July Indie Pattern Update!

July has been a bit of a strange month for me and I am therefore WAY behind in my blog reading so I apologise if this month's update misses the mark somewhat...I've done my best to keep up with all the exciting new pattern releases this month but please do help me out by pointing out in the comments anything I may have missed and I'll update the post as speedily as I can! As soon as I've finished writing this I'm settling down with a cup of tea to see what you lovely lot have been sewing over the last few weeks!

New Patterns

• Republique du Chiffon have released the Nadine Shirt and Charlotte Skirt PDF patterns. I'm yet to try sewing a pattern from this french company because of the language barrier but I love so many designs I'm going to have to take the plunge soon, possibly with one of these two!
• Ohhh Lulu released the Hilda Bike Shorts which were a free pattern for the duration of July. A great idea to wear under breezy summer dresses if you need a bit of modesty for the unpredictable UK weather!
• Steph from Cake Patterns revealed the second wave of her Tidepool Collection. This release included the Urchin Skirt & Shorts which have a pleated, elasticated waistband, and the Scallop and Miter Shell Tops which feature sailors knot and woven details within the back necklines.
• Style Arc's July releases include the Candice Skirt and Skye Top. I also really like the look of the Esme Top which has a boxy shape and funnel neck and is designed for stable knits.
• The latest pattern from Muse Patterns is the Sophie Cardigan. I love the twist Kat applies to classic designs and this is no exception with three different necklines including a sporty bomber style with zip front which really appeals to me.
• Kennis from Itch to Stitch released the Angelia Shorts and Kathryn Top & Dress. The shorts in particular look to be a great pattern and satisfying sew with lots of pocket, tab and cuff options to play with.
• I'm a big fan of the quality of the Sewaholic Patterns and was delighted to see that their latest duo of releases are right up my street. The Harwood and Nicola Dresses are both variations on the classic shirt dress and I love how their versatility has been shown with the styling of the promo pics.
• Tilly and the Buttons also released two patterns this month; the Bettine Dress and Fifi Summer Loungewear Set. I've got the Fifi cut out and ready to sew...I couldn't resist sewing up such a cute pattern with that name could I?!
• Pearl Red Moon released the Ellice Skirt and Trousers pattern. It has three variations including a simple a-line skirt, skirt version with a peplum over layer and wide legged culottes which can be made cuffed or un-cuffed. 
• The latest design from Pattern Fantastique is the Lucent Visor. I love how unique their patterns are and how they really look for gaps within the range of patterns and styles currently available.
• Alice from Queen of Darts (F.K.A. Moonbeam) has recently made available a free download of the Picnic Dress pattern she drafted for herself. It's currently only available in her size and with no instructions as it's very straightforward to assemble and alter.
• Hot Patterns released the Trilogy Dress, Tunic and Top, which I really like the simple lines of. They are also re-releasing an updated version of their previously discontinued Sunshine Top with a pleated neckline and long sleeve option. It should be available in September.
• Wear Lemonade released the Lolita Dress and Paloma Dungarees this month. Make My Lemonade is a site I have only just discovered but am a now a bit addicted to. Be aware the pattern instructions are all in French but there are videos to accompany each pattern!
• Dana from Dana Made It released the Anywhere Skirt pattern this month. It's suitable for girls and adults and features a either partly or fully gathered skirt with button front and optional waist sash.
• In-House Patterns released the Chelsea Blouse which has a loose fit and slanted side seams as well as various sleeve options. I love the sample version with the lace back!
• Anne. K Couture released the Tamariu Dress pattern (which comes with English instructions if you were worried about the French!). I really love the panelled design and partial waistline.

Sew-alongs

• The sew-along for Colette Patterns' recently released Aster Blouse started over on sewalongs.com mid month. The posts stay up and freely available afterwards so don't worry if you want to take part and have missed the start.
• Maris from Sew Maris has just started a sew-along over on her blog for the Emily Culottes pattern from Itch to Stitch. It began earlier this week but there's still plenty of time to catch up!

Upcoming!

• Itch to Stitch put out a call for testers for their upcoming release, the Carey Top which features drawstring gathered dolman sleeves and a shirttail style shaped hem.
• I'm really excited about the release of the Splash Swimsuit which is coming soon from Lily Sage & Co after spotting a couple of sneak peaks on Instagram and their blog. The style lines are gorgeous!
• There's soon to be a new kid on the indie pattern company block! Atelier Louise are launching their very first pattern at some point in August and are going to be focusing on patterns for shoes and accessories. Peta has trained as both a shoemaker and milliner so I'm really looking forward to seeing her designs.
• There's a new pattern coming soon from Sew House Seven, all we know so far is that it's a summer style! They also announced that their patterns will be printed on tissue in future rather than hard paper, which you can read more about here.

Other Exciting News

• Lilith & Eve's first pattern the LE1101 Drapey Blouse, which was released a couple of months ago, is now available to purchase in paper form so if the PDF format has been putting you off now's the chance!
• If you dabble in a bit of crochet you may be interested to know that the ladies at By Hand London have teamed up with Wool and the Gang and released a pattern for a crochet crop top. The Lex pattern is available for free on the BHL blog or you can purchase a pack over at Wool and the Gang.
• The release of Papercut Patterns' back catalogue in PDF form continues with this month seeing the release of the Midsummer Night's Dream, La Sylphide and Rite of Spring Shorts.
• The new Harwood and Nicola Dress patterns from Sewaholic are their first to be available in French, Spanish and Dutch. They have also just released French versions of their Thurlow, Renfrew and Cambie patterns.
• Similar to last month's add on pack for their jacket pattern, Waffle Patterns released a free pack of pattern parts for a cropped curved hem variation of their Pancake Blouse. I really love the idea of making already existing patterns more versatile rather than having to purchase an entirely new one.

As I say please do feel free to point me in the direction of any news I may have missed or mistaken and I'll be sure to update the post. To finish up here's some indie sewing inspiration from across the blogosphere!

• I adore Reana Lousie's version of one of my favourite patterns, the Scout Tee, which she made up in gorgeous Nano Iro gauze. The changes of adding a peplum and lengthening the sleeves I might have to try!
• I was seriously tempted to buy the Maison Fleur Swimsuit pattern when it was released last month and now I've seen Anna's gorgeous version of it I'm even more so!
• Another pattern I'm now majorly tempted to make is the Grainline Cascade Duffel Coat. Kirsten's version is so classic and yet an absolute statement garment in vivid red!
• I think Marilla's wool version of the BHL Victoria Blazer is my favourite so far! It works so well in the heavier weight wool being slightly boxy and oversized and I love that she added welt pockets.
• The amazing rayon challis that Lauren chose for her version of the Southport Dress is just a perfect match for the pattern. I'd love to have a wardrobe of dresses like this for summer!