February Indie Pattern Update!

For a short month there sure were a crazy amount of new pattern releases in February! I started compiling a list about a week in like usual and I swear this post was as long as it usually is. Thankfully things slowed down a little towards the end of the month or I'd still be writing this well into March! There are some great sew-alongs running at the moment too including some for both coats and lingerie if you want to get stuck into a new skill. Things have been a little quiet on the sew-along front for a while now so I'm really delighted to see they haven't died off. They are such a great resource for home sewers and certainly give me more confidence to try out new and more complex patterns.

New Pattern Companies!

• Lingerie and Swimwear sewing addict Emerald Erin released her first PDF patterns! The Tuesday is a classic boyshort and the Jordy is a triangular bralette with a wide band. The non stretch cups on the bralette mean you can et really creative with your fabrics or easily add foam if you wish. I love the lace overlay on her sample.
• I'm very tempted to make the first PDF pattern from Studio Costura my first attempt at lingerie sewing! I love that the Hanna Bralette it can be part lined with jersey or stretch mesh for good coverage but the design of the neckline and straps allows you to make the most of a sheer scallop edged lace. It looks supportive and a reasonable challenge for a newbie to lingerie sewing.

New Patterns

• Schneidernmeistern released the Adelheid Dress & Top. The main feature of this are the voluminous bishop sleeves with raglan shoulder seams but the slim back yoke with keyhole fastening is also particularly lovely. 
• The two patterns released with this month's edition of Seamwork Magazine were the Dana Bralette & Pants and Kaye Soft Bra & Shorts set. If like me one of your sew-lutions for 2018 was to tackle lingerie sewing these could be a great starting point.
• New from Making Patterns Fly are two collar patterns COM50S and COM501 which can both be layered over numerous tops, jumpers and jackets. The first is a small shaped piece and the second a dramatic larger style. As suggested with their leather, fur and sequin samples this kind of accessory is a great way to incorporate unusual fabrics into your wardrobe. 
• Amongst the new releases from Style Arc this February was the Hattie Dress. Designed for woven fabrics the bottom of the bodice can be tied at the front or of the back and so reminds me of the Kielo but with a less dramatic silhouette as the straight knee length skirt feels a little more formal. One of the February freebies, the Eden Knit Dress, was also new and I love the sculptural silhouette of the Teddy Designer Top and Teddy Designer Pant.
• The new Sports Coat from The Maker's Atelier is a real style statement. The design is like a dramatically lengthened bomber jacket with it's ribbed collar, snap fastening and option to add ribbed cuffs. Also new from them in February is the Pull On Trouser which again are a chic twist on the sportswear trend.
• New from Helen's Closet are the Avery Leggings. I'm usually drawn to more complex designs for my activewear sewing but maybe what my workout wardrobe needs is simple! I love that there is the option to make these super high waisted, there is nothing worse than a waistband that wriggles down during exercise.
• Straight Stitch Designs released the Madrona Skirt which is a wrap style that can be made up in any kind of drapey woven or knit fabric. A pretty flippy printed skirt is on my summer sewing list so I've added this to my potential pattern choices.
• Mood Fabrics released a flurry of new free pattern downloads again this month which included the super dramatic Hibiscus Robe and the Hyacinth Gown. I like the moto feel of the Harrisia Vest and love the quilted faux leather they've used. Also released were the Inula Pants, Iberis Gown, Iris Ensemble and Castor Cosplay tunic.
• New from Designer Stitch is the Synthia Ruffled Top. This clever sleeveless design has a ruffle collar which turns into a waterfall frill around the armhole. It would be really beautiful made up in a silk chiffon with rolled hems to emphasise the frill. They also released the Indu Wrap Pants which is their first pattern for knits.
• CocoWawa Crafts released the Cinnamon Trousers which are a cropped pair of semi tailored trousers with a mid rise. You can keep them clean and simple or add pleats or ruffles to the hem and pocket edges. What I really love is the option to choose between the loose fit or close fit pattern depending on your proportions and style preferences.
• The Bryce Cargo Pants are the latest release from Hey June Handmade. A slim fitting traditional cargo pant for ladies these feature traditional pleated pockets and darts at the knee for extra shape. 
• The new Katherine Dress from Rochad Studio features a draped skirt which twists at the waist to tie in a belt; one of those designs which I really want to make so I can check out the construction! This knit style also has centre front bust darts and the option for fluted or long sleeves. 
• Straight on my pattern wish-list is the new Nikko Top & Dress from True Bias. A mock turtle neck style with four views for sleeved or sleeveless tops or dresses with long side vents. Yet another effortlessly wearable yet modern and stylish design from Kelli. She also launched the paper version of her popular Ogden Cami.
• Colette Patterns released the Myrna Dress which is available in PDF format only. This design definitely harks back to their vintage roots as the kimono sleeved bodice that gathers over the bust into a wide shaped waistband has clear 1930s/40s tea dress vibe.
• The Claudia Dress is the latest release from Tessuti and has got me wishing even harder for the change of seasons. This is basically my ideal summer dress featuring my favourite square cut strappy neckline and straight cut with side vents keeping you cool, comfortable and chic.
• Sarah Kirsten released the Willow Bag Set which includes pattens for a duffel and two smaller zipped pouches all of which are fully lined. I've only just discovered her patterns and am bit in love! I like how she has samples made up in plain white cottons so you can really see the style lines.
• The Scoop Pinafore is new from Sew Different; a slightly more grown up version of a classic pinafore dress designed to be worn over a top. It has a classic square neckline with tulip shape skirt and big scooped sides which cleverly conceal pockets.
• The new Greco Tee from Ensemble Patterns is free for newsletter subscribers! Its a slouchy style with three sleeve options and three hem styles to choose from. I've been thinking that I need to work on adding some t-shirts of various styles to my wardrobe so this could be just the ticket.
• Wardrobe By Me launched the Love Yourself Underwear collection, including patterns for a Panty, the Carma Camisole and a Hipster. The briefs both look like great wardrobe staples and an excellent stash-buster for knits.
• Pier and Palace released their third pattern; the Hove Hoodie Dress. It features all the details of a classic hoodie design but is lengthened and form fitting for a more flattering and feminine take on the style.
• Amongst the new releases from Kommatia Patterns this month is Flash, a cropped sweatshirt with ribbed trim and a wide neckline which slides off the shoulders. They also released Utopia, a super cool harem style pant with drawstring waist and Carafa which is a pencil skirt with suspenders; a lovely grown up twist on the dungaree trend.
• DG Patterns released the Maureen Top and Dress and if you're a fan of an interesting sleeve you're going to love this one! Designed for knits, along with the double ruffle option mid way up the forearm you can choose to add elbow patches or a patch pocket to the skirt. Also released was the Reno Dress, a wrap style for woven with a dolman sleeve and petal hem and the Moto Leggings.
• Sew Over It's PDF release for February was the Clara Blouse. A chic design with lovely details including deep cuffs, a pleated neckline and stepped hem. Perfect for all kinds of occasions when made up in different fabrics. They also released a new paper pattern! The Zoe Dress is a semi-fitted shift with princess seams both front and back which conceal ever important pockets.
• New from Itch to Stitch is the Visby Henley & Top. The base pattern is a classic henley but there are options to add a hood, skip the placket or add on a bottom band.
• The Avid Seamstress released two new patterns; the adult version of The Gathered Dress and The Coat. The slim silhouette of the coat is inspired by classic tailoring yet promises to be an easy make for your first coat and the dropped shoulder gives it a modern twist.
• The Piccadilly Pyjamas are the latest release from Nina Lee London. I love the little unique details on these such as the soft open mandarin collar and curved hems on both the top and bottoms, perfect for showcasing a bit of piping.
• Schnittchen released two new patterns in their plus size range (sizes 48-56). The Claire Tunic has sloped shoulders and a two piece sleeve with the option to add a belt and loops. The Amy Parka is a classic casual jacket that has a hood and full lining.
• The Joy Jacket is new from Chalk and Notch. Its a classic fully lined lightweight jacket with the option to add a hood. It would really suit being made up in a drapey tencel or rayon twill or you could challenge yourself to make a fully waterproof version.
• I don't usually include children's pattern releases but I do tend to include Pauline Alice and her new Mini Collection is too cute to resist! It includes patterns to make a jacket, shorts and dungarees which all work together as an outfit or separately. They fit ages 3-36 months.
• Street Style Patterns is the womenswear branch of popular childrens-wear pattern company Brindle & Twig. They've just added the 025 Bomber Jacket to the collection which is a real classic with ribbed round neckline and ribbed cuffs and hem.
• It has been quite a month for lingerie sewing pattern releases. Madalynne launched her next pattern collaboration with Simplicity (the 8624) and Barrett; a free PDF pattern download for a bralette. Its a sporty, pull on style with a triangular opening at the centre front. The 8624 includes a high necked bra with underwire and foam cups and a simple low-rise pant which makes use of scalloped lace.
• Til The Sun Goes Down have released two new patterns alongside their new collection of Spring/Summer print fabrics. The Hepburn Shirtwaister is a beautiful 1940s/50s inspired shirtdress with two collar styles and three sleeve options including a bracelet length with cuff. The interchangeable pattern pieces of the Revere Blouse mean you can go for more of a 1940s style with gathered sleeve head, revere collar and longer length or button the boxy shorter length with side splits up the next for a 1950s/60s look.
• The final release of the month, squeezing in with their launch just this morning are the Calyer Pants from French Navy Now. They're trousers than promise a comprise between comfort and a polished finish with their pleated front and elastic at the back of the waistband.

Pattern updates and expansions

• Friday Pattern Company updated their Raglan Blouse pattern which was released last summer. The remastered PDF version is longer than the original and will be available in print soon.
• The Jasper Sweater/Dress pattern is a popular one in the Paprika Patterns line and if you're a fan you can now get even more out of the pattern with the release of the Jasper Crossover Collar Add-On this week. The expansion gives you all the pieces you need to change the collar to a modern wrap style and also add a kangaroo pocket.

Sew-alongs

• The sew-along for the new Nikko Top and Dress from True Bias is well under way over on her blog. This one takes you through all views of the pattern with great knit sewing tips.
• I know a lot of people have been tackling the new Rumana Coat from By Hand London as part of project #SewMyStyle and they've been posting a sew-along over on their site to help guide you through.
• If you're really getting your teeth into coat making at the moment you might also be interested in taking a look at the sew-along for the recently released Yates Coat over on the Grainline Studio blog.
• Also continuing is the sew-along for the Cashmerette Activewear Collection. The posts are up for the Cedar Tank and Dolman Top and they are just moving onto the posts about the Belmont Leggings and Yoga Pants.
• Madalynne has put together a three part blog series to guide you through sewing her latest lingerie design for Simplicity; the 8624. There's sure to be some great lingerie and lace sewing tips included as she guides you through sewing this high necked style. The pattern includes a high necked bra with underwire and foam cups and a simple low-rise pant which makes use of scalloped lace.
• Mika Patterns are putting together a sew-along for their very first pattern which launched last month; the Sophie Wrap Skirt.
• This week Love Notions are running a sew-along for their Boyfriend Cardigan pattern. The guidance also applies to their girls version of this same design.

Upcoming!

• Ping from Peneloping and Sandra announced that they have just set up their own pattern company called Fig & Needle and they will be launching with their first two patterns in the autumn.
• Carolyn from Handmade by Carolyn is currently testing a summer dress pattern with a strong menswear influence. There is a little sneak peak on her blog which has got me very intrigued!
• Scroop Patterns put out a call for testers for their next pattern which is going to be a zipped hoodie with a variety of design options.
• Lily Sage & Co shared a couple of swimsuits last week which are similar in design to the Blazer Racer pattern she is hoping to release in the next few weeks.
• Friday Pattern Company are set to release their new Wanderer Tank pattern on Friday and I'm already a little bit in love with the laced up back!
• Jennifer Lauren Handmade will soon be releasing the Ostara Top; a vintage inspired knit top with two sleeve and neckline options to choose from.

Other Exciting News

• Maria from Maria Denmark and Nanna from How To Do Fashion launched the downloadable Sewing Life magazine. The first issue including PDF pattern is free when you sign up to the newsletter! This issue's pattern is an oversized dress with kimono sleeves for woven or knit fabrics and the issue includes four ways to sew up and hack the pattern. The articles in the issue are all relevant to those four styles; love that concept.
• The next pattern in the Deer & Doe collection to be released in PDF format is the Ondée Sweater; a cute design and a great size for a PDF!
• Grainline Studio released a book in collaboration with the Madder knitting pattern line! UNIFORM Knit & Sew provides you with patterns to knit a cardigan and sew a tunic; both of which have multiple options and pair beautifully together. Love this little capsule wardrobe idea. If you'd like to do the same for your little ones UNIFORM Little has also been released with children's sizing.

As always do feel free to chime in in the comments with any other news or pattern releases you've spotted that I may have missed! My brain is well and truly on Spring sewing plans now, although I have no idea why as its been snowing in London this week! If your brain has made the seasonal leap already too here's a little bit of indie sewing inspiration to get those creative juices flowing.

• Upgrading my handmade activewear wardrobe remains high on my to do list and I adore Lauren's new workout ensemble. I particularly like the cut of that Surf to Summit Top and the star print fabric she chose!
• Amanda's Lander Shorts made me take another look at how that style could fit into my wardrobe and I think I may well end up outright copying these and sewing up a pair or three (!) in heavy linen for summer.
• I think Lizzy might deserve a prize for her use of border print on her Mila Dungarees. Where did she find such beautiful fabric and the idea to make the flowers grow up trouser legs was just genius! 
• After seeing the film Ladybird this week all my early 00s clothing obsessions are making a comeback and I would quite like Shauni's amazing striped Nettie Dress in my own wardrobe. In fact I've been on a bit of a mission to find a similar fabric to make myself a Nikko...but its sold out!!
• Amy Nicole has reignited my love for the Dove Blouse with this stunning version she made for her sister. Brilliant fabric choice! Mine is still one of the most worn garments in my wardrobe and I really must get around to making another.

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave