November Indie Pattern Update!

Hold on to your hats people! Its been a huge month for new pattern releases and there are some absolutely irresistible new styles among them. My sewing queue definitely doesn't need to be getting any longer at the moment and the stacks of things I've got waiting to be sewn did manage to deter me from going too wild in any of the Black Friday sales. There were some great offers on throughout the indie sewing pattern community; did you manage to snap up any patterns you had been after at a bargain price?

New Pattern Companies!

• Attie and Dora launched with the release of their first pattern; the Dora Dress and Top. I love the idea of this slip style made up in a special fabric for parties. The bodice is empire line in three parts which provides a flattering shape.
• Another company releasing their first pattern in November was Alice and Ann with the Kendra Dress. It has a fit and flare style with empire line waist and full pleated skirt.
• It was a busy month for new pattern companies. Amy Nicole Studio also launched with the release of the Patti Pocket Skirt. It is a classic, pleated and flared style with deep front pockets built into the panels of the skirt.

New Patterns

• Style Arc's new releases this month included the Barcelona Tote Bag and Purse and the Blakley Stretch Jean. Their star release of the month has to be the Carly Aviator Jacket though. A wonderfully challenging project to make this pattern is for an iconic aviator style jacket which has the option to add classic fur trim.
• The two new releases with this month's Seamwork Magazine were the Sadie Sweater and Melody Trousers. They look great together as an outfit, with the slim leg of the trousers balancing the relaxed fit of the sweater with funnel neck.
• Trend Patterns AW17 collection is now available and is formed of 5 patterns including two from the basics range (TPC16 Side Drawstring Dress and TPC17 Drape Hem Skirt). From the regular line there is the TPC15 Tuck Sleeve Top, TPC13 Cape Sleeve Jacket and TPC14 70s Dress. I love the lace sample of the latter!
• Waffle Patterns released the Moto Jacket, a real classic to make for your wardrobe. It is a close fitting style with centre front zip, high round neck and options for various zip pockets.
• Orageuse had three new pattern releases for us this month in the form of the Bristol Dress, Bruges Trousers and Amsterdam Blazer. I love both the tied neckline and buttons up the shoulder on the Bristol but I think the on trend sports luxe Bruges trousers are my favourite.
• New from Kommatia Patterns is the T005 Loose Shirt which is an oversized button up style with breast pockets and dropped shoulders. I bet this would be lovely made up in a chambray.
• The Florence Dress was November's PDF pattern release from Sew Over It. A glamorous maxi or midi style with two collar options which looks great made up in a floral print.
• Mood Fabrics have been gradually releasing a collection of free pattern downloads available through their Mood Sewciety blog. This month they added the Alyssum Coat, Begonia Jacket, Bergenia Jumpsuit, Cuphea Shawl, Banksia Pant, Cosmos Dress and Achillea Coat to the collection. All the patterns have an accompanying blog post of instructions.
• The season of unselfish sewing is upon us and in case you are looking for something to make for one of the men in your life Wardrobe by Me have released the Farfar Classic Cardigan for men. They also just released the Wanda Wrap Dress.
• Also a great gift idea, Thread Theory released three mini patterns for various styles of wallet. You can choose from an elastic wallet, card wallet and bifold wallet.
• Nina Lee London released her fifth sewing pattern, the Southbank Sweater. A nice, quick and satisfying project it is an on trend oversized style with funnel neck and drop shoulders.
• New from Designer Stitch are is the Tanner Culotte pattern. I like the big patch, utility style pockets and particularly love them made up in faded washed denim.
• The Gabriela Pants and Tessa Sweater are the latest releases from DG Patterns. The sweater has four necklines to choose from and I particularly like the little crossover collar.
• Every spring I find myself hankering after the perfect pair of Audrey Hepburn style slim legged trousers and never get around to making them. The new Sasha Trousers from Closet Case Patterns might be the pattern that final gets me to take the plunge. Heather Lou has written a post packed with fitting tips which makes the project seem a little less daunting.
• The latest release from The Maker's Atelier is the Asymmetric Gather Dress. The way the angled neckline works with the gathering is a really clever and deceptively simple design.
• Pauline Alice released the Hemisferic Coat. I really don't need another coat in my wardrobe but love the high neckline and panelled design of this. Plus I love working with boiled wool and this design would look so great made up in a vivid colour of it!
• The Prudence Dress is my favourite pattern release from Colette Patterns in a long time. That beautiful keyhole neckline with stand collar combined with the dolman sleeves and slim skirt makes for an incredibly elegant and sophisticated design. Going to be hard to resist that one! 
• There have been a couple of free pattern releases this month which would make for great Christmas gift ideas. The first of these is the cravat pattern from Folkwear. The blog post explains how to make it and tie it and you could make it really personal with your choice of fabric and print.
• Another great gift idea for either sex are homemade slipper boots using the free pattern that Tilly & the Buttons has just released. They'd also be a fun and different project to try out and hopefully an enjoyable sew.
• Blueprints For Sewing released the Moderne Coat which has beautiful architectural style lines. I love the view with the ribbed collar and cuffs in the style of a classic bomber jacket.
• New from I Am Patterns is Panthere. A close fitting jersey dress under a flowing overdress designed to be made in chiffon with a sequin band but you could get creative and use all sorts of fabric combos!
• Seamingly Smitten launches Catherine Cowl Neck or Cowl Hood Poncho along with a girls size and a mommy and me version. It can be sewn with curved or straight sides and optional kangaroo pocket or arm holes slits.
• After a bit of a break from releasing new patterns Marilla Walker treated us to two at once! The Isca Shirtdress is a contemporary take on the classic shirtdress with a relaxed fit and wrap front variation. The Honetone Coat is a simple, classic, straight cut style which you'd be wearing for years to come.
• Patterns for Pirates released the Wiggle Dress and Ragdoll Raglan. The raglan has batwing style sleeves to enhance the relaxed nature of the style. The dress is designed for stable knits like ponte and includes a glamorous full length version with fish tail.
• Love Notions launched the Oakley Vest (and also a girls version called Acorn). The vest can be made zipped or open and with a collar or hood. A great pattern to use to get to grips with fun faux fur or pre-quilted fabrics.
• I fell head over heels in love with the new Esther Pants from Victory Patterns as soon as they popped up on my Instagram feed. Those deep overlapping pleats on the front are a stunning feature. Also released were the Frances Shirt & Dress and Samara Cardigan. The three make a gorgeous capsule collection.
• The Sewing Addiction are a new discovery to me and I noticed them when I clocked the release of their Makayla Pants pattern. This style is designed for knits and has a high drawstring waist and slim slightly flared leg.
• Also new to me are Anna Rose Patterns who released the Odella Dress and Top in November. Its a simply cut design with v shaped back neckline with revers which mirror the angled pocket flaps on the dress variation.
• The next pattern collaboration between In The Folds and Peppermint Magazine is the Pleated Summer Dress. I think it would look great made up in solid or printed linens and the best thing is its free to download!
• The Ruby Joggers are the latest release from Paprika Patterns. They are a more flattering version of a classic sweat pant with deep v-shaped yokes giving a nice cut around the hips.
• Pattern Fantastique released the Equinox Tee. I love it when a pattern company has a distinctive design style and this boxy boat neck tee with option for bell sleeves slots beautifully in to the rest of their line.
• Sew Different released the Tulip Dress and also the Sculptural Bucket Coat which has been created in collaboration with Stitchless TV. This unique pattern with a distinct Westwood vibe doesn't come with printed instructions but instead there is a video tutorial to follow over on the Stitchless TV YouTube Channel.
• Launched alongside their black friday sale the Fauntleroy is the new release from Straight Stitch Designs. Its a relaxed fitting turtleneck with the option to change the neck to a wider cowl.
• I've become a bit of a Tessuti pattern addict and am now considering whether the new Tamiko Pants from them could find a place in my wardrobe. I'm not sure on the elasticated waist personally but love the pieced leg that tapers in towards the ankle.
• Jenny from Cashmerette has added the Ames Jeans to her every growing collection of plus size patterns. They are tailored for both apple and pear shapes and have two leg styles to choose from. Jeans shopping can be a total nightmare whatever your shape so this is bound to be great news for curvier sewing ladies!
• Pier and Palace released the Culver Dress which is skater style with a panelled bodice and deep v neckline. Perfect for showcasing a special fabric.
• Ready to Sew launched a trio of coat and jacket patterns right at the end of the month. Jack is a classic trench coat, Joe is a loose fitting, boyish tailored jacket and Jasper is a comfortable swing jacket with shawl collar.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• Hey June Handmade updated her classic Union St. Tee pattern. There have been numerous changes made including sizing improvements, lowering the scoop neckline and the addition of an optional chest pocket and pattern piece with FBA included.
• Closet Case Patterns updated their Ginger Jeans patterns after Heather Lou discovered through her jeans making workshops that a lot of people needed to make similar fitting tweaks. The crotch seam has been shortened slightly and the width of the hem on the flares has been reduced to give that variation better proportions.
• Tessuti update their Eva Dress instructions and also improved the grading of the sizes.
• The Linda Wrap Dress from Just Patterns has also been updated and improved to have slightly different grading, cleaner pattern pieces and fewer pages in the PDF download.

Sew-alongs

• Sew Over It have been running a sew-along over on their blog for the 1940s Wrap Dress they released last month.
• The full sew-along for the recently released Rivermont Dress is up over on the Cashmerette blog.
• Instead of a sew-along Pauline Alice has posted a video tutorial to help you through the process of making her new Hemisferic Coat.

Upcoming!

• Jennifer Lauren Handmade is squeezing in one more pattern release before the new year. Keep an eye out for the release of her Nixie Briefs in December.

Other Exciting News

• Deer & Doe have been continuing to release their pattern collection in PDF form. Now available to download are the Arum Dress and Reglisse Dress.
• True Bias printed patterns are now available! I'd love to get my hands on one of these as I'm a big fan of Kelli's clean, contemporary and clever designs. 
• Paper versions of Maven Patterns have now launched! In lovely graphic boxed wallets too.
• If you pre-order Melissa from Fehr Trade's book Sew Your Own Activewear, you will receive a free pocket belt pattern. I think I could do with one of these for my longer runs and definitely can't wait to get my hands on that book!

What a lot of new patterns to choose from! There must be something for everyone in there. As always let me know in the comments if I've missed any news and I'll leave you with some sewing inspiration from the online indie sewing community.

• Catherine's version of the Style Arc Genevieve Coat is a stunner and one of those projects that looks like it was absolutely made for the wearer. She picked great fabric and a great zip for a finishing touch.
• The maxi length sequin Anna Dress Emily made for a friend is an absolute stunner! Sequins in that shade are so classy and who doesn't want an excuse to make a full on sparkly gown?!
• Im attracted to yet more sequins...the festive season must be upon us! Clare made an absolute knockout version of the Avid Seamstress shift dress, proving that fabric choice can totally switch up a pattern!
• Lauren's version of the Kelly Anorak has got me inspired to finally get on with mine! I love the camel colour she picked and think my favourite thing about the whole coat is that quilted lining.
• Steph's version of the Papercut Patterns Kochi Kimono is insanely amazing! I often eye up beautiful, vividly embroidered silks like this one but never know what to do with them. She's put this one to the perfect use.