May Indie Pattern Update!

And we're at the end of May already! Where is this year disappearing to? We've seen the first hint of summer in London and the days are flying past yet my sewing queue doesn't seem to be diminishing...in fact after compiling this list I'm pretty sure it's longer than it was last month! Just take a look at my Pinterest Sewing Pattern Wishlist board for proof. I'm just about to head into an incredibly busy spell at work so I'm not sure how well I'll be able to keep up with the indie news throughout June. Apologies in advance for next months post being late/a bit brief/non existent but I will do my best! Anyway on to May's sewing excitement...

New Patterns

• It was the month for dresses over at Seamwork Magazine. The two patterns released with the May issue were the Reggie Dress which is a woven empire line wrap dress and the Gabrielle Dress which is a skater style with cut out back and option for a tied yoke.
• The Avid Seamstress has released yet another wardrobe staple in the form of her A-Line Dress pattern. There's lots of room to play around with that classic fitted bodice and gently flared skirt combo.
• Style Arc released a number of patterns throughout the month including the Casey Coat which has a slightly cocoon shape and zipped front that gives it the feel of an on trend bomber. The new freebie with any purchase this month was the Cher Knit Dress and their Peony Dress is a dead ringer for the frock Kate Middleton wore to her sister's wedding which got a lot of love on Instagram. Well worth a look. They also released the Beshari Outfit bundle which consists of a shawl collar jacket with kimono sleeves, a pull on pant with tuck detail at the hem and boxy tee with angled side seams. Each pattern can be purchased separately too.
• New from Tilly and the Buttons is the Etta Dress. This is a knock out of a wiggle dress and I'm particularly taken with the version with the v shaped back neckline and collar. Very Joan Holloway! There is also an online class to purchase and follow plus limited edition fabric kits.
• Scroop Patterns released the Ngaio Blouse which is 1930s inspired with a classy high v neckline and gathered upper bodice. I can see this looking great with a pencil skirt. It also comes with three cup sizes.
• Itch to Stitch treated us to a FREE pattern download this month! The Lago Tank is a classic simple knit tank top which would be a great way to try out an Itch to Stitch pattern if you haven't before. I highly recommend them for their in depth instructions and this would be a great way to practice your knit skills with the bands finishing the armholes and neckline.
• New menswear pattern alert! Thread Theory related their long awaited Belvedere Waistcoat pattern; filling another hole in a man's classic handmade wardrobe. A waistcoat could be the perfect introduction to dabbling in a bit of mens tailoring don't you think?
• Noodlehead released the Traverse Bag. I've not yet tried making any bags other than a basic tote and this cross body design with various zip and patch pockets quite appeals to me.
• You can clearly see the Japanese pattern cutting influence in the new Kyoto Vest from Tessuti. It's a shawl collared wrap vest with curved front edges. Their Oslo Coat has totally stolen my heart however. Released just in time for winter in the southern hemisphere the classic clean lines of the double breasted style with shawl collar are gorgeously classy.
• As well as updating their Midi Bodycon Dress pattern to improve fit and add illustrations to the instructions Kommatia Patterns released the Tapered Trousers pattern which features an elasticated waist and cargo pockets.
• Love Notions released the Rhapsody Blouse which has a relaxed cut gathered lightly into the yoke at the shoulders and various options for classic bohemian sleeves. Perfect for the summer.
• The Willamette Shirt is new from Hey June Handmade. It would be a great first shirt for a beginner with it's soft collar and options for a curved or cropped hem. Love the use of stripes in one of the samples.
• Sew Caroline and Simple Life Pattern Company have collaborated to bring out a collection of Mommy and Me patterns by taking 3 of each others designs and turning them into womenswear/childrenswear. What a fun project! The new ladies patterns are the Ayda Top & Dress, Molly Top, Dress and Maxi and Tammy's Tulip Shorts.
• The Tailoress released a whopping 5 new womenswear patterns this month! The Olivia Top, Agatha Dress, Lily Cardigan, Karli Dress and Sophie Shrug are all inspired by the approaching summer season. I think my favourite feature is the dropped waist of the Karli Dress.
• New from Blank Slate Patterns are the Barton Shorts and Austin Tee. That tie front detail is all over the place at the moment and I'm sorely tempted by this design in particular as I like it combined with the split neckline.
• The Lenox Shirtdress is the latest release from Jenny over at Cashmerette and I'm sure there are plus sized ladies all over the globe swooning over it! The combination of v-neck button placket and princess seamed bodice are ever so flattering and it's a truly classic style.
• The silhouette of the new Gaston Trousers from Republique du Chiffon are so on trend this season. If you've been following my Me Made May on Instagram you'll have noticed I'm enjoying floaty cropped culottes a lot recently but seeing these has made me question whether my wardrobe needs a more structured twill pair. 
• The PDF pattern release from Sew Over It this month was the Lulu Shift Dress which features raglan sleeves and a gathered neckline with keyhole detail. Very effortless sixties summer.
• The Rochester is a new dress and top pattern from Maven Patterns. The high gathered neckline is a really interesting feature which I think would look really chic in a neutral colour paired with slim cropped trousers.
• Just in time for summer Seamstress Erin has launched the Laminara Swimsuit pattern. It's a simple one piece style with flattering inserted panel which twists around the body. It has two cup size options and instructions for including cups if you wish to do so.
• I love a maxi skirt for summer and Seamingly Smitten has released a beauty of an opportunity to showcase a border print or special fabric in the form of the Orleans Avenue PDF download. It features a centre front slit and hip pockets.
• An entirely new discovery to me this month, Honig Design appeared on my radar with the release of the Athena Top. I like how the angled pleats on the bodice are mirrored on the peplum and emphasise the waist. 
• The new Wrap Dress Pattern from Schneidernmeistern is cut like a dressing gown so you can wear it loosely draped as a top layer or tightly wrapped as a dress. I'm enjoying the understated glamour of a more relaxed fit.
• Designer Stitch released the Kiera Skirt. It has a very Vivien Westwood vibe to it with ribbons attached internally to each panel for the you can create swags and drape your own shape by tying them up at different lengths.
• Made for Mermaids launched the Mama Sommer Mini, Dress and Maxi pattern along with the children's version to match as always. It's a simple strappy knit dress with options for an empire line or natural waist.
• It feels like I am seriously tempted by a new release from Wear Lemonade nearly every month and their new Daria Dress is no exception! That tie front detail is intriguing me again. Particularly on a shirt dress.
• New from Greenstyle Creations are the Moxi Shorts. I love the flattering style lines of these and am intrigued by the construction. Definitely one to add to my handmade activewear wish list. There's even an add on available to make internal compression shorts with side pocket!
• Anne Kerdiles Couture released the Belle-Ile Dress. It's the perfect sleeveless, collarless summer sundress with yoke and front button placket to the waist.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• Blank Slate Patterns re-released their Oceanside Pants/Shorts pattern and it now includes an expanded size range from XXS to 3XL.
• The Deer & Doe Datura Blouse is now available as a PDF download. I've long been tempted by this design - mainly because I'm intrigued about the construction technique for the lovely cut out detail around the neck!
• How To Do Fashion released a downloadable PDF pattern piece to add a pleated peplum to their No.10 Stockholm Jacket after the version Nanna made herself proved so popular online!
• Closet Case Patterns launched the Lining Expansion Pack for their Kelly Anorak. I've had mine cut out with underlining for a good couple of month's now waiting for a decent stretch of sewing time and the release of this may have given me a change of heart with the plan!
• Nina Lee Patterns recently launched and have already worked on expanding their size range to include a size 6.

Sew-alongs

• A sew-along for the new A-Line Dress from The Avid Seamstress has been running over on her blog since the 20th May.
• To accompany the release of their new Belvedere Waistcoat pattern Thread Theory have been running a waistcoat sew-along. Packed with tips that you can apply to sewing any waistcoat, not just their pattern.
• Jenny from Cashmerette has been running a lovely detailed sew-along for her new Lenox Shirtdress. Shirt-dresses are proving very popular this season so if you've got plans to make one be sure to check out her posts for tips.
• Seamstress Erin has posted a series of tutorials and handy tips for making her new Laminara Swimsuit pattern. Making swimwear is a lot of fun and more straightforward than you might thing although this design includes plenty of options to challenge yourself. 
• Throughout the month of May Made by Mermaids has been running a sew-along for the Mama Ella and Ella top & dress patterns. Now concluded it's worth checking out for tips on sewing children's clothes.

Upcoming!

• Itch to Stitch are currently testing the Beausoliel Top & Dress. It features cold shoulder cut outs and includes options for various cup sizes.
• Schnittchen gave us a sneaky peak on Instagram at the photoshoot for their new patterns at the beginning of May so eyes peeled for that release which should be coming soon.
• Also photographing their new designs earlier this month was Megan Nielsen. The last couple of patterns I've made of hers have been HUGE hits in my wardrobe so I'm super stoked to see these.
• Trend Patterns hinted at something new and exciting coming in June...let's hope it's some new patterns to fall head over heels for! 
• The next set of patterns from Pauline Alice are due to be released in July and Pauline has suggested that she has returned to her retro aesthetic for this collection.
• The next pattern from Jennifer Lauren Handmade will be the Laneway Dress. It's 1940s inspired with multiple cup sizes. I'm sensing a trend for indie companies working on providing different cup sizes for their patterns and think it's fab!
• Sarah from Ohhh Lulu has two new patterns almost ready for release! She discusses some of the details of the Kate Camisole and Anouk Bodysuit in this preview video. She's also planning a swimsuit sew-along using a couple of her lingerie patterns as a starting point. 

Other Exciting News

• Gertie from Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing more than doubled her target on Kickstarter to fund her new line of independent sewing patterns so Charm Patterns should be coming later this summer! Congrats!

As always please feel free to jump in to the comments with any news I may have missed or anything else you would like to share about the new releases this month. What are your favourites? I'd love to know!

I've seen so many inspiring projects in my blog and social media feeds this month it's been really difficult to whittle down a little selection to share with you all today but here's a little taster to get your creative juices flowing as we head into June!

• Mie's version of the No.8 Svaneke Blouse from How To Do Fashion is just gorgeous! The combination of peach fabrics works so well and I love the slightly boxy shape and where the waistline hits.
• I don't tend to wear shirts a lot but Lauren's slouchy linen Archer Shirt has got me rethinking my stance on that. This kind of shirt definitely has a place in my wardrobe! Beautiful sewing.
• I adore Carolyn's version of the new Lenox Shirtdress. I'm always drawn to clever use of fabric and I love this combo of printed and plain denim and her choice of placement.
• Mags' version of the Colette Laurel Dress is a real stunner. Great fabric and I love that she chose to make those bell cuffs and little bit bigger. That's a dress I could wear all year round.
• I've seen a couple of knock out Etta Dresses in my feed over the last couple of weeks but had to give Jane's a mention. Just look at that fit and the finish inside! Her post on sewing and running really resonated with me too.