January Indie Pattern Update!

I can't believe its already time for the first of these posts in 2018! Where did January go? I took a bit of time off during this month and feel like I have made real progress tackling my pile of UFOs and projects I meant to get around to last year but never did. It feels like a bit of a weight lifted off my shoulders and now I'm ready to get creative again. Of course, despite all the sewing, with this wave of beautiful new pattern releases kicking off the year my sewing queue hasn't reduced at all...if anything its probably longer than ever!

New Pattern Companies!

• Ensemble Patterns launched with the Sunday Everyday Sweater. I love how the curved side seam and squared off high low hem with bands enables you to play with colour blocking and make your sweater unique. One of those infinitely wearable garments with interesting details. Their next three patterns will be a pair of trousers, a blouse and a dress so I look forward to see what they come up with next.
• Launching a new venture is a great way to start the year and Mika Patterns are getting involved with their first pattern; the Sophie Wrap Skirt. Available in PDF format I like this asymmetrical style and if it takes your fancy too it is 20% off until February 10th.
• Also just launched are My Handmade Wardrobe Patterns from the team at Crafty Sew & So in Leicester. Their initial collection is comprised of four patterns in paper and PDF format after a successful Kickstarter campaign last year. The patterns include a Jersey Tunic & Dress, the Everyday Amazing Top & Dress, All The Cute Skirts (pattern pack of four styles!) and the Action Pack Top & Leggings. Practically a whole wardrobe of patterns already! There is also a free downloadable tee pattern if you fancy giving one a try before you buy.
• Goheen Designs have been creating accessory and cushion patterns for a little while now but this month released their very first womenswear pattern. The Madi is a sports tank with two views and a couple of fabric blocking options. They also have a men's workout tank pattern called The Eddie.
• Untitled Thoughts are a clothing company with nature and sustainability at the forefront of their design and production. I love that they sell buttons covered in fabric scraps from their studio so nothing goes to waste! They have just released their first sewing pattern. The Stella Dress features a voluminous skirt with high low hem and one of my favourite styles of strappy neckline. 

New Patterns

• The two new patterns released with this month's Seamwork Magazine were sportswear themed; the Skipper Sweatshirt and Shelley Leggings. The member exclusive bonus download was pattern pieces and instructions to turn the sweatshirt into a hooded dress.
• Style Arc's January releases included the Harmony Woven Top, Mimi Woven Top, the Astrid Tunic, Jara Knit Tunic and Ariel Wrap Skirt which was one of the freebies with any purchase. The beautiful sleeves and cute cuffs on the woven tops make them my pick of the bunch.
• Also with a flurry of new pattern releases to add to their rapidly expanding collection of free PDF downloads were Mood Fabrics. They included the Erinus Shorts, Emilia Sports Bra, Felicia Sweater, Geranium Coat, Forsythia Jeans, Gardenia Skirt, Ginkgo Shirt and Ferraria Jacket. Has anyone tried any of the Mood patterns yet? I'm really intrigued!
• Cashmerette released their Activewear Collection which is comprised of the Cedar Workout Tank and Dolman Top, Belmont Leggings & Yoga Pants and Shawmut Yoga Bag. I've developed a little yoga addiction in January so definitely have my eye on that bag which you get for free when you buy the other patterns in a bundle!
• Tessuti released the Bondi Dress and its gone straight on my summer sewing wishlist. Simple and wearable yet stylish with clean lines; right up my street and perfect to showcase a special fabric.
• New from Sew DIY are the Lou Box Dress 1 and Lou Box Dress 2 patterns. They are a development of their popular Lou Box Top pattern and can be bought individually or as part of a bundle. Both can be sewn in either knits or woven and the first is a cocoon style and the second has a gathered waist.
• The Coffee House Pant is the latest patterns from Blue Dot Patterns. They are relaxed, cropped straight leg trousers with an elasticated waist. I love the sample made up in a classy suiting and styled with a tee and blazer.
• Itch to Stitch released two new patterns this month; the Sequoia Cargos and Shorts and Bellavista Top. The trousers feature classic cargo shorts and the option to roll them up to capri length and secure with a tab. The cowl necked Bellavista looks beautiful made up in a soft boucle.
• DG Patterns' new releases this month included the Susan Dress, Michelle Cardigan and Cocoon Jacket. I like the pleated cuff detail on the jacket but the wrap front of the cardigan takes me most.
• The Cassandra Dress is new from Valentine & Stitch. Stretch velvet seems to be very popular at the moment and this would be a great pattern for that with two hem options, a high or low neckline and two sleeve lengths to play with. Also available is an expansion pack including all the pieces you need to turn it into a top or cardigan.
• The new Prague Blouse from Orageuse is so glamorous made up in the deep plum of their samples. I'm a big fan of the high collar with cut out neckline at the moment and the sleeve gathered into a deep buttoned cuff is a lovely touch.
• Anna Rose Patterns released the Oscar Pants and Shorts. The launch of these classic trousers with side zip has made me revisit the rest of their collection as there are some lovely details in there. Despite the patterns being in French I might give one a whirl!
• Sure to be appearing in the wardrobe of many a sewist this Spring are the new Mila Dungarees from Tilly and the Buttons. I never thought I'd be wearing dungarees as an adult but am now the proud owner of two pairs! Great fun to make and wear. 
• Just added to the collection at freesewing.org is the Carlita Coat. This is the womenswear version of their Sherlock Holmes inspired Carlton Coat and includes a princess seam for a curve skimming fit. As with all the patterns created by Joost over there is made to your measurements and completely free to download! 
• Kommatia Patterns released Cannes this month. This knit top with wide off the shoulder neckline is inspired by Brigette Bardot and I'm tempted to make myself one to pair with flowing viscose skirts in the summer.
• If your new years sew-lution involves sewing more for the men in your life take a look at the new Draper Polo Shirt from Wardrobe By Me. This is a classic knit polo design with placket, collar and optional breast pocket. They have also just released the Paperboy Pleated Pants for women. I'd love this mannish tailored style made up in a grey flannel.
• Wear Lemonade released the Alma Blouse which has a button back with cowl collar that dips into a deep v at the back. I'm finally getting around to sewing up a pattern from them and a quite enjoying the challenge of following the French videos! I'm very tempted by their PDF subscription which gives you access to their downloadable library, a new PDF design every month plus a free paper pattern after a year.
• The new pattern from Grainline Studio has been eagerly awaited by many and the Yates Coat doesn't disappoint! It has a modern yet classic silhouette with double breast, notched collar, two piece sleeve and lining. A real wardrobe staple.
• The Ilse Vest is new from Designer Stitch. It is a shawl collared ladies waistcoat with curved hem and the pattern includes pieces and instructions to make a matching obi belt to fasten it.
• Recently released by Hot Patterns are the 1226 Plain & Simple Slouchy T-Shirt Blouse and the 1227 Fast & Fabulous Miracle Pants. The trousers claim to be easy to sew and fit and comfortable as pyjamas as they are suited to heavy knits like ponte; I'm sold!
• Sew Over It are running their popular PDF club again this year and their PDF release for January is the Charlotte Dress. Elegant and flattering with a slightly vintage vibe the dress features a faux wrap, notched collar and kimono sleeves.
• Made for Mermaids have branched out into ladies lingerie this month with the release of their Mama Bridgette Bralette & Nightie and Mama Victoria Cheekies & Thong. These are the first in their Lounge & Lace Collection and I enjoyed their blog post going through all the different combinations of variations and fabric possibilities.
• I have decided I should declare A/W 2017 the season of sewing a sweatshirt as we also have the new Chloe Sweatshirt from Rosy Pena which is a more classic take on the garment with deep cuffs and dropped shoulders. They also released a long sleeve expansion pack for their Laura Top & Dress.
• Megan Nielsen has released the first pattern in her extended size range. Dove Curve is the plus size version of her popular Dove Blouse (which I love!) and is drafted specifically to suit those in the bust size 44-54" size range.
• Last but by no means least Greenstyle Creations released the Express Tank. A lovely relaxed fit workout tank with feature crossover back and tie. These would be the perfect little layer for yoga so will definitely be whipping up one of these!

Sew-alongs

• Sew DIY have been running an in depth sew-along on making up both versions of their new Lou Box Dress patterns. It includes advice on making both in knit and woven fabrics and suitable finishing techniques.
• The Activewear sew-along is in full swing over on the Cashmerette blog, including guidance on sewing all of the garments in their new Activewear Collection. A really useful read if you plan on sewing some sportswear even if you don't fit the Cashmerette size range so will be using other patterns.
• The sew-along on the Made for Mermaids Facebook group for their new Lounge & Lace Lingerie patterns commences on 5th February.
• The sew-along for the new Grainline Studio Yates Coat has just started over on their blog. They do notoriously good sew-alongs and Jen usually has some great home tailoring tips so make sure to check that one out!

Upcoming!

• Rochad Studio will be launching soon with their very first pattern; the Katherine Dress. An elegant design perfect to make to wear on a Valentine's date.
• Kimberley from Straight Stitch Designs has been working hard on the Maradona Skirt and its set to be released soon!
• I'm looking forward to the release of the Roma Tank from Friday Pattern Company in the spring. They posted a sneak peak on Instagram and I love the look of the neckline already!
• If you're interested in adding some handmade accessories to your wardrobe the upcoming patterns from Making Patterns Fly might interest you. They are working on patterns for two removable collars to elevate your basic garments.
• Daughters of Style are putting the finishing touches to their upcoming Liz T-Shirt and Dress Pattern which features a dropped and gathered sleeve combined with angled side seam t create interesting shape.
• Colette have a new pattern coming out next week. From the one tiny sneak peak I've seen it looks like it has a kimono sleeve and one of the gorgeous deep pointed waistbands. Definitely feeling the vintage vibe.
• Pipe Dream Patterns are currently looking for testers for three new outerwear patterns which will be coming very soon. Take a look at their Instagram account for more info and inspiration boards hinting at the patterns which look really exciting.

Other Exciting News

• Melissa from Fehr Trade released her book Sew Your Own Activewear. The book uses four blocks to guide you through sewing your own sports wardrobe and is a real gem. If you're intrigued by what's inside Melissa has been taking us through the patterns in detail over on her blog.
• The Deer and Doe Zephyr Dress is now available in PDF format as well as paper.
• Also working on releasing their paper patterns in downloadable format are Anne Kerdiles Couture. Their Hamptons Blouse, Camden Jumper, Tribeca Blouse and Soho Dress designs are all now available to purchase in PDF format.

Despite all the unselfish sewing I did before Christmas I've been sewing a fair bit of menswear in January and can't wait to share with you all. I must have been motivated by all the amazing mens makes that have been popping up on blogs and Instagram and worked their way into this months inspiring selection. Here's a handful of creative projects to get you ready to sew your way through February!

• Helen made her fella a beautiful Fairfield Button Up Shirt. I adore the fabric choice and she has absolutely nailed the fit. Its really great to see some Thread Theory patterns being made up as I think they do some great classic menswear styles.
• Mags posted about an incredible selection of Sew Over It dresses she's made recently. My favourite is her mustard Joan Dress which she made the inspired choice to use a knit for. I love the colour and the knit makes it infinitely more wearable as my wool version is a little restrictive!
• Heather Lou's amazing red silk Kielo Wrap Dress jumped right out of my feed at me. What a stunner of a dress! The kind that every woman needs; striking, well made, versatile and super comfortable!
• I've got my eye on a few of the creative DP Studio designs so was really excited to see this 603 blouse made up by Emily. The futuristic shape of that sleeve combined with the space print is a knock out and her choice of white piping really highlights the best design features.
• Katie made an amazing Merchant and Mills Foreman Jacket for her man and even worked out how to line it in faux sheepskin. Such a professional sew, lucky guy!