October Indie Pattern Update!

Hey guys! Sorry that this month's update is a little late this month. I had a BIG day at work yesterday which has meant not much sleep for me for the last couple of weeks. No matter how little time I have for sewing I just can't resist the lure of a bit of inspiration for further down the line so have still been fairly obsessively checking my blog roll and Instagram feed for new pattern releases and news and have got a bumper update for you! I'm looking forward to tackling my sewing queue over the next few weeks...a queue thats got a little longer after writing this!

New Pattern Companies!

• Octavia Patterns launched with Jodie's very first pattern, Pomegranate! Pomegranate is a simple blouse with self faced cowl neck and short kimono sleeves which would be perfect to showcase a special piece of silk. The clean, contemporary lines of this style seem to sum up Jodie's aim to create modern, fashionable styles that will stand the test of time.

New Patterns

• Nana from How to Do Fashion released pattern No.12 Aalborg. This is a beauty of a wrap dress or peplum shirt inspired by the 1970s with voluminous sleeves and the option to add a collar and tie belt.
• I feel like every month for about the last two years I've resolved to do something about my goal of sewing lingerie. When I eventually do I want to try out basically every bar in the Orange Lingerie collection and the new release, the Berkeley Bra is no exception.
• The new patterns from Style Arc in October included the Dorothy Woven Jacket (one of the freebies with any purchase), the Indigo Maxi Skirt and Lara Jane Dress. The latter has a cold shoulder feature with frill and I particularly love the version with the long sleeve.
• Released with this month's edition of Seamwork Magazine were the Piedra Shift Dress and Lilliana Box Jacket. The simple tent style dress made up in merino could be an absolute winter wardrobe staple.
• A pattern freebie is such a great way to test out a company you haven't tried before and see how it works for your body shape, style and skill set without too much investment. The Avid Seamstress is offering newsletter subscribers the Drop Sleeve Top as a a free download. Alternatively you can purchase a printed version for just £4.
• New from The Maker's Atelier is the Swing Jacket. This design looks super classy in the neutral colours of their samples and I think could be a great wardrobe addition made up in boiled wool to wear over festive party and formal dresses.
• Designer Stitch released the Frida Top, Tunic and Dress which pays homage to Frida Kahlo. The various combinations of sleeve, yoke and flounce provide you with a great canvas to play around with mixing prints, colours and trims.
• Tessuti are knocking it out of the park with dress releases at the moment. I love my Lois Dress and their new Milenda Dress has certainly caught my eye with it's relaxed pull on fit and stitched down pleat detail. I had such a good experience with Lois that I've actually got one of their coat patterns in progress.
• New from Friday Pattern Company are the Avenir Jumpsuit and Lucida Dress. I love both of these knit designs. Particularly the off-shoulder jumpsuit with it's billowing sleeves and legs for lounging about the house and feeling glamorous! 
• There is a lot to love about the new Claudette Dress from Colette Patterns. Its a fitted sheath dress with loads of options; among them I particularly like the ruffle at the waistline and cowl neck. Sizing and fit has been careful thought through with curvy sizes including an additional waist dart.
• Kommatia Patterns' new fall collection has gone sports luxe and includes the TR811 Jogger Pants and SW604 Sweatshirt which has some lovely features such as a classic v detail at the neckline and zip pocket on the sleeve.
• Sew Over It's PDF release for October was the Chic Cape which features a rounded collar and armhole slits. They also released a new paper pattern this month. The 1940s Wrap Dress has been much in demand since it was launched as a class and I can see why with its flattering fit, collar and sweet shoulder pleats.
• Greenstyle Creations released the Chelsea Pants. These have really intrigued me as the design sounds quite unusual. They should be made in a stable knit or super stretchy woven and feature a centre front seam and wide waistband which dips down in the back.
• The Indie Sew fall/winter collection has just come out and includes a new pattern from Allie Olsen, the Coram Top & Dress. This is a boxy woven tee or dress with cuffed short sleeves.
• New from Mimi G is the PDF Lexi Jumpsuit. Its a relaxed fitting style with elasticated waist and cuffed voluminous sleeves and legs. A great winter jumpsuit option that looks ace styled with boots.
• I spotted two new releases from DG Patterns in October. The Cadence Pants and Lily Hoodie. The hoodie has interested me the most with its long-line option and curved hem.
• The new République du Chiffon collection has just launched and features six really inspiring designs. Each has really lovely interesting details like the shaped panels on the skirt of the Victorie Dress. The collection also includes the Marcelle Jacket, Elisabeth Blouse, Frankie Skirt, Jose Coat and (probably my favourite) the Diego Trousers.
• Made for Mermaids released the Mama Kourtney pattern to accompany their girls Kourtney Knot. This is a simple knit top but with a whole heap of sleeve, length and knot detail options to play with.
• New from Zierstoff Patterns is the Lilia Jacket. Designed to be sewn in fleece it features a curved front edge, hood and decorative flower and is also available in children's and plus sizes.
• Wardrobe by Me released the Aurora Blouse and Dress. I owned a dress similar to this years back which had the same swinging fit and gathered into a yoke at the neck. I might have to recreate the bohemian dress of my dreams!
• The Claire Cardigan from Seamingly Smitten is a longer length with patch pockets. Perfect for making up in a snuggly knit to wrap yourself in this season!
• The latest release from Itch to Stitch is the Hvar Jacket. I've seen a lot of interest in this pattern already on Instagram and I can see why. Again Kennis has designed something well proportioned and effortlessly wearable and that waterfall collar combined with pointed front hem is a stunning feature.
• Sure to be another popular knit design from Jenny at Cashmerette is the Rivermont Dress and Top. Its a pattern for a sheath dress or peplum top, designed for ponte or similar stable knits.
• Striped Swallow Designs released the Hideaway. I love the idea of a relaxed off shoulder top designed for snuggly knits and could see me layered up in french terry versions of this with skinny jeans all winter!
• The Wingspan Wrap is the latest release from Sew Knit Love. It's a billowing semicircular wrap with a deep collar which would be gorgeous in my winter favourite merino. What could be cosier than literally wrapping yourself in such lovely wool!
• Just a few days ago Straight Stitch Designs released Leschi; a relaxed fit woven blouse with a deep v-neck collar. The perfect thing to throw on over skinny jeans but still feel stylish and pulled together.
• Released just this morning is the third pattern from Half Moon Atelier; the Anegada Top. Its a semi-fitted basic with boat neck, deep waistband and cuffs. It looks very Parisian chic in the striped samples and I love the finish of the neckline.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• Megan Nielsen re-relased one of her earliest patterns, the Banksia Blouse. It now includes two new variations and improved instructions. 
• Heather Lou from Closet Case Patterns released an expansion pack for her popular Kalle Shirtdress. The pack includes everything you need to add dropped long sleeves with a long, folded french cuff and tower plackets.

Sew-alongs

• Gertie has been running a sew-along for one of her first two Charm Patterns releases, the Rita Blouse, over on her blog.
• To celebrate the re-release of the pattern Megan Nielsen has also updated the sew-along for the Banksia Blouse. It now includes posts on how to make additional variations such as a drop-waisted dress or sleeveless blouse.
• Kommatia Patterns have posted a sew-along for their new TR811 Jogger Pants on their blog. The post includes full colour photos guiding you through every step from choosing your size to hemming.

Upcoming!

• Victory Patterns have a new design in the works which is set to be released soon! Really excited about this one as I love Kristiann's dramatic design aesthetic and attention to detail.
• Style Arc have released a few sneaky peaks of an aviator style jacket which looks like it could be a knockout and a great project to get your winter sewing teeth stuck into.
• Another knock out piece of outwear soon to hit the internet is the Rumana Coat from By Hand London. A classic piece of timeless ladies tailoring.
• Sew Different gave us a look at their upcoming Tulip Dress on Instagram.

Other Exciting News

• The Deer & Doe Chardon Skirt is now available as a PDF download as well as in printed format.
• Continuing the translation of their patterns, Thread Theory have just released free downloadable French instruction sheets for their Belvedere Waistcoat, Fairfield Button-Up and Lazo Trousers. Their free Arrowsmith Undershirt pattern is also available to download in French.
• Pauline Alice released her first book! Ma Garde-Robe Chic at Intemporelle is currently only available in French and features some really beautiful patterns in Pauline's usual effortlessly chic and classic style.

Well I for one now can't wait to get sewing! As usual here's a little bit on indie sewing inspiration from the online sewing community to get your November sewing off to a good start.

• Emmauelle from Zoubi Zoubisou made the most stunning Etta Dress. To elevate it from simple little black dress she added embroidered mesh around the neckline and hem and her placement of this is absolutely spot on.
• I have been pretty much living in my linen Turia Dungarees since I finished them and Jasika has totally gone one better with her choice of sunshine yellow for hers! I also really like her additions of belt loops and larger back pockets. Beautiful sewing.
• Katie's ombre Fremantle Coat is incredible and something I totally wish I owned. The way she's used that amazing ombre wool combined with beautiful welt pockets and giant snaps...perfection!
• Helen looks absolutely gorgeous in her Appleton Wrap Dress. The fit is amazing along with the  vivid red and choice to go sleeveless. Making me wish for warmer weather!
• April has made the most beautiful camel Bamboo Coat from Waffle Patterns. Head on over to her Instagram for some more detailed shots of some brilliant sewing.