June Indie Pattern Update!

Hi guys! I warned you that this month's post might be a little late and brief...so here I am three days late but I think I did better than I thought keeping up with the news. What can I say...I addicted to hunting down the new patterns! I've been working on three shows at once for the last few weeks and definitely haven't been as focused as usual so please feel free to add in anything I've missed and you'd like to share in the comments below. Although with the length of the list I find it hard to believe there can be more! Make sure to check out Kate and Rachel's post over at The Foldline too for a more detailed look at some of the new releases. 

Just before I plunge into the June news I wanted to bring your attention to a new campaign by the British Heart Foundation which launched on Saturday called The Big Stitch. For the whole month of July they are encouraging us to pop into our closest BHF shop and find an item to up-cycle and give a new lease of life to no matter what your level of sewing skill. I think it's a fantastic idea supporting the slow fashion movement and a brilliant charity in the process and if you upload photos of your creations you're in for the chance of winning a prize! More info on The Big Stitch can be found here. For inspiration on customising and reinventing your charity shop finds make sure to check out Sally's blog Charity Shop Chic.

New Patterns

• Opian Patterns kicked off the month with the release of two new one-piece swimsuit patterns. I'm so wishing I had a beach holiday booked as I love the simplicity of both the Jamanota and Säntis designs. The patterns are available in both French and English.
• Seamingly Smitten released the Royal Street Top which is very on trend for summer with ruffles and the ability to wear the style off the shoulder, on the shoulder or on one shoulder.
• New releases from Style Arc this month included the Roslyn Tunic Dress and the Lennie Overshirt plus the new Dimity Woven Top and Terry Tie Cardigan are July's freebie patterns with any purchase.
• The Malaga Pleated Hem Top is new from Waffle Patterns and features two neckline options, two sleeve lengths and two back length options to choose from.
• Not technically indie but still worth including for any lingerie sewing fans...Madalynne released her next three patterns in collaboration with Simplicity. She's given us a lot to play with including a strapless bra, plunge bra and knit bodysuit. 
• The new patterns released with June's issue of Seamwork Magazine were the Loretta Top and Patsy Skirt. I love the way they've used the gingham and stripes on the Patsy samples to make the most out of the panelled design.
• Hey June Handmade released the Key Largo Top which is a casual boxy woven tee with a bias cut front and option for an on trend tie front hem.
• Ohhh Lulu treated us to two new lingerie patterns with the Kate Camisole and Anouk Bodysuit. There's also a free downloadable add-on tutorial available for Anouk to turn it into a fully lined swimsuit.
• Trend Patterns launched their summer collection which is comprised of six patterns including the TPC7 Pleated Shoulder Dress, TPC8 Trench Jacket, TPC9 Drawstring Dress and TPC12 Utility Trouser plus two additions to their basics range, TPC11 Knot Front Dress and TPC10 Wide Legged Flares. If you're after unique design features and bold shapes this is the collection for you!
• After a little lull in new releases By Hand London had two new PDF pattern launches in June! The Poppy Dress and Top is their first foray into designs for knit fabrics and the relaxed style includes a box pleat detail along the raglan sleeve seam. The Orsola Dress and Skirt is an absolute stunner of a classy wrap style which I've already posted about here. I did actually test both patterns but haven't gotten around to photographing Poppy yet!
• New from On The Cutting Floor are the Alice Top, Tunic and Dress and Marsella Top and Dress patterns. I love the combo of wrap front and butterfly sleeves on the knit Marsella but am equally taken with the cut out back neckline on Alice.
• I was really excited about the new Sakura collection from Papercut Patterns and it did not disappoint! I've already made the Aomori Twist Top in a beautiful merino knit and have got my eye on the Nagoya Pants or Kobi Dress/Top next. The collection also includes the Kyoto Sweater/Tee, Kochi Kimono, Otsu Jeans, Mito Cami/Dress, Himeji Bag and Sapporo Coat which has been getting a lot of love on social media.
• The Laneway Dress is new from Jennifer Lauren Handmade. It has a distinctive 1940s silhouette with a-line skirt and collar detail which exposes a contrast facing.
• Itch to Stitch released both the Beausoliel Top & Dress and Oceanside Dress. There's a real elegance to the fit of the Beausoliel Dress variation whilst the latter has a more youthful fun to it.
• Causing a real storm of interest on social media is the new Charlie Kaftan from Closet Case Patterns. I've already seen a handful of these pop up less than a week after the release! It's a great style to showcase a bold summer weight fabric.
• A real queue jumper for me this month was the Burnside Bibs pattern from Sew House Seven. I've been eyeing up various dungaree and overall patterns with a relaxed fit to pair with some beautiful teal linen I've got and the unique details of these might be just the ticket.
• Hot Patterns released the HP1218 Weekender St Parts Tunic-Dress and Blouse pattern. They're also having a huge summer clearance sale so get over there quick!
• Ready to Sew released Joanne which is a pattern for a wide legged cropped culotte or short and has the option for a classic or 'paper bag' waistband. I really like the way the slightly curved hem mirrors the shape of the big overlapping patch pockets.
• There are two new summer patterns available over at Wardrobe By Me; the Summer Breeze Tunic and Summer Tulip Top. I like the contemporary feel of the high, slightly gathered neckline on the Tulip Top.
• New from Sew This Pattern is the Gypsy Swing Top which is just the addition my summer wardrobe needs for pairing with jeans or shorts. I've love a halter neckline and it balances the ruffle hem really nicely.
• With a similar ruffle hemline is the Designer Stitch Ella Cami Set, but this time with classic spaghetti style straps. This pattern also comes with elasticated shorts or trousers and is currently included in their sale. Now I'm really torn between the two!
• Evie La Luve released the Jamie Bodysuit & Separates. The cut out design and strap around the waist joining the two parts mean you can combine any size bra with any size pant easily. The bra portion is also available to buy separately.
• The latest pattern from Jenny over at Cashmerette is the Webster Top & Dress. The semi fitted style makes it perfect for summer whilst still flattering on curves. I love the scrappy back v neckline detail.
• I love the new Linda Wrap Dress from Just Patterns. It's a classy, slightly more advanced design with beautiful belt and collar details. I'm yet to find time to try a pattern from this fairly new company and this could be the one to tempt me.
• New from Skinny Bitch Curvy Chic are the Gina Shorts; a classic wardrobe staple with jeans style details and faux cuffs. The proportions are designed to suit a petite frame.
• The PDF pattern release from Sew Over It for June was the Penny Dress. The kind of simple shirtdress that every wardrobe needs with a 1950s feel. If you're yet to tackle a shirt or shirtdress this could be a great place to start as the elasticated waist and flat collar make it straightforward to fit and sew.
• Kommatia released a pattern for Short Jeans Overalls including multiple pockets and classic dungaree straps. The shaping and piecing of the back bib is my favourite feature.
• New from Chalk and Notch is the Pony Tank and Dress; an easy to sew and wear knit top or dress with an a-line shape and curved hem. 
• I'd somehow missed that Pattern Review had been releasing a line of exclusive patterns! New in June was the Claire Wrap Dress. Designed for stable knit fabrics it's a true wardrobe classic with wide bands, close fit and collar.
• Decades of Style released the 1930s Last Resort Beach Pyjamas; such a great glamorous style! My favourite features are the v back which plunges to the waist (optional modesty panel included) and that the pattern includes the instructions for the diamond appliqué trim on hem and cuffs.
• The Chari Dress & Shirt and Amanda Shirt are new from Schnittchen. They've obviously got ruffles as on the brain as I have and have used them in two different creative ways on these designs.
• And last but by no means least the new Megan Nielsen Matilda Shirtdress is a real stunner. The combination of including a waistband, full length front placket, princess seams and yoke remind me a little of my all time favourite M6696 shirtdress pattern but the full skirt gives it a feminine twist and the patch breast pockets add a utility feel. All those details will make for a really lovely challenging sew. 

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• The Tailoress has been busy with the pattern updates this month. The new version of the Barbara Monokini includes the addition of a tie under the bust and the Jersey Bra and French Knicker PDF patterns have been improved too.
• Ohhh Lulu launched the Prism add-on for her Jasmine Bra to enable you to create a sheer mesh insert or scalloped lace insert at the centre front.
• The Fehr Trade XYT Workout Top pattern is now a layered PDF meaning you can choose to look at and print just the size(s) you want and also just the language you want too as it is now available in Dutch and French as well as English.

Sew-alongs

• Megan Nielsen has been running a sew-along for her Rowan Bodysuit and Tee focusing on the more challenging aspects of construction and including hacks for a snap crotch, scoop neck and dress version.
• Victory Patterns have just started a sew-along for their last pattern; the Jackie Dress. I'll be following along with this one as it's a style I've got my eye on for winter.
• The sew-along for By Hand London's new Orsola Dress starts on 5th July. The pattern has a few fiddly construction aspects which I'm sure a photographic tutorial will be really useful for.
• Love Notions posted a sew-along for their Rhapsody Blouse throughout June which included a dress hack and tips for inserting a lace trim which is a great addition to the boho vibe of this style.
• Jenny from Cashmerette is part way through a sew-along for her new Webster Top & Dress over on her blog. Sometimes I love a read through a sew-along as it highlights clever construction details I'd initially missed about a pattern!

Upcoming!

• As well as all her pattern updates and expansions The Tailoress has a new swimsuit pattern with cut out back coming soon!
• The next pattern from The Avid Seamstress is for a Shift Dress and will be with us on 8th July.

Other Exciting News

• Sew Over It launched their Intro to Sewing with Knit Fabrics online course earlier in the month. I tested the course which was a new experience for me and one I really enjoyed. You get patterns for and guided through the construction of both a top and a dress as part of the course and I very much recommend it for anyone new to sewing knits or anyone who wants some extra guidance or tips. 
• The Deer & Doe Belladone Dress is the next of their patterns to get the PDF treatment and is available to download now.
• Style Arc launched their new website which I love the clean simplicity of. They are now selling PDF downloads on their own site rather than through third parties and this means their free pattern of the month offer is now available with PDF purchases!
• Also with a new website launching was Grainline Studio. Their website has the same lovely minimal aesthetic but is now more cohesive with everything easy to find in one place rather than add ons to the original blog.
• By Hand London released a downloadable sewing planner including pages for project planning, stash organisation and croquis of six body types for you to sketch out ideas on. I love that it's printable so you'll never run out of the pages you need and you can keep to the pages most useful to you.

I think that's about it for the news from June. There have been a few new releases I've already spotted in the first few days of July but I'm going to save them for next month's post as usual. Here's your monthly dose of indie inspiration from the online sewing community to get you inspired at the start of a new week!

• Carolyn has been sewing up some really beautiful underwear of late and I think this Liberty print set may be my favourite. She used a MakeBra pattern and the briefs from the Watson. I love the combination of vivid print and contrast binding and straps.
• The Farrow Dress didn't grab me enough to make it onto the sewing queue when it was first released but Dixie has completely changed my mind with her beautiful textured chambray version.
• I spotted Lindsay's stunning La Sylphide Blouse on Instagram a couple of months back and have been obsessed with finding as pretty a print to make my own ever since. She also made those Ginger Jeans!
• Karen's first version (yes she'd already made two!) of the Charlie Kaftan is joyous. Great combo of fabric and style; it's a design made for Ikat!
• My eyes honed straight in on Allie's pink Papercut Adrift Dress when I opened my blog feed one morning. I'd not clocked how lovely the ruffle details are before and in that hot pink delicate rayon they are exquisite! 

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