October Indie Pattern Update!

Is it just me or has October felt like a reaaallllly long month?! It must be the increasingly shorter, gloomier days but some of the first bits of news I was typing up I felt sure must have been from months ago. The good news is that this extra length seems to have been reflected in the number of new releases and amount of indie news that I have to share with you this month! The change of seasons has given us an shedload of new patterns to be tempted by.

New Pattern Companies!

• Jenny from Cashmerette released her very first pattern; the Appleton Dress. Her patterns will be specifically drafted for plus size women and the size range covers size 12-28 and cups C-H. This particular design is a wrap dress and every version I've seen so far looks gorgeous! As well as paper and PDF versions there are kits including fabric available.
• Another new company on the block is In The Folds who launched with the Rushcutter Dress. It's an oversized knee length dress with interesting style lines and various interchangeable features such as long sleeves and differing pocket styles.

New Patterns

• Fancy Tiger Crafts released the Fen Pattern which is available in both PDF and paper formats. It has been designed by Amber Corcoran and is a pattern for a casual top or dress.
• There were two new releases from Wendy Ward at MIY Collection; the Kelham A-Line Skirt and Wisewood Top and Dress. I'm yet to sew with a MIY pattern but have been seriously eyeing up her draped cardigan as a contender for the Derek Lam knit I picked up in LA.
• Hey June Handmade released the Halifax Hoodie. I think it would be a great addition to any pattern collection as it includes a classic zip up version as well as lots of other variations.
• Taylor Tailor released his eagerly anticipated Desmond Roll Top Backpack. I've never tried sewing bags before and if I didn't have a sewing queue as long as my arm and no time for any of it I'd definitely be taking the plunge as I love this design.
• The patterns released alongside this month's issue of Seamwork Magazine follow the issue's menswear theme; the Paxson Sweatshirt is a great way to dip your toe into sewing for men and the Denali Vest is unisex.
• This month's releases from Style Arc included the Beatrice Pea Coat, Mavis Knit Tunic, Vivienne Designer Frock, Louisa Dress & Top and the Pearl Knit Top which was this month's freebie with any purchase.
• For me one of the highlights of this month's pattern releases has been Marilla Walker's Roberts Collection. The pattern includes a jumpsuit, dungarees, a dungaree dress and top for wearing underneath the lot. Such great value and contemporary design in a pattern.
• The Roscoe Blouse and Dress pattern is the latest release from Kelli at True Bias and is so on trend with it's seventies boho design. 
• Sally from Capital Chic Patterns released a free pattern for her amazing Valentino inspired swan collar. It can be used alongside her Bellini Blouse pattern and is a super effective design idea created with appliqué.
• Make My Pattern released the Cathrin Corset. It's an under bust style corset with lots of options for variation. I love the wide variety of garment types there are now patterns available for!
• The latest release from Tilly and the Buttons is the Orla Top. It looks like a simple design but has lots of lovely details such as a shaped, faced hem and optional scalloped collar.
• Whitney Deal's second pattern for women is the Glea Dress. It's currently available in PDF for in her Etsy shop and features a button front and round collar. 
• Hot Patterns had a couple of new releases this month; the 1196 Metropolitan Urban Gypsy Blouses and the 1197 Classic Nouveau Skinny Bootcut Jeans. Don't you think they'd look so great worn together? I love the big pockets on those jeans.
• For the French speakers amongst you, Anne Ka Couture released the Robe Malo, which is a simple dress with a high neckline and cute cap or long sleeves.
• Also Dessine Moi Un Patron released the Blouse Violette. I adore the back of this design with the centre back pleat and button back on the yoke. The amount of beautiful new French pattern releases every month is almost enough to make me brush up my French! At least the sewing related part!
• There was another release from Grainline Studio this month. Perfect for this time of year the Tamarack Jacket involves quilting your own fabric with one of two designs and is available in PDF format only for the time being.
• I discovered The Maker's Atelier only a few weeks ago at the Knitting & Stitching Show and shortly after they released the Atelier Coat. Like all their patterns it has a simple yet glamorous feel; just take a look at their fur sample!
• One pattern that particularly caught my eye this month is the Pauline Alice Rosari Skirt. It really nails the balance between seventies inspired and contemporary with the A-line cut and button front. I love all the pocket variations and might end up trying them all out as I can see me wearing denim, suede and corduroy versions!
• Salme Patterns released the 121 Maria Top. It's another classy and classic design which uses the reverse of the fabric to create detail at the centre front.
• One release that caused quite the storm on social media is the new Colette Pattern. The Wren Dress is another pattern for knits with a faux wrap bodice. I've particularly enjoyed the colour blocked versions I've seen so far.
• What I love about the new Sundance Jacket from Green Style Creations is that the two variations give you two so totally different jackets. The first is smart and chic with that stunning pleated rear peplum and the second more casual with a hood.
• Peekabo Patterns released the Bristol Button Up which really appeals to me because it is so wearable. I love the combination of checked flannel and plain knit hood they've used.
• Di Nuvole Di Cuori released two new patterns this month; the Anna Blouse which features a button back and the Silvia High Waisted Skirt which has six panels giving you a slightly flared hem.
• The new Novelista Shirt from Blank Slate Patterns has many classic shirt features which can be easily customised and a variation with a cross over back panel which I love.
• The new pattern from Make My Lemonade is the Rosa Jacket. Each month I'm tempted to try a Wear Lemonade pattern despite the language barrier and I think this might be the one! It's a relaxed bomber style jacket which I can imagine worn in so many ways.
• And last but not least Muse Patterns released the Tahi Woven Skirt and Shrug pattern this month. The skirt has gorgeous 1940s inspired panelling and looks so great made up in a tweed or wool for the winter.

Sew-alongs

• Taylor Tailor has been running a very thorough sew-along over on his blog for his new Desmond Roll Top Backpack pattern. I'm really interested in how to use all the hardware and create some structure.
• The sew-along for the new True Bias Roscoe Blouse and Dress went up on Kelli's blog over the week of 19th October. Make sure to refer back to those posts for some extra tips.
• Betsy over at Skinny Bitch Curvy Chic has been posting a sew-along for their Moto Chic Jacket. It's a great pattern to pick for a sew-along with some more challenging elements and a great way to try sewing your first jacket.
• Sew Over It posted a two part sew-along for their gorgeous Joan Dress. The posts cover the trickier parts of assembly such as the neck tie and kick pleat.
• The sew-along for Tilly and the Buttons' new Orla Top has been happening throughout October. For less experienced sewers this could be a great way to tackle some new things like collars and exposed zips.
• There's been a mini sew-along happening for the Capital Chic Cosmopolitan Dress. It takes you through the more complicated steps of the construction process including the lace hem and neckline. I've not tried sewing with lace before so I think this might be a great way to dip my toe in!
• The sew-along for Jenny's Appleton Wrap Dress is well underway over on her blog at Cashmerette. Knit sewing tips galore!
• Gabby Young has been running a sew-along over on her site for the Simple Sew Sophia Top. The last post is how to adapt the pattern for knits which is a great idea.

Upcoming!

• After releasing children's versions of some of her patterns Kelli from True Bias is developing a men's version of her popular Hudson Pants.
• Lauren from Baste and Gather has been working on a pattern for flared jeans. The seventies trend is everywhere this autumn so I'm really tempted to give it a try with these.
• So Zo... is currently testing for her next pattern; the Anya Shoulder Bag.
• Kennis from Itch to Stitch is currently testing for her new pattern, the Liana Stretch Jeans. I think having a wider variety of jeans patterns out there can only be a good thing and Kennis' patterns are usually super thorough so I'm looking forward to these.
• For those of your interested in expanding your handmade wardrobe into shoes, Atelier Louise is releasing her second shoe pattern next month. I loved the easy wearable style of her first sandal pattern.

Other Exciting News

•  I know a few of your at least (including me!) have been eagerly awaiting this bit of news. Republique du Chiffon has recently released a number of their patterns in English including the much lusted after Dominique Jumpsuit.
• One Puddle Lane released the PDF version of the Miss Ruby Tuesday dress pattern.
• To celebrate their launch The Foldline have been offering their Sailor Top pattern free to anyone signing up for an account on their site. If you haven't signed up yet make sure to check out their pattern database and groups pages!
• Kristiann from Victory Patterns released her book 'Boundless Style' this month. It features a number of patterns with mix and match design features.
• Another gorgeous book release this month is 'London Stitch and Knit' by Leigh Metcalfe. It's a guide to London's best craft shops and haberdasheries and features beautiful photographs taken by Leigh herself.
• Marilla Walker is starting to do small runs of printed patterns for some of her designs. Keep your eyes peeled for their release if you want one!
• Jennifer Lauren is also going to be doing a limited run of paper Bronte Top patterns before Christmas; again make sure to get in there quick if you're after one.
• Gertie from Gertie's Blog For Better Sewing is releasing her third book 'Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book'. Her first two were very popular so I'm sure this will be a big hit too.
• Megan Nielsen's Briar Top pattern is now available in printed format.
• Style Arc patterns can now be bought on US Amazon (UPDATE! And UK Amazon too!) and this month they have uploaded quite a number of their designs to Etsy in PDF format. They are also launching a new website with multi-size patterns which is good news for any of you who may have been frustrated by only being able to buy the one size.
• Waffle Patterns released an increased size range for their Dropje Vest pattern.

Please feel free to add in in the comments anything I may have missed. To finish up this month's fairly epically packed post here's your dose of indie sewing inspiration!

• Rachel from Sew South London has been sewing up some gorgeous Laurel dresses and I particularly liked this one in a beautiful Japanese print.
• I love the sheer wool Lisa from Paprika Patterns chose to make this Grainline Hemlock Tee. The oversized shape paired with such a fine fabric is a great combo.
• I think Mary's is my favourite Appleton Dress I've seen so far! It fits her so well and I love the colour blocking combination she chose.
• I would never have thought to use the Joan Dress pattern as a top and I absolutely love what Lori has done with it! The check combined with the plain grey neck line and the length she decided to cut it at, gorgeous!
• Lauren's Stacie Jean Jacket is a thing of beauty! Such a great wardrobe staple and beautifully sewn. Look at all that topstitching! I really need to try a Style Arc pattern.