December Indie Pattern Update!

The final Indie Pattern Update of the year is upon us and what a year of pattern releases it has been! I expected a slightly slower month of news as things slowed down for Christmas and designers took a well deserved break but there have still been a vast number of new releases and some absolute gems amongst them. I know many of you are making plans for 2018 sewing at the moment so hopefully this round up will give you some more ideas. I know I want to challenge myself next year so have got my eyes peeled for unusual and complex patterns to help me do that. What patterns are you looking out for?

New Pattern Companies!

• Coffee and Thread released their very first ladies pattern this month (they already have some children's designs) in the form of the Sirocco Top and Dress. I love the way those bell sleeves fall and would like to own multiple in sandwashed silk. Looking forward to seeing more from them.
• Pipe Dream Patterns launched with their first pattern; My Sew Called Sweater. This is a pattern for an oversized, slouchy sweater than drops off the shoulder and has options for adding ribbing. Love their sample idea in a sheer knit.
• The third new pattern company for the month is Rochad Studio who launched with the Mary Jane Coat. A loose fitting design, with raglan sleeves, patch pockets and a snuggly ribbed collar with detachable scarf. I'd love to see one of these made up in a lightweight boiled wool.

New Patterns

• Lisa Comfort launched her new magazine which included the new Sew Over It Cocoon Coat pattern. This has been a popular Sew Over It class for a while now and is currently only available with the magazine. A great winter project the start the new year with and a very manageable coat.
• The two patterns released with the December edition of Seamwork Magazine were the Erica Dress and Jill Coatigan. Both of these are great winter wardrobe staples and I'm really tempted to make up the wrap dress in a merino knit. Such a flattering style.
• New from Wear Lemonade are the Francesca Trousers. I think these kind of high waisted, wide legged trousers are going to be a big trend throughout 2018 so this pattern is high on my wishlist!
• Named Patterns released the Lahja Unisex Dressing Gown as part of their advent calendar. I love the simplicity of this; it looks like it would be fun and satisfying to put together and great to make as a gift.
• A pattern I missed last month but is definitely worthy of a mention is the Truffle Coat from Lara Sanner. Its a pattern for a raglan-sleeved coat which I love made up as a raincoat as version 1 has all those classic features with the hood, zipper placket and patch pockets. The sunshine yellow waterproof sample is a delight!
• I also managed to miss the release of the Chestnut Sweater from CocoWawa Crafts which is now also available in a mini child size. The ribbon tie across the back neckline is a gorgeous detail on a classic style. I love it made up in a fluffy pastel knit.
• Measure Twice Cut Once released the Henrietta Swimsuit which I adore the low strappy back of. I'm sure many of you have spotted on Instagram that Susan has had a truly awful December with her flat in Australia being destroyed by fire while in the UK over Christmas, on top of a very difficult year. If any of her patterns take your fancy I do urge you to make a purchase and help her to get back on her feet and replace her studio sewing equipment. Let's make 2018 a better year for her.
• Mood have continued to rapidly add to their collection of free pattern downloads. December's releases included a wide variety of designs including the Caladium Coat, D'Arcy Bralette, Dahlia Coat and Evergreen Accessories, plus the Daphne Smoking Jacket for men and even a couple of Cosplay designs in the form of Andromeda and Atlas.
• The latest release from Just Patterns is the Yasmeen Skirt. I love the glamour of the fishtail on this beautifully fitted maxi skirt and think it would make up in a whole variety of special fabrics. The clean cut allowing the fabric to shine. 
• Noodlehead released the Minimalist Wallet PDF pattern which includes mini and regular size versions, both featuring various card slots and zip-up pouches. If you'd prefer the pattern in print this is one the three patterns included in Anna's new Everyday Essentials Booklet which is all about guiding you through sewing accessories. The other two patterns included are the Wool & Wax Tote and Petal Pouch.
• The Nixie Briefs are new from Jennifer Lauren Handmade. Designed for knit fabrics the curved overlapping sides give you opportunity to play around with contrast fabrics and trims with instructions included for finishing with fold-over or lingerie elastic.
• DP Studio launched their third collection which is packed with interesting style lines and pieces that make me want to sew them just to see how they come together! The asymmetric sweatshirt would probably have more of a place in my wardrobe than most but I'm quite taken with the drama of the ruffle skirt and coat with incorporated scarf.
• The Santi Skirt is new from Designer Stitch. Its an interesting 8 gore panelled skirt which I love made up in different shades of blue denim in the sample. I'm also really taken with the options for the tied front on the waistband.
• Amongst the releases from DG Patterns in December were the Hannah Top & Dress, Roma Dress and Leah Shirt. I'm most taken with the asymmetrical gathered panel running across the front of Hannah; a contemporary take on the ruffle trend.
• There were a number of free pattern download treats released from the festive season and Tessuti's offering was the the Athina Top which is also available to buy in printed format. A lovely, simple and wearable cuffed top which might soon be making an appearance in my wardrobe!
• Another lovely free top pattern download is the Uvita Top from Itch to Stitch. Its a dropped shoulder knit top with a relaxed fit which I think would look great in a soft viscose jersey.
• Sew Over It's PDF release for December is the Full Circle Skirt. A fairy quick and simple make and an easy way to add glamour to any outfit.
• Wardrobe by Me released the men's Boxer Short pattern just in time to whip up a pair or two as Christmas gifts. They also updated their Hubert Hoodie pattern to include their increased size range and a print at copy shop option.
• I've got stacks of large-ish fabric scraps left over from recent sewing projects that I'm struggling to work out what to do with but can't bear to throw out. The new Reversible Beanie pattern from Savvy Patterns could be just the thing.
• Opian Patterns released the Rigi Jumper. A cropped or hip length jumper with batwing sleeves and the option to make with or without a centre front box pleat, I think this could be really interesting made up in chunky textured knits.
• New from Red Rabbit Mercantile is the McGregor Field Tote. I've only just discovered these practical, durable bag designs and love the utility vibe of the samples made up in waxed cottons and webbing.
• Kommatia Patterns had a few new releases this month including the Tonare twisted mini skirt (currently on sale!), the Andy turtleneck sweater with dropped shoulder and the fab Susan cropped denim jacket. Love the 80s vibe and details of the jacket!
• The Priscilla Body Con Dress is the latest release from the relatively new Rosy Pena Patterns. It looks great made up in stretch velvet and has a couple of neckline and sleeve options.
• New from Joost on FreeSewing is the Carlton Coat which is an absolute winner for me and I wish I had a man to make one for! The style is Sherlock Holmes inspired and I love how many measurements the sizing options take into account. Such a well thought out and detailed pattern considering its free!
• Schnittchen released the Marion Coat. This feels like a longer length bomber to me with the little ribbed collar and exposed centre front zip. I love this style and the addition of the rounded hem is a nice touch.
• Megan Nielsen gave us a free Christmas treat in the form of the Acaia Underwear pattern. These are a low rise bikini style which profess to be easy to cut and sew and I've already spotted a few good reports on Instagram. To get the pattern are you need to sign up to her newsletter.
• The 1225 Fast & Fabulous Glamour Poncho was new from Hot Patterns. Rather than just a simple throw on square with neck hole this has a double breasted panel inserted at the neckline with optional stand collar.
• By Hand London released the dreamy Rumana Coat. Its a super classic and timeless style which you'll be wearing for years with tailored princess seams, shoulder darts and a notched collar. The samples are beautiful and I wish I had reason/need for another coat.
• New from Style Arc is the Valentina Dress which is a lovely feminine design with pussy bow neck and high-low ruffled hem. You could have a lot of fun picking fabrics for this one as the pattern includes a slip with the suggestion that you make the dress sheer. The Emery Knit Top with puff sleeves was also new and a freebie for the month.
• Fresh Press Patterns released the Vera Knit Dress. A simple fitted knit dress with a surprise in the hem ruffle at the back. This would be great to dress up or down with different fabrics, the kind you could have multiple of in your wardrobe.
• Last but by no means least is the 271 Sunset Wrap, new from Folkwear. Its a 1940s inspired design for a shoulder wrap and I love their idea of making it up in cashmere for real luxury.

Pattern Updates and Expansion Packs

• I'm really interested in sewing up one of Waffle Patterns' coat patterns as they are all so unique and packed with interesting details. Just launched is a free tutorial and pattern download for an interesting inside pocket with rounded welts which works with any of their coats.
• Pattern Fantastique released free downloadable instructions to combine their Aeolian Tee/Dress and Aura Skirt patterns into a beautiful dress. You can purchase both patterns as a discounted bundle if this style takes your fancy and you don't own them already. 
• Marilla Walker released a downloadable add-on (just 30p!) alongside a post with detailed construction instructions to change her recently released Isca Shirtdress into a shirt. A great way to get the most out of your pattern.
• Seamwork updated the mens Paxson Sweater pattern with an improved fit at the shoulder and neckline (which is exactly where I had problems when I made it!) and added width to the body and sleeves. A great speedy make for a loved one if you're still feeling in the mood for unselfish sewing after Christmas!

Sew-alongs

• A sew-along for the recently released Chestnut Sweater from CocoWawa Crafts is now complete and all the posts to guide you through making your own are up on their blog.

Upcoming!

• I've been easing off on Instagram over the festive season so haven't spotted much in the way of pattern sneak peaks but I did spot a gorgeous sleeve on the soon to be released Harmony Woven Top from Style Arc! Please do feel free to add in anything I may have missed in the comments below as usual.

Other Exciting News

• Emily from In The Folds launched a Kickstarter campaign to get her PDF patterns printed and available to us in paper format. Her goal figure has now been met twice over so I'm looking forward to big things from her in 2018!
• Tilly and the Buttons announced the title of her new book. 'Stretch! Make Yourself Comfortable Sewing Knit Fabrics' will be out early in March 2018.

And thats it from me for 2017. Have a wonderful evening celebrating the joys and successes of this year and welcoming in the new one whatever you may be doing. I can't wait to see what 2018 has in store! I'll leave you as usual with a bit of sewing inspiration to get your January off to a good start.

• Marie didn't seem all that keen on her Aldaia Dress which she made up in incredible pleated velvet but I love it! The fabric choice is perfect and I think the cut of it is lovely.
• I do love a green dress and Bianca's Sew Over It 1940s Wrap Dress is one of the best I've seen of late. Her fabric choice really shows off the lovely collar and waistband details and has made me look twice at the pattern. Beautifully sewn.
• How wonderfully festive does Sarica look in her beautiful red Named Olivia Wrap Dress?! Love the big bow, tulip shape of the skirt and the fit she has achieved.
• It seems I should have made festive dresses the theme of this month's round up as it appears to be all I'm drawn to! Erin's rich green velvet Highlands Wrap Dress is an absolute stunner.
• A slightly different take on the Christmas dress from Helena as she's sewing for the heat of Southern California! The print and weight of the fabric she chose for her Named Inari Dress works so well for the style and this post made me take a second look at her amazing hack of the Lourdes Jacket!