Thursday 30 June 2016

June Indie Pattern Update!


So here in the UK we were teased with the arrival of summer but for now the sun appears to have retreated back behind it's cloak of clouds, rain and wind. This combined with booking a little trip to the south of France is just the excuse I need to sew up a storm and get my wardrobe in good summer shape. I feel like I've got a never ending list of things I'd like to sew and this month's releases have certainly done nothing back make that longer!


New Pattern Companies!


  • Seamly are an independent clothing label from Denver who have just released some of their designs in pattern form for the first time through Indie Sew. The collection includes a tank, tee and cardigan but I'm secretly hoping they release their convertible pantsuit as a pattern at some point!


New Patterns


  • Right at the end of May, Sew House Seven released the Tea House Top & Dress pattern. I'm really drawn to this, it's simple but unique and I like the lack of a waistline. I've seen a fair bit of it popping up on Instagram too so it looks like it could be a popular pattern!
  • The two new patterns released with this month's Seamwork Magazine are the Weston Shorts and Addison Top. A lovely little pairing of basics for this season.
  • Iconic Patterns released a jumper style dress and a 'cape blazer' pattern which I am swooning over a little! It's really fashion forward without being too off the wall because of it's clean lines.
  • The new releases from Style Arc in June included the Riley Coat (I really need to try a Style Arc coat pattern this winter), the Tamara Knit Top and the Daphne Duo Tunic and Pant patterns which can also be bought together as an outfit in a discounted bundle.
  • Charlotte Kan released the Kitsune Strapless Dress. I'm not sure how much wear I'd get out of it in my London life but it's basically my ideal holiday dress! Perfect over a bikini and for cocktails on the beach made up in a bright tropical print.
  • I thought I'd maxed out my summer sewing list but then I spotted the two new releases from Wear Lemonade. The Falbala Blouse has dreamy ruffly sleeves and I love the rear yoke shape of the Carlotta Shorts. I've got time to sew one more outfit before my holidays haven't I?!
  • Another French release is the Folk Dress from Vanessa Pouzet. It's a simple trapeze dress with a dipped hem and full lining. Love its simplicity and how great it looks with a pair of ankle boots
  • After working on this series of the Great British Sewing Bee and getting a close look at a bra pattern and it's construction I'm really keen on sewing my own undies at the minute. Sarah from Ohhh Lulu released a whole new collection of lingerie designs and they're stunning. And she's currently having a birthday sale. How will I ever choose?!
  • Also tempting us with a new loungewear design Megan Nielsen has released the Reef Camisole and Shorts Set. I really like the shape and length of the shorts and also the crossover back yoke of the top which is designed to stop things twisting about as you sleep.
  • Tessuti released the Berlin Jacket. It has that contemporary dropped shoulder look that looks made for a rich coloured boiled wool to me.
  • Kennis from Itch to Stitch released the Vienna Tank, which is a sleeveless tie neck top with a yoke and sweet optional details like ruffles around the neck. Sometimes I'm tempted to sew up a pattern to check out the construction methods and this is on of those!
  • The Carkeek Dress is the latest pattern downloadable from Straight Stitch Designs...and it's free! It features a shirttail hem and loose shift shape which would be a great base for playing around with different necklines, fabrics and techniques.
  • Waffle Patterns released the Vanilla Diagonal Knit Top. I'm a little bit obsessed with unusual casual top patterns at the moment after the success of my Bowline Sweater so I've got my eye on this one!
  • In The Folds have released a Jersey Dress pattern in collaboration with Peppermint Magazine. It's an Australian sewing magazine but the pattern is available to download from the Sewing School section of their website (which is packed with other lovely free patterns btw!).
  • Tilly & the Buttons' summer release is the Marigold Jumpsuit and Trousers. I'm having a bit of a trouser moment and am trying out a few shapes and styles for summer. This may be just what I'm looking for.
  • Just in time for summer Fabrics for Sale have branched out into menswear patterns for the first time; bringing us the Stonecrop Shorts. A super wearable basic for the men in your life.
  • I'm quite taken with the trend for skirts with some kind of split or vent at the front at the moment so I'm drawn to Kommatia's latest pattern, the Asymmetric Wrap Skirt.
  • Madalynne treated us to another free lingerie pattern this month (her other free patterns can be found here) Called Noelle it's a halter neck bra and panty in her trademark style.
  • If you fancy a quick, satisfying project which you'll get tonnes of wear out of you might want to take a look at Grainline Studio's recent release; the Penny Raglan. It's been made available as a PDF download after Jen was inundated with requests from people who wanted to copy her top!
  • I only discovered French pattern company Ready to Sew this month when I spotted the release of their Jacob Top. I really like the proportions of it with the wide sleeves balancing the flare of the waist which is achieved with godets.
  • Di Nuvole Di Cuori released the Alice Skirt which looks great made up in fabrics with some body to them like Nicoletta has for her samples. It has lengths included and get's it's full shape from box pleats around the waist.
  • The Winslow Culottes from Helen's Closet are now available for purchase! I've seen so many gorgeous sample and tester versions of this pattern on Instagram already. It's a great shape for summer.
  • Heather Lou from Closet Case Files released her second swimwear pattern; the Sophie Swimsuit. It's more structured and supportive than her Bombshell design, featuring a three piece balconette cup and the option to add foam cups or underwires. You can either make it up as a one piece or high waisted bikini. I think I want BOTH.
  • And last but by no means least, released just today is the Beach Kaftan pattern from The Maker's Atelier. Perhaps we could all make one to match our Sophie Swimsuits?!


Sew-Alongs




Upcoming!


  • Measure Twice Cut Once has a pattern for a jersey slip coming soon. I'm looking forward to this one as it's something I really need more of in wardrobe but I don't like the fabric of any I can find in the shops. Soon I'll be able to make one in any fabric I like!
  • By Hand London have given a few sneak peaks on Instagram of their upcoming Charlie Dress release. This was originally launched in collaboration with Simply Sewing magazine earlier this year but looks like it will soon be available as a stand alone pattern in their online shop!
  • Sew Over It also have a dress pattern coming soon. It's called the Rosie Dress and is based on their popular 1950's summer dress class. Fit and flare fans eat your heart out!



Other Exciting News


  • After taking them off the market a little while back Make My Lemonade relaunched the PDF format of their patterns. I am delighted about this as I'd really like to try out a few of their designs and as they are based in France I'm much more likely to take the plunge digitally.
  • Rosie from DIY Couture's second book is going to be released next month! It's called 'No Patterns Needed' and is all about creating your own clothes from basic shapes.
  • Another book on the way is 'The Beginners Guide to Making Skirts' by Wendy Ward from MIY Collection. I've heard good things about Wendy's first book so am keen to see more of this one, due to be released in October.
  • SBCC Patterns rereleased their Tai Dress in a PDF format and it now includes pockets and a new neckline option.
  • Annie from Nine Stitches is running a sewing competition for her Venus Kimono. It's the perfect pattern to showcase a beautiful print so I'm sure there will be some stunning entries.


Phew that's quite the variety of news again this month! As always I'll leave you with a few projects from the online sewing community which have inspired me this month but be sure to check out the comments for any news I might have missed. I'm heading straight back to my sewing machine to get my wardrobe holiday ready!



  • Doesn't Nicole look awesome in her Birkin Flares?! She's fit and styled those babies to perfection.
  • Carolyn's Sophie Swimsuit is my favourite of those I've seen so far! I love the colour's she's chosen and where she's decided to place them. Super flattering when combined with that silhouette.
  • Dixie's Cypress Cape has really inspired me as it's one of those garments which you might not even consider sewing for yourself. But once you know how to use a machine you can work up to making just about anything!
  • The print Andrea has chosen for her Zinnia Skirt is so my kind of print! Clean and bold makes this very feminine shape much more contemporary.
  • Kelly had the genius idea of wearing Seamly's new wrapped cardigan belted as a dress. Such a great simple outfit.
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9 comments:

  1. another big thank you! I don't think you've seen Slow Sunday? They're French - I bought one of their patterns and it's gorgeous. http://www.slow-sunday-paris.com

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    1. Ah brilliant thanks Francesca, there seem to be so many gorgeous French pattern companies around at the moment! I love the way scallops have been incorporated into the two views of the Lila in particular

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  2. I look forward to your updates every month, I always see new patterns and companies and my Pinterest boards and wish list get bigger, also I have found two new blogs to follow which is a huge bonus. Very helpful and inspiring update, thank you, Lynsey

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    1. My pinterest wish list of patterns is definitely growing at a rate of knots!
      I'm glad you enjoyed the read Lynsey!

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  3. As always fantastic post. I rally love the wear lemonade patterns (and love the little videos making than even though I don't understand a word). I'm definitely going to give their patterns a go and even if the instructions are French the videos would solve any problems.

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    1. they're French and English now.

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    2. Ah fab, thanks for the update Francesca! I'll add that to my list of designers. I really love their designs too Mags, there's something fresh and unique about them

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  4. I didn't realize I was on here - thanks so much for for including me!

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    1. Haha! You're welcome love, those jeans are awesome!

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