February may well be the shortest month of the year but that certainly hasn't meant a lack of news from the indie pattern world; this has been a lengthy post to write! There seems to be a trend for releasing 'expansion packs' or updated versions of past patterns this month which I absolutely love. So much so that I've added in a new category just for February! I have so many patterns nowadays that I think long and hard before adding to my collection and really like the idea of getting more mileage out of a pattern with additional options. It's also lovely to see designers revisiting past releases to improve on them and ensure customers are getting the best they can offer.
New Patterns
- The latest release from Make My Lemonade is the Wanda Trench Coat which has a shawl collar and kimono sleeves. They are also releasing the Lena Shirt Dress pattern tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled for that!
- The patterns released with this February's edition of Seamwork Magazine were the Lisbon Slip and Almada Robe. I am dying to make myself the robe in a gorgeous double gauze from Miss Matatabi. I've been looking for an excuse to treat myself to something from there for ages!
- Style Arc's new releases this month included the Alegra Coat and Jacket (which has gorgeous shoulder seaming), Beth Pants and their two free patterns with any purchase; the Talia Woven Pant and Allison Skirt.
- The latest release from Paprika Patterns is the Opal Cardigan. It has a relaxed fit with dropped shoulders and you have the choice of three lengths. I've been tempted by a long cardigan recently and perhaps this is just the pattern I need!
- If you're looking for gift ideas for the men in your life Grainline Studio released just the thing before Valentine's Day. A free bow tie pattern and accompanying tutorial on their blog.
- Straight Stitch Designs released the Wedgwood Skirt. It's a classic design for a pleated skirt with pockets and with two lengths to choose from.
- By Hand London added another style to their gorgeous collection of patterns; the Sarah Shirt. it's a button up swing style blouse with two collar and sleeve styles to choose from.
- Hot Patterns added to their Athleisure range with the Layer Cake Tee. It's a pattern for one top which looks like a few different tops layered up when worn, giving you the chance to play around with different fabric combinations!
- The Helena Dress was released by Sew Me Something. It's a simple relaxed dress with nice design details such as a curved yoke and pin tucked front.
- A pattern that particularly caught my eye this month is the French Dart Shift from Maven Patterns. It's got a lovely variety of sleeve options and rolled collar. I'm not sure if the style would suit me but I'm really taken with the samples.
- Tilly & the Buttons has had a busy month releasing the Dominique Skirt and a bow blouse pattern which is currently only available with this month's issue of Simply Sewing magazine. She also released two new e-courses; 'Learn to Sew Skirts' and 'Make Friends with a Sewing Machine'. I really enjoyed 'Learn to Sew Jersey Tops'!
- Magdalena Langa released the Lilum Dress which is available to buy through Indie Sew, Craftsy and Kollabora. I love the shoulder tie which is just the right amount of interesting detail to liven up the shift shape.
- Vesta Patterns released the Fable Dress, which as always has options drafted for three different body shapes. It's got a princess seamed bodice, gathered skirt and pockets.
- Tessuti released the Jane Dress. It's a simple a-line shift with a side godet panel giving an asymmetric shape to the hem; linen was the perfect fabric choice for the sample!
- Kommatia released a pattern for a wrap skirt which they suggest would be perfect in suede and now I can't get the idea of a wrapped suede mini out of my head!
- I've been looking forward to the next pattern release from Anne Durrieu since the launch of the Leopoldine Dress a few months back. She hasn't disappointed with the Robe Adele which again looks cleverly constructed and has some more challenging techniques for those of us looking to push our sewing skills a little further.
- The Maker's Atelier released another pattern which is again so distinctly in their style I love it. It's an Oversized Shirt Dress which can be made with long or short sleeves, and with or without pockets and side splits.
- 1 Puddle Lane have just released their next pattern; the Miss Fox Dress. It includes options for inverted pleats or gathers to shape the skirt and different waistband styles.
- And last but by no means least Papercut Patterns released their Ahoy Collection! I always enjoy how cohesive their collections are and this one is no exception. My particular favourites are the Bowline Sweater and Moana Dress, I'm definitely going to be making this up as a top!
Expansion Packs and Re-Releases
- Megan Nielson re-released her Rie pattern, which was originally a maternity design but now features two new variations for a top or maxi dress and short sleeve or sleeveless versions. There are also three height options; petite, tall and regular.
- Colette Patterns released a free Moneta Extras download to go with their Moneta Dress pattern. It includes five styles of collar including peter pan, bow and scalloped designs.
- Another expansion pack released this month was from Muse Patterns for their Jenna Cardigan. With the pack you get v-neck and collared variations.
- Jennifer Lauren Vintage released an updated version of her Afternoon Blouse pattern including the option to turn it into a shift dress with shaping through the back and additional larger sizes. She also has an expansion pack for her Felicity Dress coming soon!
- Grainline Studio also released an add-on for their ever popular Archer Shirt pattern to turn it into a pop-over style shirt rather than a full button front. It has entirely next pattern pieces for the effected parts so no drafting on your part required!
- Kommatia Patterns updated their midi body-con skirt to have mini and knee lengths.
- Another add-on pack released in February is for Sew Over It's Betty Dress. It includes new neckline and sleeve options. I first made this dress quite some time ago and just love the full skirt...perhaps it's time I revisited this pattern!
- Hey June Handmade updated their Lane Raglan pattern with an improved fit and options for a curved hemline, elbow length sleeves, 3/4 length sleeves and long sleeves with no band.
Sew-alongs
- Susan from Measure Twice Cut Once has been running a sew-along for the Named Beverley Bikini over on her blog. I've had a couple of these cut out for longer than I'd care to admit but they've been loitering at the bottom of my sewing queue until I've got a reason to wear them. Think I need to book myself a beach break!
- The Thread Theory sew-along for their Camas Blouse has wrapped up and included hacks for sewing it up as a cardigan or dress which I am really tempted to try out. Talk about getting more mileage from a pattern!
- The sew-along for By Hand London's new Sarah Shirt started over on their blog on 19th February. I'm really interested to see how this blouse is put together as it's got so many lovely features.
- The Avid Seamstress gave us a tutorial for her not long released Day Dress pattern including a video for those of you who love to learn by watching someone else do!
Upcoming!
- Emma from The Tailoress has been working on a pattern for a Monokini. I'm always excited by swimwear pattern releases (despite not having the lifestyle that requires them!) and can't wait to see this one! She also has the Josie Top coming soon which features an open back.
- Sew DIY has been testing her upcoming wrap skirt pattern; bang on trend for spring and summer apparently!
- There's a new collection from Deer & Doe coming mid March. They've been sharing very sneaky shots of the shoot on Instagram and I'm dying to see more!
- Kennis from Itch to Stitch has got another flurry of new patterns coming soon. She put out a tester call for the Zamora Blouse, Hepburn Turtleneck, Salamanca Cropped Jacket and Seville Skirt.
- There's a new Grainline Studio pattern coming soon...but that's all the info I could find on that one! We'll just have to wait and see!
- I've been looking forward to the next pattern release from Anne Durrieu since the launch of the Leopoldine Dress a few months back. The Adele Dress doesn't look like it would be a disappointment it looks cleverly constructed for those of us looking to push our sewing skills a little further.
Other Exciting News
- Make My Pattern launched option packs to go with his recently released Singular Shirt pattern. These packs make the huge range of design options that come with the pattern more cohesive and easier to select from to create your perfect style.
- Waffle Patterns released printed versions of two of their coat designs; the Yuzu Raglan and Pepernoot Hooded Coat.
- Anneka Couture has relaunched her patterns with new illustrations which are very chic and modern!
As always let me know if there's anything I've missed in the comments below. I'll leave you with a dose of indie sewing inspiration to kick off a creative March!
- Lindsay picked the perfect print for her Olivia Wrap Dress. Something about that length and the long sleeves looks super chic too.
- Jasika Nicole's Sallie Jumpsuit reminded me that I need to make this pattern up in time for summer! Another instance of perfect print choice. I also loved her yellow Fumenterre Skirt.
- I think I've got prints on the brain at the minute as I'm dreaming of Spring! Kat's pairing of fabric and Brumby Skirt really allows the colours and design to shine!
- I also love Winnie's choice of fabric for her test version of the Sarah Shirt. This pattern really appeals in a super fine fabric and I love the billowing style in a sheer.
- Again another winning fabric/print choice in Rachel's Gallery Tunic. I love a modern floral especially used for this classic style!
Thanks so much for these posts. I love seeing all of the indie patterns out there. I think you did miss the Sew Over It expansion back for the Betty: a scoop neckline and sleeves!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Katie! The Sew Over It expansion pack is in there somewhere! I'm tempted to give that one a try
DeleteMy favorite post of the month! There's always so much I've missed!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lindsay! In so glad you enjoy it!
DeleteI am looking forward to a new release from Victory Patterns! I heard it will be soon!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I always find Kristiann's designs to be really inventive so can't wait to see!
DeleteYou do such a fabulous job with these monthly pattern updates. I so enjoy reading them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mela! I really enjoy doing it and writing them actually gives me a good chance to properly look at thugs I didn't have chance to investigate at the time. So glad you enjoy them
DeleteI love your monthly recaps/updates! It always amazes me how many new patterns I missed...and want to make...and there's not enough time in the day!
ReplyDeleteHi Melody, I know that feeling all too well! I'm glad you enjoy them :)
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