Saturday 31 January 2015

January Indie Pattern Update!


I don't know about you but I don't know where January has disappeared to! It's been a wee bit hectic around this parts and from the looks of the amount of news I've got to share with you it's been a hectic one in the indie pattern designer community!

New Pattern Companies/First Releases!

  • Erin launched her new pattern company Seamstress Erin Designs. There are currently just accessories patterns available but she has got some garment patterns in the works!
  • The next new indie pattern company in town is Lileth & Eve and they are looking for pattern testers! It sounds like they've got some really good drafting and design experience between them so I'm looking forward to seeing their first release.
  • Beth from Sew DIY released her very first PDF pattern; the Lou Box Top. It's a simple and versatile top with six possible variations. It's probably the exact kind of thing I need more of in my wardrobe at the minute to be honest!

New Patterns

  • Hot on the heels of her stunning Quart Coat Pauline Alice has released the Eliana Dress. I love both the sleeveless and raglan sleeve variations of this peasant blouse style dress.
  • Kennis from Itch to Stitch has been a busy bee recently and has released two new patterns this month! The first was the Idyllwild Top and Dress which along with having 42 different variation combos is available for the bargain price of just $1! All proceeds from the sale of this pattern are being donated to charity. The second pattern was released just this week and is the Paulina Top which is pattern for knits with a woven fabric contrast.
  • I know a lot of people have been waiting with baited breath for the Grainline Studio duffle coat pattern and after it's release this month I've seen quite a few Instagram posts of the paper versions landing on doormats across the world! It's named the Cascade, has hood and collar variations and I love the front zip feature concealed behind the toggles to provide extra warmth.
  • Sewaholic released two beautiful shirt/blouse patterns this month; the beautiful sewing of the samples had me drooling! The Granville is a classic and fitted shirt drafted as usual for the more pear shaped of us and the Oakridge is slightly more feminine with a neck tie variation.
  • Sew Over It released the kit for their Pencil Skirt pattern this month and many of you may be pleased to know that they have now released the pattern to purchase separately in PDF form. I had the pleasure of testing the pattern and I love it to bits! Just need to find some time and light to take photos and I can share it with you!
  • Marilla Walker released the Alice Pattern for tights and leggings. I love it when I see patterns released for garments or items which you less usually see sewn. I'm really intrigued by how you would even begin to sew tights!
  • The Jasper Sweater/Dress is the most recent release from Paprika Patterns. It's designed for thicker knits and has options for a hood or chunky collar. There will be plenty of tutorials and tips available on the site to accompany it.
  • The new Raglan Sleeve Shirt Dress from Salme Patterns is just as chic and classic as I have come to expect from Elisa's patterns. Make sure to sign up to her mailing list for discounts!
  • Style Arc's new patterns for January were the Elita Designer Top, the Fern Woven Top, the Brooke Woven Skirt, the Melinda Knit Tunic, the Rita Ponte Skirt and the Lani Woven Tunic. I'm always impressed with the contemporary and unique designs Style Arc put out and am sorely tempted by more than one of these!

Upcoming!

  • There's a new dress pattern coming from Jennifer Lauren Vintage at some point in February. From her last post it sounded like it was back from the testers and being brushed up before release!
  • The next pattern from Blue Ginger Doll is named the Alicia Shorts. I love the unique design details that Abby includes in her designs so I'm really looking forward to seeing her twist on shorts.
  • Thread Theory's second womenswear pattern is coming soon. They are the Lazo Pants and if you fancy a bit of a preview they were photographed with their recently released Camas Blouse. Love that waistband!
  • There are two new patterns coming from Skinny Bitch Curvy Chic this month! Betsy hasn't yet let slip even a clue as to the type of garments the might be for so I can't wait to see!

Sew-Alongs


Other Exciting News

  • The two new patterns from Sewaholic include lots of new features which are set to become standard for all their designs at some point. They now include sizes 18 & 20, have free downloadable French instructions, metric measurements on the envelope and are available in PDF format straight away!
  • There are also three more Sewaholic patterns available in PDF form alongside the paper; the Pendrell Blouse, Cordova Jacket and Robson Coat.
  • I'm so excited to see Jen over at Grainline Studio doing so well and her business developing into selling paper patterns as I love her designs and drafting. The Tiny Pocket Tank and Portside Travel Set patterns are now available in printed form.
  • Straight Stitch Designs have also branched out into paper versions of their patterns. Sometimes there's nothing better than some lovely packaging is there?! They are currently available for pre-sale in Kimberley's shop.
  • Also printing up a paper pattern storm is Elisa from Salme Patterns! Sometimes there's nothing better than some lovely packaging is there?! I can't wait to see these as I love her simple, clean design aesthetic. 

Phew, after all that I feel like I can't have missed much this month but as always if you know of any more news you'd like to share let me know in the comments and I'll add it in! To finish up here's your monthly dose of inspiration from the sewing blog community. Make sure to remember to share your finished garments with the hashtag #indiesewing on Twitter or Instagram, it's a great way to find some new blogs to follow and get some ideas!


20 comments:

  1. Thanks!! I need some flocked polka dot fabric in my life too. By the way, I got in to Rose Bruford thank goodness, and I am so excited to start! Thanks so much for all of your advice. I wouldn't have been able to tell them what a costume supervisor is if not for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. O my goodness!! Congratulations Lauren! I am so excited for you! A few of my very good friends went there and loved it. I actually found myself some flocked polka dots on Goldhawk Road the other day, now I just need to decide what to make with them!

      Delete
  2. I am always impressed how you keep up with all these Fiona. What is your system? Do you just keep looking every day? :-) Thank you for tirelessly putting these together every month. They are really helpful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome Kennis! I just have a 'sticky note' on my desktop which I jot everything I spot down on as and when I see it, it practically makes itself by the end of the month!

      Delete
  3. Great to see so many new patterns being released. The new raglan sleeve dress from Salme is a winner. It's a brilliant staple, I can see it working in so many fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's one of the patterns that has sorely tempted me to make a purchase this month! It's a real classic!

      Delete
  4. Great roundup! It's so inspiring to see all the incredible work being done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love looking back over what has happened during the month!

      Delete
  5. I love your round-up,must be such a lot of work, thanks. I'm making the cascade, though can't get the pattern in the uk yet. Actually my favourite is the jasper what a great pattern, on my list now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really unusual and wearable isn't it?! I'm looking forward to seeing your Cascade, I'm so tempted by it myself!

      Delete
  6. Dude! Thanks for the shout-out! So pleased you enjoyed that make- wore it out again last weekend and it's standing up to washing and EVERYTHING, which is totally rookie-sounding comment but that very fact still amazes me haha!
    Lou x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! It still amazes me that I can wear anything I make more than once without it falling apart! Love that dress on you!

      Delete
  7. I totally love these posts - thanks for putting all the time and effort in to searching and linking up all the info :) And thanks for the shout out too! I have been in a major black fabric phase lately - it's nice not having to change the serger thread ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't stop with the black at the moment! I figure I wear it a lot (probably too much!) so why not! It does make photography a bit of a challenge though!

      Delete
  8. I really look forward to these posts every month! Always something new to discover...just ordered the pattern for the Paulina Top...perfect addition to my wardrobe. Thanks so much for all you work on this...it's appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can so see you in the Paulina top Evie! I'm looking forward to seeing what fabric you choose!

      Delete
  9. Thanks a lot for the effort you put into the updates every month! I totally enjoy reading them, and without this month's update I would have missed the existence of the Jasper sweater (which I, now that I saw it, instantly fell for...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seems like that pattern has caught the eye of a few people! I think it's really different to other indie's available so I'm looking forward to seeing it sewn up by a few people!

      Delete
  10. me too - I had no idea of the Jasper sweater - you are a star, Fiona!
    For everyone interested, lovesewing magazine are giving the Lottie pussy bow blouse free as a download for a week only,. ast this link: whoops - three lines of code and text, I'm sorry, I have no idea how to post a neat little link. Anyway, if you go into lovesewingmag.co.uk you will find it - apparently they are going to give a free pattern download every week. They have a few already on their site, including the really cute 30s style blouse pattern from the Great Sewing Bee book two - I actually bought the book mainy for the pattern (gnashing teeth).....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Francesca! That's a great tip! I had no idea that they did free pattern downloads, I'm off to check it out now!

      Delete

I love hearing from readers of my blog so please feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you thought about this post/make! Any hints or tips to improve my sewing are always much appreciated too!

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.