticipated Holly Jumpsuit from By Hand London has been released into the wild! I tested the shorts version and (now changed) bodice design a while back and it's one of my favourite makes to date. I love how much scope the three variations give you for creating a variety of completely different outfits.
• The By Hand London ladies have also treated us to a second release this month! The Sabrina Dress is their very first pattern to be solely released in PDF form and I'm loving the simple lines of variation 1 and the relaxed style of variation 2.
• Jennifer Lauren's third pattern is the Dalloway Dress and Skirt. It features a gorgeous tiered skirt which keeps a slim fitted shape and like all of Jennifer's patterns combines a sleek combo of both vintage and contemporary style.
• Gather Kits filled a gap in my sewing pattern collection with their new Buchanan Robe. It's a relaxed yet glamorous dressing gown which I'd love to make up in an oriental silk for a real sophisticated 1940s feel!
• Abby from Blue Ginger Doll has yet again nailed a vintage inspired dress design with gorgeous details with her new Odette Dress. It's got a gored skirt and v neckline with triangular insert.
• Salme Patterns have released three new patterns this month! I was really excited to see this as their range is just my style. There's a Dip Hem T-Shirt, an Elastic Waist Skirt and my favourite of the three, the Sofia Dress.
• Sew Over It have really been treating us with a steady stream of pattern releases all year and their most recent one, the Pussy Bow Blouse, is a real stunner.
• Hot Patterns released two new patterns in September, including the perfectly timed Metropolitan Domino Sweatshirt. I love the slightly cropped proportions and the envelope illustration!
• Melissa from Fehr Trade released her newest sportswear pattern the Threshold Shorts. I am no athlete but even I can appreciate the genius of the optional 'Runderwear' pieces you can add in. They also includes pockets and a bias bound curved hemline.
• Pattern Anthology released a collection of 4 patterns named '8 Days a Week' including a tee, knit pants, the Marigold Dress and McCartney Jacket (which I love).The idea behind the collection is wearable garments for busy women who need more time in the day!

Upcoming!

• Abby from Blue Ginger Doll gave us a sneak peek on her Instagram of her next release, the Bonnie Vintage Sweater. I'm really looking forward to finding out more about that one as it's just turned chilly here!
• One of the loveliest sewing bloggers I've had the pleasure of meeting, Jennifer from Workroom Social is introducing her new sewing pattern line with a free PDF download! The Tate Top has a racerback style neckline and will be available at the beginning of November.

Sew-Alongs

• The very first Capital Chic sew-along for the Bellini Blouse has just finished! But if you are disappointed to have missed the start, not to worry, the beauty of a sew-along is that all the posts stay live so you can work through the steps in your own time.
• The sew-along for the new Bruyere Shirt from Deer and Doe Patterns has begun and has so far included some really great posts on adjustments to the pattern.
• As with her Bronte Top, Jennifer Lauren will be posting a series of tutorials on the trickier construction aspects of her new Dalloway Dress and Skirt. I think this is a great alternative to a sew-along as it allows you to focus intently on one particular technique.
• The sew-along for the new Holly Jumpsuit has begun over on the By Hand London blog. It's covering all variations and is also giving ideas for pattern hacks! The sew-along for the Sabrina Dress will follow on from that one.
• Anto from Jolie Marie Louise is also running her very first sew-along for her very first pattern, the Lea Dress. It's a great design and I know from testing how thorough her instructions are so I can't wait to see what else might be included in the sew-along.
• The Odette Dress sew-along started over on the Blue Ginger Doll blog just last week so there's still time to get your hands on the pattern and catch up if you're interested!

Other Exciting News

• Gertie's second book, 'Gertie Sews Vintage Casual' has been released and is in the hands of many sewing bloggers already judging by my Instagram and Twitter! The patterns included have been getting some favourable reviews already.
• Sewaholic's next couple of patterns to be released in PDF form are the Lonsdale Dress and Gabriola Skirt. I've made both and can vouch for how gorgeous they are sewn up! The instructions for the Lonsdale in particular taught me a lot when I first started sewing.
• Hot on the heels of her first printed pattern the Alder Shirtdress, Jen from Grainline Studio has released two of her most popular PDF patterns in paper form; the Archer Shirt and Scout Tee.

I'm pretty sure my chaotic month has meant I've missed a fair bit of news so if you know of anything else please let me know in the comments so I can add it in! As usual I'm going to finish up with a bit of indie sewing inspiration for you. I have absolutely loved finding some new makers through Instagram and Twitter this month using the hashtag indiesewing so please keep using it as a great way to find new ideas and pattern reviews!

• They're not a garment type I would have ever really considered wearing but Karen's version of the Turia Dungarees made me absolutely fall in love with this pattern!
• Julie has been making SO many beautiful garments recently it was hard not to share more than one with you! I think my fave was this Alice in Wonderland inspired Coco Jacket.
• Novita's Style Arc Sandra Jeans made my jaw drop open. The style, the fit, that dark denim and THAT topstitching. Such an impressive project!
• I've had my beady eye on the Malvarosa Dress for a while, but have been a little unsure about that dropped waist on me. It looks incredible on Nettie with her denim version so I think I might just need to try it!
• Lindsay's gorgeous metallic chambray Riegel Bomber Jacket looks like so much fun to wear. That's a trend I definitely need to try this autumn.