April Indie Pattern Update!

So April has been an excellent month for new pattern releases! Which is very dangerous for me as after a crazy few months I have the majority of May off and have basically no plans apart from to sew! A lot of fabric has been pre-washed over the last couple of days and the cutting is about to commence...I can't wait. Anyway onto what you all came here for!

New Indie Pattern Companies!

• Lilith & Eve are launching in the next week with their first design LE101; a drapey blouse with a fun back which you can see a sneak peak of on their site. Both Sarah and Nicole are trained in fashion design and their patterns will each feature two entirely different styles to reflect their personalities.
• Maison Fleur have just launched with a collection of three PDF patterns including a Box Pleat Skirt, Fit and Flare Skirt and gorgeous Summer Blouse pattern which is so 1950s with the shoulder ties! Love the artwork on these!

New Patterns

• Deer and Doe released the first two patterns from their jersey collection. The panelling on the Brume Skirt is really interesting me and the cropped style of the Ondee Sweater may be the perfect filler for a gap in my wardrobe!
• See Kate Sew released the Soho Blouse which features an angled yoke and sleeves. The bohemian style is right up my alley and I just love the flattering cut of those sleeves from the side!
• The Luna Top is the latest release from Liola Designs. I've been after making some simple but interesting tops for spring/summer and the style-lines of this one have sucked me in!
• I'm also seriously tempted to purchase the new Sea Change Top from Lily Sage & Co. I love breezy styles like this paired with skinny jeans and can imagine it working beautifully in vividly printed kimono-style silks.
• Tilly and the Buttons released her new pattern, the Arielle Skirt! It's a chic fitted skirt with buttons running down the side which I think compliments the rest of her collection just perfectly. I love the option to use a lining and facing combo too.
• My ongoing love for maxi dresses meant major excitement when I saw the design of True Bias' most recent release; the Southport Dress. I adore the rayon challis sample Kelli has made.
• Republique du Chiffon released a whole new collection this month. I never envisioned myself wearing anything like it but I am loving that Dominique Jumpsuit!
• The eagerly anticipated Morris Blazer from Grainline Studio is here! It's designed for stretch wovens or stable knits and would be a great stylish alternative to a cardigan. I know I'm not alone in my high opinion of Jen's drafting skills so this classic, casual jacket is bound to be a winner.
• Kennis from Itch to Stitch released the Jaqueline Hoodie PDF pattern. It's nothing like the usual casual hoodie you might expect, featuring epaulettes, a double breasted front with buttons  and inseam welt pocket. She also put out a tester call for her Lindy Petal Skirt which looks lush.
• I find it hard to keep track of the Style Arc new releases but this month I did spot the new Cleo Knit Dress and Cleo Tabard patterns which can be bought together as an outfit pack or separately. I'm really intrigued to see this one made up and worn.
• Seamstress Erin has released her first pattern for women! It's called the Conifer Skirt and is a knit skirt in two lengths with the option to add tiered layers. It's Erin's first pattern to be available in print as well as PDF too! 
• Finally, not really a complete new pattern release but an idea which I absolutely love and hope more designers try, Muse Patterns released a Knit Sleeve Pack featuring patterns for four sleeve styles to work with any of their patterns so far. I think the tulip is my favourite!

Sew-alongs

• The sew-along for the new True Bias Southport Dress started on Monday. The posts can all be found over on the True Bias blog so there's plenty of time to catch up or refer back to them later.
• There hasn't been a sew-along as such for Tilly's new Arielle Skirt but I've spotted a number of really useful blog posts on the slightly trickier aspects of the construction such as fitting and attaching the lining. Be sure to check them out if you're planning to make it.
• A sew-along for Seamstress Erin's new Conifer Skirt will be coming soon over on her blog. This pattern also has a video sew-along available to purchase with the pattern if you want an even more thorough visual aid!

Upcoming!

• Christine Haynes revealed over on her blog that she has been working on a new pattern which will be released soon! It's called the Sylvie Dress and is designed for woven fabrics.
• I loved the design of Dixie DIY's self drafted cut out dress so I was delighted to spot her call for testers for it to be produced as a digital pattern. I've got my eyes peeled for the release of that one!
• I absolutely adore both of my pairs of Tania Culottes so I'm really excited to see that Megan Nielson's patterns are going back into print next month! With a slight rebranding (and more length options!) the Tania's will be one of the first available in paper form along with the popular Darling Ranges Dress and her new Brumbie Skirt.
• Lisa Comfort from Sew Over It's next book 'Sew Over It Vintage' will be released on June 18th. Her first was a real beauty with the styling of her shops carried through so I'm looking forward to seeing what this one contains.
• Katie from Papercut Patterns hinted on Instagram that her new collection is very nearly ready. Her designs are always very unique but wearable so I can't wait to see!

Other Exciting News

• Christine Haynes released her Derby and Chelsea dresses in PDF format (both are still available on paper too). That means her entire collection is now available digitally and to celebrate all the PDF patterns are 25% off until the end of the day on Sunday! Her Rosemary Collar pattern is now only available as a PDF.
• It's been a busy month for Christine as her latest book 'How to Speak Fluent Sewing' was released too. It's a guide to sewing and fabric terminology which sounds like just the thing I wish I had owned when I started!
• By Hand London made the very sad announcement that they will no longer continue to produce paper patterns or custom printed fabric. It must have been a very difficult decision for the ladies but the new direction for the company and focus on PDF patterns definitely counts as exciting! Their remaining stock of paper patterns have been selling like hot cakes (Anna, Elisalex, and Flora are already sold out) so if you want to get your hands on any get in there quick!
• The hugely popular Ginger Jeans pattern from Closet Case Files is now available in French. I've had my first pair cut out for ages and they are one of the first projects on my list to sew during my time off!
• Another pattern I've got two of on my list of things to sew is the Moss Mini Skirt from Grainline Studio. This is now available in paper form and both this version and the PDF have been updated so the pattern is now slightly longer and includes more notches.
• Thread Theory's last three releases, the Finlayson Sweater, Jutland Pants and Camas Blouse are soon to be released in paper format. The Camas will be their first ladies wear paper pattern!

Phew that feels like a lot. So much exciting stuff coming up too, I'd better get cracking with my list before it gets any longer! To finish up here's your monthly dose of indie sewing inspiration!

• That stunning cotton jacquard has found it's perfect pattern match in Sara's Coco Jacket. It's the perfect clean and simple design to showcase such a wonderful fabric.
• Lauren's entire handmade outfit had me drooling at the computer screen! A sunshine yellow Hollyburn Skirt and a Cabernet Cardigan made in nautical stripy double knit...yes please! She also made some totally awesome linen Carolyn Pyjamas which I wanted to include!
• It was Helen's version of the Sea Change Top that first brought the pattern to my attention. That bold green print looks so stunning on her! 
• I think the Holly Jumpsuit pattern may have been made for a flamingo print and this linen that Rachel used for her playsuit version may be the perfect flamingo print! Love it!
• I clearly hadn't looked enough at the line drawings for Named's new collection as I didn't spot the stunning nine panels and double vent feature of the Zaria Skirt until I saw Inna's. She used a Nano Iro double gauze which I mistook for rich velvet at first glance and now want to make!