August Indie Pattern Update!

I hardly dare say it but it feels like August was a slightly slower month in the indie pattern community as designers ramp up to releasing their autumn/winter patterns. Although I have an uneasy feeling that perhaps a combination of too much work and that pesky Instagram algorithm has just meant that I've missed a lot! If there are any other releases you know of feel free to add them in the comments for other readers to peruse.

New Patterns

• Grainline Studio released the Hadley Top which is a sophisticated swing style which would be a great addition to any wardrobe. I prefer the sleeveless version with v-neck but there's also the option for long sleeves and a jewel neckline.
• The two new releases with this month's Seamwork Magazine were the Julia Tank Top and Laura Wrap Skirt. The simplicity of the wrap skirt definitely has a place in my wardrobe and the article on how to hack this pattern has some great ideas.
• New from Style Arc this month were the Thea and Tully Pants, Gem Knit Tee, Agatha Woven Skirt and Kirsty Woven Top. The two trouser patterns in particular are bang on trend and really interesting.
• Hey June Handmade released the Durango Tank which is FREE to download. This figure skimming tank features a high neck and high cut shoulders.
• The Tailoress had a handful of new releases this month including the Gabriella Jumpsuit, Joey Tee which comes with an optional hood and Rosanna Top; an off the shoulder top style for both women and children.
• Itch to Stitch released the Chai Shirt & Dress. So classy, flattering and wearable. I love the addition of the wide waistband to this traditional shirt dress.
• Some of the most recent designs Kommatia Patterns have added to their growing collection of contemporary, youthful designs are a Denim Mini Skirt and Bodysuit; a turtleneck style great for layering.
• I've been working away from home for a large part of this month but one releases which had me desperate to run home to my sewing machine is the Kew Dress from Nina Lee London. The version with the cold shoulders in particular has an effortlessly feminine yet contemporary appeal.
• Congratulations are in order for Tilly & the Buttons who is pregnant and consequently has released maternity patterns of two of her most popular patterns! The Maternity Bettine and Maternity Agnes are now available in her online shop.
• Jennifer Lauren Handmade released the Mayberry Dress which is a twist on the classic shirtwaist dress; featuring an off centre curved button placket and drawstring waist.
• New from DG Patterns is the Alamo Dress, the wide tie belt with large belt loops nicely balances the length of the dress and ruffled hem.
• The PDF release from Sew Over It in August was the Coco Jacket. This classic, collarless style inspired by the iconic Chanel boucle jacket is exactly what my wardrobe needs for wearing over all those occasion dresses I can't resist sewing!
• Greenstyle Creations released the Tie Back Tank. I kind of wish that this had been released earlier in the summer as it's just what I've been after for running in the heat! I love that it comes with various neckline, back and finishing options.
• I was hunting high and low for the perfect maxi dress pattern for a piece of floral viscose in my stash when the new Summer Dawn Wrap Dress from Striped Swallow Designs popped up in my feed! It has just the cut and small sleeves I was after except it's designed for knits...back to the drawing board or maybe an excuse to shop for some jersey?!
• New from The Maker's Atelier is the V-Necked Shift Dress. This is a great addition to their collection of clean lines and contemporary cuts. Perfect to showcase a special fabric.
• Sew Sin City released two new lingerie patterns just this week in the form of the Brittnee Thong and Dana Tanga Pant. One of these days I'm going to stop talking about sewing my own lingerie and actually just do it!
• As is traditional with any girls pattern release from Made for Mermaids the Nina Swing Top, Tunic and Dress is also available as a Mama version.
• Last but by no means least, Chalk and Notch released the Fringe Blouse and Dress. Now we're heading into cooler weather here in the UK these kind of swingy dresses are high on my list to sew and wear with dark tights and boots.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• The Tailoress released an updated version of her body contour dress pattern which has been renamed as the Jennifer Dress.
• Along with their two new pattern releases Seamwork launches an updated version of their Hayden woven tee pattern. It now includes bust darts and has been widened across the back plus the neckline and armsyce have been reshaped for a better fit across the shoulders.
• Waffle Patterns released an add on for their Dropje Vest which provides you with the pattern piece to add sleeves. This addition turns it into a lovely sporty hoodie.
• The regular Daphne Day Dress features a cut out design in the back but Sew This Pattern have just launched the Full Back Extension should you wish to make yours with a closed back.

Sew-alongs

• There is a skirt-along for the Cleo Skirt running over on the Made by Rae blog. This is the IDEAL beginner project.
• Pauline Alice released a video tutorial for the Lliria Dress which she launched last month. I've tried out a few online courses and videos now and am finding them increasingly useful alongside regular pattern instructions to perfect tricky techniques.
• The sew-along for the new Grainline Studio Hadley Top is all set to commence on September 4th.
• There is currently a sew-along running over on the By Hand London blog for their Orsola Dress. I adore this back wrap style and the hack for creating a version with a full circle skirt has got me me desperate to make another!
• The sew-along for the recently released Elsie Dress is just about to conclude over on the Sew Over It blog. If it's your first time making a fit and flare style dress this series has some great clear photos and tips to help you along.

Upcoming!

• Half Moon Atelier will soon be re-releasing their Roma Midi Skirt pattern. I love this easy wearable style but am ashamed to say I have had the PDF ready and waiting to be sewn up for months now!
• The Tailoress has certainly been busy of late. As well as this month's new releases and updates she has a new wrap dress pattern coming soon.
• Friday Pattern Company have a number of patterns coming our way for fall which I'm really looking forward to seeing more of after a couple of sneak peaks on Instagram. Included in the release will be the Cambria Duster and Lucida Dress.
• Itch to Stitch are currently testing the North Point Pants which are a beautifully tailored classic style and a departure from the summer dresses and tops Kennis has been releasing of late.
• Laura from Sew Different has been working on a number of FREE add on hacks for her existing patterns giving you even more mileage from your pattern stash.
• Coming on Monday is the new pattern from Designer Stitch. Named Kristen the dress features delicate ruffled details.

Other Exciting News

• Maven Patterns have up until now only released their patterns in PDF format but will be launching their first paper patterns at the Great British Sewing Bee Live on 21st September! 
• Sarah from Ohhh Lulu launched her first paper patterns earlier this month. Jasmine and Ava are the first two of her collection of lingerie designs to be released in this format.

I can't wait to get home and sew up a storm. I'm always sad to say goodbye to Summer but the thought of a whole new season to sew for gets me through! Here's some inspiration to get your September sewing started.

• I thought I'd run out of useful neutral fabric options for Flint Trousers which would be useful in my wardrobe until I saw Heather Lou's camel ones. Teamed with an Ogden Cami like she has is basically what I've been living in all summer!
• I had the pleasure of checking out Elena's Joni Jumpsuit in person at the Sewing Weekender earlier this month and it is a total knockout. I must admit I wasn't drawn to this pattern when it was released but now I need one immediately.
• Helen's Acton Dress is possibly the prettiest I have seen. What a gorgeous fabric choice. I love it in something drapey and will definitely be looking for something with a similar light weight when I finally make my own.
• The Named Sointu Tee is another pattern I hadn't looked twice at but Helen's amazing windowpane check version has completely changed my mind. It looks great styles with jeans but I also love the idea of it with wide legged cropped trousers or culottes.
• Lara's tester version of the new Chalk & Notch Fringe Dress is a stunner. The fabric is delicious and I love that dusky pink for this style.