April Indie Pattern Update

I love it when the end of the month falls on a Sunday as it's the perfect day to relax with a cuppa, browse through this month's releases and get inspired to spend the rest of the day sewing! Plus if you're in the UK like me it's a bank holiday tomorrow and you've got two whole days to enjoy it! I know I've got plenty of sewing planned, it's deciding where to start that's the problem...There's been a real focus on summer styles in the patterns launched this month with breezy boxy cotton tops aplenty and handful of contemporary updates to the classic shirtdress. The summer wardrobe of my dreams is growing by the minute inside my head. I just to find the time to sew it!

New Pattern Companies

• Workroom Social introduced the first pattern in their Drape collection. Drape 1001 features a wide boat neck and yoke and loose fitting sleeves with tailored cuffs. I found their behind the scenes post about the pattern instructions really interesting and am keen to see more! I like the look of lots of the well thought out little details in their booklets including checklists, finished garment measurements laid out right next to the body measurements and pattern pieces drawn out in the order they come together which makes the construction process easier to understand at a glance. They seem to have eliminated lots of the little niggles I sometimes encounter following a pattern, like clearly laying out the seam allowance size at the start of each step.

New Patterns

• I'm absolutely starting off this list shamelessly with the pattern I designed for Tribe Patterns by The Foldline which was released earlier this month (after almost forgetting to include it altogether!) The Parker Dress and Top has a seventies inspired boho vibe with a panelled skirt and bodice lending itself to embroidery and mixing colours and prints. You can read more about the design and inspiration behind it here.
• The new releases from Style Arc this month included the Maisie Designer Dress, Keely Knit Top (one of this month's freebies with on trend ruffles) and the Trudy Tunic and Pant. The trousers have a really cool tie front and despite having the comfort and practicality of a pull on elasticated back they look super chic. I also like the look of the pieced front yoke of their new Sage Stretch Pant.
• I'm a little bit obsessed with every sample I've seen of the new Fenway Bra from Orange Lingerie. It looks to be so versatile in terms of what you can do with lace and sheer panels and I absolutely love the shape which is baseball inspired, hence the name!
• Released with this month's edition of Seamwork Magazine were the Gretta Top and Leonora Skirt. I adore the skirt which has all the traditional features of a denim garment with flat felled seams, a back yoke and jeans style stitching and hardware. I'm hopeful that this is a sign of good things to come from their new approach and that future patterns will continue to have this level of detail.
• New from True Bias is the Lodo Dress; a chic and grown up t-shirt dress with a subtle cocoon shape and my favourite grown on cap sleeves. 
• The Piper Top is the latest pattern from Christine Haynes. I love how it is inspired by tops of the 1960s a definitely retains that vibe but is so bang on trend and contemporary at the same time especially with the mid bicep sleeve length. 
• Wardrobe by Me released the Blixen Blazer which is designed for knit fabrics. This classic style features a two piece sleeve and welt pockets and I like the variation which includes a waist seam across the back creating a peplum.
• Itch to Stitch have been busy with two new patterns launched this month. The La Paz Jacket is a cracker with princess seams and separate cup sizes providing the opportunity to a chief a perfect fit. The Anza Jumpsuit and Dress has a button front, patch breast pockets and drawstring waist; an elegant casual style.
• Also with two new pattern releases are Sew Over It. Their PDF pattern this month is the elegant kimono sleeved Ella Blouse and also in the wrap style the paper and PDF pattern release of their much anticipated Eve Dress. I had the pleasure of testing this gorgeous romantic style and can vouch for how lovely it is to sew and wear.
• Allie Olsen from Indie Sew released the Highlands Wrap Dress as part of the Spring/Summer Collection from various designers. I'll really like the straight cut of the skirt and wide belt and can see it working really well in crisp cottons.
• The Farrah Blouse & Dress is new from Chalk & Notch. It's a sleeveless style with feminine ruffle details running either around the armhole in a wide loop or across the front yoke seam. I'm a sucker for a split hem at the moment too.
• Patterns for Pirates released their Favourite Tee pattern of which there is also a youth version available. It's a figure skimming style with v-neck or scoop neck options as well as different sleeve lengths. It's refreshing to see so many hem style options too, including side vents, curved hems and a banded version with knot tie.
• A big hit on social media this month was the release of the Kalle Shirt & Shirtdress from Closet Case Patterns. The pattern was inspired by a self drafted dress Heather Lou made herself last year and includes top, tunic and dress variations all featuring short cuffed kimono sleeves, a curved yoke and shaped hem.
• New from The Maker's Atelier is the Flip Collar Shirtdress. It's an oversized pull-on style with the variations uniquely focusing on the back of the skirt with pleated, plain or button-up options.
• I have a feeling the new Collins Top from In The Folds could prove to be very popular for summer. The panelling is really interesting and beautifully highlighted by the crisp stripes chosen for their sample. I'd have a hard time deciding whether to go sleeveless or with the three piece short raglan sleeves.
• New from Tessuti is the Bella Dress. This simple, long-sleeved, a-line style is made for beautiful fabrics that you want to show off like the lovely soft linen they've used for their sample.
• Di Nuvole Di Cuori released the Atena Blouse. It has billowing raglan sleeves, gathered around the wrist and a peplum created by a tie around the waist.
• New from On The Cutting Floor is the downloadable High Low Skater Dress. It's designed for knits and I like that there is no waist seam. It has a real natural simplicity to it.
• Republique du Chiffon launched their Spring-Summer 2017 collection earlier this month. It features six new patterns including a dress, jacket, trousers, blouse, skirt and shorts and I think those gorgeous pleated Allister Shorts with the pocket detail are my favourite! 
• Another French company who released their Spring-Summer collection this month are Louis Antoinette with their Heroines Collection. The three piece collection includes the Simone Dress, Joséphine Skirt and Janis Jacket. I'd kind of love all three in my wardrobe but am most taken with the shoulders and big pockets on the long length jacket.
• Kommatia released a patterns for a jersey dress with choker style neck and  relaxed fit v-neck t-shirt with curved hem and cuffed sleeves. It's a really great wardrobe staple that is like so many of the RTW tees I own. I can see myself making a pile of handmade replacements soon.
• 5 Out Of 4 Patterns have just released the Escapade Top and Dress pattern which you can make up as a bikini, tank, tankini, swim dress and summer dress thanks to it's shelf bra with optional removable cups. Its even got a maternity option!
• New from Hot Patterns are the HP1216 Garden Party Tees and the HP1217 Utility Cargo Pants. The tees are designed for slouchy knits and have some interesting panelling going on as well as tips for braid insertions and embroidery while the trousers have princess seams for perfect fit and optional pockets.
• The Waimea Ranch Shirt is the latest release from Victoria Jones Collection. It's a shaped shirt with all the classic western styling built in including that pointed saddle yoke. I've got some amazing cactus print viscose in may stash which I was going to hack the yoke of a Sewaholic Granville for but now I have no need!
• Designer Stitch released Eleni which is a hugely versatile pattern for an off the shoulder top, tunic, dress or maxi dress. The variations include four different on trend voluminous sleeve styles plus optional straps, flounces, neck and waist ties. One to have fun with for summer.
• Vanessa Pouzet has released a free pattern download for the Magnum Sleep Mask which includes three sizes including kids. She is running a competition on Facebook and Instagram to win three of her patterns; to enter make and post your own version of the sleep mask (added challenge it closes at the end of the day today!).
• New from French pattern company On Dirait Des Vraies is the very elegant Slowly Jacket. It has a feminine tailored cut and I love the shape of the neckline, the curved edge of which highlights the collar bone.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• Grainline Studio released two downloadable expansion packs for their Lark Tee pattern; the first includes everything you need to turn your tee into a spring cardigan and the second a dress of two lengths which combined with all the neckline and sleeve options of the original pattern gives you enough choice to make a whole wardrobe! 
• Printed versions of the Arccos Undies and Euler Bralette are now available from Sophie Hines at All the Underwear. I love the long line version of the Euler with that second under bust band.

Sew-alongs

• The sew-along for Megan Nielsen's recently released Flint Pants & Shorts has just concluded over on her blog. I'll let you in on the fact that I've made one pair which I'll be blogging about soon and love them so much that I've already cut another out. Get on it guys!
• Accompanying the release of her new Lodo Dress Kelli from True Bias has a sew-along for it up on her blog. I always enjoy taking a look at sew-along posts whether I'm making the garment or not as it gives a further insight into clever construction details that you might miss in the sample photos or line drawings. In this case it's the fact that there is a woven facing for stability providing opportunity to use a fun constructing print.
• Over on the Jennifer Lauren Handmade blog a sew-along is running for the Juniper Cardigan which she released last month. Following along with these detailed posts would make this a great project for a knit newbie.
• Closet Case Patterns are going to be running a thorough sew-along for their new Kalle Shirt & Shirtdress including lots of tips for future shirt-making projects. Definitely going to be bookmarking that one.

Upcoming!

• Jen from Grainline Studio teased us with the news that her next printed pattern will be coming early in June but has given us no hint as to what it might be!
• I'm really excited to see that there's a new collection coming from Papercut Patterns soon! I always find their designs so inventive and unusual, there's bound to be at least one or two to love. 
• Straight Stitch Designs are currently testing the Eastlake Dress
• The Marama Jacket is to be the next release from Pearl Red Moon at Boho Banjo. Her designs aren't really what I like to wear but I'm quite taken with the four exposed back darts and uneven  length of the front and neck bands on this.
• Maven Patterns are all set to release the Rochester Top & Dress soon. That deep faced curved hem is lovely and I'm looking forward to seeing more.
• By Hand London have two new patterns coming very soon. One of which is the Orsola Dress and Skirt and the other I might have had a little play with during pattern testing. Cait wait to show you all!
• The Belvedere Waistcoat PDF pattern from Thread Theory is set to be released next week. It looks like it will be a great addition to their increasing range of menswear patterns. 
• Look out for the new pattern from The Avid Seamstress on 5th May! The A-Line dress is sure to be another great addition to her collection of classic wardrobe staples.

Other Exciting News

• Tilly and the Buttons revealed that she's working on her second book which will be coming in early 2018! Definitely one for any improving beginner seamstresses' wish-lists.
• Jenny from Cashmerette launched her third online workshop; Pattern Hacking for Curves: 1 Top, 10 Ways. It will teach you how to make multiple styles from one base pattern using her Springfield Top pattern as the starting point. The pattern itself is now available to buy in print.
• Gertie from Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund her first line of independently published sewing patterns! I'm delighted and not surprised to see that it's already doing really well! Charm Patterns will have vintage glamour to be worn today.
• French pattern company Blousette Rose are gradually releasing their patterns in English translations. So far you can purchase the Iris Dress, Camomille Trousers and Ive Coat in this format.

Feel free to leave any news I may have missed in the comments below. If all that hasn't inspired you to get behind the machine enough then as usual here's a little motivation from the online sewing community to get you going! I'm off to sew the rest of the day away!

• I can't stop looking at and saving embroidery inspiration at the moment and wishing I had the time for it. Marcy used embroidery perfectly on her amazing Birkin Flared Jeans!
• I like the emerging trend for gingham but have been struggling with how to work it into my wardrobe. Carolyn has done amazing work choosing this flowing gingham for her Kalle Shirtdress.
• Rachel's Kelly Anorak is ace and has inspired me to crack on with mine this week. I really like the little aglets on the ends of her drawstring and soft-shell was an excellent fabric choice!
• I fought against it but had to include Marcy twice this month! This might be my favourite ever garment using the Negroni pattern. The pattern was made for hemp and made to be worn by her Dad and she's done such a gorgeous job on it.
• She hasn't blogged about it yet but Helena from Gray All Day made a wonderful version of the new Anza Jumpsuit pattern. The combination of dark solid colour and gold buttons is so classy.