November Indie Pattern Update!

I can't believe I'm writing the second to last update of this year already! I spent part of November on holiday and wasn't on the internet much of the time I was away so I'm fairly sure there will be a few holes in my info this month. Please feel free to update me in the comments and I'll edit the post! Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday happened last week and seemed to be bigger than ever within the sewing community this year. Many indie pattern designers offered huge discounts off their patterns over the weekend; did you pick up any bargains?

New Pattern Companies

• Coco Wawa Crafts launched their very first sewing pattern this month. The Marshmallow Dress is available as a PDF download in either English or Spanish. Its a trapeze style dress with peter pan collar and lightly gathered skirt attached to a dropped waist.
• Another company with their first pattern release this month is Savvy Patterns with the Runway Skirt. Designed by Audrey from Skirt Fixation its a fitted skirt in three lengths with a number of narrow back panels with flippy godets between. The midi length looks so 1930s!

New Patterns

• Sally from Capital Chic Patterns launched her second collection this month. Featuring a number of dresses and shirts in classic yet unique styles designed to push your sewing skills to the next level. I photographed my test version of the Sangria Dress this weekend and can't wait to show you all! It's become my go-to going out dress.
• Style Arc's new patterns this month included the Sadie Set (which is a pull on trouser and tunic) and the Winsome Designer Dress. Their two freebie patterns to choose from with an purchase were also new; the Josie Hoodie has a funnel neck hood and corded hemline and the Rae Tunic Top has on trend split sleeves.
• I love Seamwork Magazine's two new loungewear patterns this month. Both the Monroe Silk Pyjama Trousers and Charlotte Tunic Blouse have an elegant early 20th century feel to them.
• Tessuti released the Isla Top which features dolman sleeves and a back yoke piece. It's designed to be a knit wardrobe staple. Also new from them this month is the Nina Pant which is a classic slim legged style which I've already got my eye on to wear with pumps in spring.
• The Auden Men's Cardigan is the first menswear pattern from Jennifer Lauren Handmade. Influenced by the 1950s its got saddle shoulders and an optional contrast neckline and elbow patches.
• Simple Sew released the Anneka Tunic inspired by the clean lines of Nordic design. I think the deep centre front box pleat and patch pockets would look fab in a wool tweed.
• The Karl Dress from Schneidernmeistern inspired me to make my green merino turtleneck dress. There is something so chic about the combination of high neck, midi length and loose fit.
• Waffle Patterns continued their trend of releasing cleverly designed modern coat patterns with the Bamboo Straight Cut Coat. It's two styles in one with two lengths and pocket options to choose from and either a notched classic collar or high round neck.
• There is so much that appeals to me about Megan Nielsen's new Karri Dress; the challenge of sewing all those panels accurately, the deep v in the back and the variety within the samples (piping, colour blocking and stash-busting patchwork) showing you just how much fun can be had with the pattern.
• I'm just venturing into the world of coat making so any new coat release has me intrigued! I like the way the raglan sleeves on the new Cocoon Coat from Wardrobe By Me extend into a yoke at the back but the timeless cut and features of the recently released Classic Coat also appeal.
• Designer Stitch released the Gypsy Tunic Dress. Its easy to wear with an elasticated waist and comes in four lengths; I really like the high low hem and maxi length with side seam splits.
• I had the pleasure of testing Tilly and the Buttons' latest release; the Cleo Pinafore & Dungaree Dress. Its an ideal balance between practical/casual and yet on trend and pulled together. 
• Itch to Stitch released the Vientiane Skirt. I'm very tempted to give this a whirl as the idea of something fitted around the hips but flared at the hem really appeals. Super classy.
• With the Farrow Dress Jen from Grainline Studio has yet again nailed a simple and utterly wearable pattern that is deceptively well designed with diagonal seaming concealing front pockets.
• I AM Patterns launched the I AM A Star collection. I love the big funnel neck of the Mimosa Cape but the Sirius Top with that pleated back insert really appeals the most.
• I am wishing summer back around all the quicker now I've seen the new Acton Dress from In The Folds. I adore that neckline and the fit of the curved under bust seam. The wrap skirt is a really intriguing variation that I'm keen to try.
• Ready to Sew released the Joseph Jacket. Its a boxy style with lovely details like the little pleats along the raglan sleeve seams.
• At the end of last month Eglantine et Zoe launched the Colibri Blouse; the tulip style cuffs on all three sleeve lengths mimicking the curved wrap hem is a beautiful touch.
• I also missed last month the new collection from Louis Antoinette. There's a competition running to make up a winning version of their new Imagine Dress but it closes on 4th December so you'll have to speed sew to get involved!
• Cashmerette released the Turner Dress and in doing so filled another gap in plus size sewists' wardrobes. Its a staple knit dress with a slightly flared skirt, v neck line and three sleeve lengths to choose from.
• New releases from Kommatia this month included a long cardigan with welt pockets, a ribbed crop top and jersey dress with draped feature at the waist. I really need to make some time to try one of these as I am always drawn to the youthful styles and appeal of a speedy knit project.
• Pauline Alice released the Aldaia Dress which is a knit pattern with three variations, the design details of which can be mixed and match to create endless dress options! The gored skirt is my favourite, so feminine!
• New from The Maker's Atelier is the Seam Detail Dress. Scandi chic yet comfortable with no fastenings and pockets concealed in the waist seam; it must be a winner.
• Pearl Red Moon released her next Boho Banjo pattern End Point; a maxi, bell shaped dress with panelled front. She also updated the instructions and cover art for the Adeline Dress.
• Just in time for Christmas and the perfect gift for a new seamstress Sew Over It have released the Ultimate Pyjama Bottoms pattern download and kits (although the kits are already out of stock!). Perhaps the ideal thing to whip up last minute?
• Vanessa Pouzet released Haut Vol. Currently only available in French its a top featuring a deep opening back with centre back exposed zip and a truly gorgeous cuff detail! 
• New from Snapdragon Studios is the Villager Blouse & Tunic which features a button back and lovely neat cowl collar. It's currently available in their Esty shop as they are working on a new website!
• Swim Style released the Rashie Top/Swim Vest for women. Designed for lycra and high stretch fabrics it can be sewn up as a crop top or hip length and with cap or long sleeves.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• Waffle Patterns gave us a free downloadable pattern piece for a box pocket with accompanying tutorial. This would work great on any of their fab coat patterns.
• I hit download immediately on Heather Lou's new free pack with 33 topstitching design templates for the back pockets of the Closet Case Patterns Ginger or Morgan Jeans. What a great idea.

Sew-Alongs

• Sew House Seven have been running a sew-along on their blog throughout November for their popular Tea House Top & Dress. This pattern is high on my list for Spring/Summer sewing.
• A sew-along is in progress for the Grainline Studio quilted Tamarack Jacket and as soon as thats over they'll be starting one for the recently released Farrow Dress.
• Jenny from Cashmerette has started a sew-along for her new Turner Dress over on her blog.

Upcoming!

• I'm itching for the cold weather to disappear before it's even really hit so I can make up a Kelly Anorak from Closet Case Patterns so I was very excited to spot Heather Lou's tips for underlining in flannel for extra warmth. She is planning a lining expansion pack to come out in the spring.
• Spotted on Instagram was a call for testers for Designer Stitch's up coming pattern - the Bridget Blouse.

As I said I'm sure I've fallen a bit out of the loop with the news this month so please do add in anything I've missed in the comments and check them out too. It'll be a group effort this month! I've needed a little kick start to my sewing motivation over the weekend with post holiday blues kicking in and these indie sewing makes from you guys have sure helped!

• Katie's velvet Martha Dress is exactly what I want to be wearing right now! The velvet, the print and the seventies style all together are too much to handle!
• Ping's Tosti Jacket is one of those projects that you think no one is ever possibly going to think that that's handmade! The plaid lining, fur trim and all those professional looking design details...beautiful stuff!
• Also inspiring my coat sewing is Jasika's pink Kelly Anorak. Maybe it's good that I've got to wait a while for the appropriate weather for this lightweight a coat as it will give me some time to mull my own choices over! This has made me see the pattern in a whole new light.
• I've got a bit of a merino wool addition going on this winter and Kelli's festive red merino Esme Maxi Cardi has got me desperate to get my hands on more! Great match of pattern and fabric.
• Totally out of season in my neck of the woods but bookmarked for next summer's sewing queue is Rachel's Holly-Anna hybrid dress. I would never have thought to pair that bodice and skirt and it's fab in that print. Plus the halter neck looks ace.