February Indie Pattern Update!

There has as always been a lot going on in the world of indie sewing pattern design this month. I have spotted in particular lots of calls for pattern testers on individual pattern company blogs so if that's something you've been interested in doing keep your eyes peeled! I haven't listed them here as the deadlines to apply tend to be super speedy and have all passed by the date of publishing this!

New Pattern Companies/First Releases

• The very first pattern from Sewing Avenue is the Camellia Top and the even better news is that it's completely free to download! It's a simple shape with just two pattern pieces which Sarah is going to be showing you how to manipulate to create a wide variety of top designs!

New Patterns

• Heather Lou from Closet Case Files continues to release contemporary and chic designs which fill holes in our pattern collections with her latest offering - the Carolyn Pyjamas. I'm not usually one for wearing a traditional full PJ set to bed but now I'm dreaming about making a silk pair! It has an extra smaller size than her other patterns too.
• Abby from Blue Ginger Doll released a whole collection of four PDF patterns which mix and match to create a selection of beautiful outfits. The range includes the April Skirt, Anne Top, Abby Singlet and Alicia Shorts.
• The latest By Hand London dress pattern is currently available on presale at 15% off! It's called the Sophia Dress and features unusual angled darts on both the skirt and bodice as well as options for a fitted skirt and a flared skirt with godets which I can't wait to try out!
• The Cowl Neck Dress is the new PDF pattern from Sew Over It. As with all their patterns it looks to be a great wardrobe staple as well as being super speedy to sew! I think you could make a whole variety of dresses from it depending on fabric choice.
• Jennifer Lauren released the Felicity Dress which I can't wait to sew in breezy cotton for summer! The bodice is shaped with gathering around the neckline and there are options for a gathered or three quarter circle skirt.
• The latest pattern from Sew Caroline is the Downtown Tunic. It has a relaxed fit and features either a peplum or button front skirt to be made in contrasting fabric.
• The Bellevue Top is the most recent release from Straight Stitch Designs. It's a pattern designed for a mixture of knit and woven fabrics which is really interesting and has options for a facing or band finishing along with differing sleeve lengths.
• Waffle Patterns have just released the Marmalade Gathered Jacket. I really like the combination of design elements in this one; it's got a lovely sporty feel. Plus it's 20% off until 6th March!
• UPDATE! Lindsay from Design by Lindsay released a FREE pattern for a faux fur jacket. It's a simple boxy shape which looks like it would be a fun project if you fancy something different. She's got some great tips for sewing faux fur too!

Sew-alongs

• Jennifer Lauren will be running a sew-along on her blog for her new Felicity Dress which will be starting early in March!

Upcoming!

• Scandinavian pattern company Named are releasing their Spring collection of 12 new patterns tomorrow (March 1st)! I always love that they release a whole collection at once and am so excited to see what they have come up with this time! Five of the designs will be available in an expanded size range; up to a UK 22/US 18.
• There's a new pattern coming soon from Deer and Doe which Eleonore has been working really hard on. We know it's called Cardamome but I haven't spotted any other clues as to what type of garment it might be!
• Marilla Walker is developing a pattern for a classic a-line denim skirt which is going to come with a maxi length option - so wonderfully nineties! Keep an eye out on her Instagram for more sneaky peaks.
• Skinny Bitch Curvy Chic have got a couple of patterns coming our way in the next few days. They're called the Pinot Pants and the Cabernet Cardigan; love the boozy naming!
• The next pattern from Itch to Stitch is going to be the Emily Culottes which you can get a full run down on by following the link. After sewing up the Marbella Dress I'm really keen to try another of Kennis' patterns; the instructions were brilliant!

Other Exciting News

• Elisa from Salme Patterns revealed her very first paper patterns! Seven designs from her gorgeous collection of classic styles are now available to buy in paper as well as PDF form.
• By Hand London re-released their Charlotte Skirt pattern as a PDF with updated instructions. I've made a fair few of this dream of a pencil skirt and seeing it pop up in my feed again has reminded me to try out a version with the ruffle hem
• Paprika Patterns re-released their Jade Skirt PDF pattern. It now has an improved design and larger size range so if you were tempted before now is the time to buy!

As per usual I feel like there's a lot I've missed (particularly in the non-existent sew-along section this month!) so feel free to point out any other gossip you've heard of in the comments and I'll be sure to add it in! To wrap this up here's some of your inspiring completed projects I've spotted this month:

• Emmie's tropical Anna Dress has got me desperate for summer; partly for the sunshine and partly so that I can sew some gorgeous things like this! Doesn't that print look stunning on her?
• I was eagerly following Leisa 's progress with her lace Archer Shirt and my jaw dropped when I saw the completed garment. Sewing a garment with so many pieces and tricky elements in a fabric as tricky as lace AND doing it so beautifully deserves a round of applause!
• I don't usually include designer's own versions of their patterns here but I'm completely in love with Pauline Alice's biker jacket variation of her Quart Coat. That fabric! I'm making one.
• Rachel's printed playsuit version of the Holly Jumpsuit is so fun and comfortable looking. I really got into the practicality of playsuits last summer and will be trying out this pattern combo soon I think!
• Kirsten's monochrome silk/cotton Carolyn Pyjamas are what is seriously tempting me to buy this pattern! Loving the piping and the monogrammed pocket!