May Indie Pattern Update!

Phew where did that month go?! I've been working away from home most of this month so have got a bit behind with blogging projects, I'm hoping to get a lot of them photographed and posted about over the next couple of weeks as I've had a run of successful projects that have seen me through spring! There have been a huge number of new releases this month (in may in fact be the longest list I've published yet!) and that's got me itching to sew a whole new summer wardrobe.

New Patterns

• Blank State Patterns released the relaxed fitting Blanc T-Shirt. Not only is this pattern free but you can also download the free hack pack with different sleeve, placket, collar and pocket options.
• The latest release from Jennifer Lauren is another vintage inspired design. The Hunter Tank is a bias cut waist length top with a tie front. I'd love one of these to wear with high-waisted, slim cropped trousers over the summer, very Audrey Hepburn!
• Kennis from Itch to Stitch released the Lisbon Cardigan and Sirena Dress. I love the variety of style options that come with Sirena; particularly the sleeve flounce and the cup sizing.
• There were two new patterns released by Tessuti this month. Helga is an oversized shirt with two collar options, shaped side seams and a stepped hem. The Brooklyn Coat is an oversized and boxy style with dropped shoulders that looks ideal for a first time coat maker to try.
• There's a new menswear pattern on the market in the form of the Fairfield Button Up Shirt from Thread Theory. The size range now includes a 4XL and this particular pattern is drafted to include a larger size variation to accommodate a round or wide waist. 
• The second menswear release this month was the Wahid Waistcoat from Make My Pattern. Joost always includes many design options with his patterns and this is no exception with 17 custom choices including hem styles and necklines.
• The new Annie A-Line Skirt from Sew This Pattern is free to download! Perfect if you're looking for a first sewing project to try as it has a faced waistband and simple centre back zip.
• Bang on trend as always, Kommatia released a pattern for a knit cropped top. It's a classic design with cap sleeves and crew neck; to me it's got something of a nineties Rachel from friends about it!
• Muse Patterns released the Philippa Dress. It has got 1960s mod styling with its slim fitting cut, jewel neckline and collar.
• Straight Stitch Designs released the View Ridge Top. I really like the size of the button fastening keyhole neckline at the back.
• The latest design from Wear Lemonade is the Chiara Dress which has a retro style with a boat neck and gathered skirt. I particularly like the way the sleeves are finished with a band which creates a tiny cap style sleeve.
• The Tailoress released the Frane Jumper Dress. Its designed for knits with a relaxed fit on top but more close fitting around the hips. A version with a snugger fit all over is soon to follow.
• New from Christine Haynes is the Lottie Dress and Shirt. There's a lot of mileage to be had out of this pattern by combining aspects of the three different views. I think the maxi is my fave!
• Charlotte Kan released the Garconne Shirt & Dress. It's a boyfriend style fit shirt with slim mandarin collar which to me has a slightly Scandinavian style feel about it, particularly when sewn up in the minimalist print chosen for the sample.
• A gorgeous style for summer is the new Peony Dress from Fabrics for Sale. Its a simple style which looks like it would be a speedy sew with an elasticated waist and neckline and on trend off the shoulder frill.
• Megan Nielson released the Axel Skirt which is a pattern designed for stable knits with three variations including a tie front and slit or handkerchief hem.
• Maven Patterns released a new PDF; the Maria Wrap Apron. It's a Japanese inspired style with cross over wrap back and there's a tutorial up for how to make it reversible/fully lined.
• New from Hey June Handmade is the Santa Fe Top. It's a design for knits with plenty of scope for colour blocking with a variety of panels and options to make as a tank or with a dolman sleeve.
• Grainline Studio released another beautifully drafted basic in the form of the Willow Tank and Dress. The perfect black canvas to showcase a special fabric, its fitted through the shoulders calling into a loose fit below the bust.
• The two patterns released with this month's issue of Seamwork Magazine were the Layton Romper and Perry Dress. I really like the relaxed fit of Perry combined with the front slits in the skirt.
• Amongst the new releases from Style Arc this month were the Maxine Maxi Dress and Leah Lounge Pant which as summer trousers are high on my agenda I'm looking forward to seeing made up so I can assess the cut.
• This week's episode of the Great British Sewing Bee has piqued my interest in sewing bras again. Elise Patterns' new Chelsea Bra pattern is now available through Etsy and Kollabora in PDF form.
• Schnittchen released a whole new Summer 2016 collection! It includes the Michelle Blouse, Ute Dress, Swantje Skirt, Tara Top, Mary Trousers, Mila Blouse and Rose Dress. Again those trousers have caught my eye but the louche fit of the Rose Dress also appeals made up in linen for hot days.
• The latest patterns from Sew Caroline is the Parkside Shorts and Skirt. They're a nice simple style to sew with inseam pockets and an elasticated waistband.
• Marilla Walker's new Bennett Dress is a loose fitting summer shift which can be gathered in at the waist or have an added button front detail. My favourite feature is the back v neckline.
• Pauline Alice has treated us to three new patterns this month! The Reina Shirt, Safor Skirt and Saler Jacket. They have a slightly nautical theme and my favourite is the shirt with the skinny neck tie combined with the deep v neckline.
• New from Paprika Patterns and continuing to fuel my summer trousers obsession, are the Amber Trousers. They have a v-shaped fitted yoke with inverted box pleat below to give the style fullness while flattering the figure.
• The next pattern in Jenny from Cashmerette's line of plus size sewing patterns is the Upton Dress. Its a fit and flare style for woven fabrics and has various neckline and skirt options.
• The Maker's Atelier released the Gypsy Dress and Blouse; a classic take on this style of dress with a drawstring neckline and raglan sleeves. Whilst the plain samples are beautiful I think this design would really make the most of an intricate print.
• The Wanderlust Tee is the latest release from Fancy Tiger Crafts. Its a boxy knit tee with a slightly a-line shape and I really like the slightly longer length slim sleeves.
• Patty Doo launched two patterns this month. The Kyra Tunic has a pretty bib front which can be highlighted with piping and the Maya Jersey Top is a a staple shape with skinny spaghetti straps.
• Debbie from Lily Sage & Co released the Chloe Dress & Top as a PDF download. This exposed shoulder look is all over the shops for summer and I'm seriously considering adding it to my summer sewing plans after seeing the samples.
• Blue Prints for Sewing launched a limited edition 'pattern zine' for the Prairie Skirt. The booklet walks you through the process of creating a simple skirt with elasticated waist and patch pockets. A PDF version is to follow.

Expansion Packs and Re-Releases

• Alongside the Fairfield Shirt pattern release Thread Theory are offering three free expansion packs with alternative styles of collar cuffs and pocket. A great way to get more out of your pattern.
• Kommatia's Bodysuit Pattern has been updated to include 7 sizes and illustrated instructions.

Sew-Alongs

• The sew-along for Thread Theory's new Fairfield Shirt has been running over on their blog for the last couple of weeks. It includes some great construction tips on all those fiddly little design features.
• Over on sewalongs.com a sew-along has been running for Colette Patterns' Selene Skirt which was released last month.
• After releasing the Doris Dress last month Sew Over It have been running a sew-along for this perfect summer style on their blog.
• Sew DIY have been running a sew-along for their new Nita Wrap Skirt which includes instructions for lining.
• Christine Haynes will be running a sew-along for her new Lottie pattern throughout June.
• The sew-along for Grainline Studio's Willow Tank & Dress pattern started just yesterday on the Grainline blog. Jen always has some really useful sewing tips so this would be a great one for a beginner seamstress to follow along with.
• Sew Caroline has a sew-along on her blog for her new Parkside Shorts & Skirt pattern. It includes a tutorial for a double welt pocket if you want to challenge yourself with adding a more complicated technique to the project.
• The sew-along for the new Cashmerette Upton Dress has just kicked off over on Jenny's blog.
• To accompany the new Blue Prints for Sewing pattern zine Have Company are hosting a sew-long for the Prairie Skirt.

Upcoming!

There have been a few testing calls over the last week or so giving us a hint of what might be to come next month:

• After the release of Garconne this month Charlotte Kan has moved straight on to testing the Kitsune Strapless Dress. It looks like a great casual style for a hot summer so I'm looking forward to seeing what the fit of it is like sewn up.
• Ohhh Lulu are testing as whole new collection! I'm dying to try out sewing some underwear as I said so perhaps one of the new designs will see me take the plunge!
• Kennis from Itch to Stitch impresses me with her ability to turn out patterns so regularly when she has such a thorough testing process and instructions. After two new releases in May she's now testing a summer style in the shape of the Vienna Tank.
• The next pattern from The Tailoress will be a three piece camisole/slip set. I'm always thinking that I could benefit from a few of these but never get round to buying any...maybe I'll make some now!
• And last but by no means least Helen from Helen's Closet is testing the Winslow Culottes. I wasn't a big fan of the midi length culotte trend when it first came about but now I'm thinking it could be a winner for summer...

Other Exciting News

• The Dropje Hooded Vest and Warabi Kimono Sleeve Tunic from Waffle Patterns are now available in printed paper form.
• Fehr Trade's Tessellate Tee was originally released only through Love Sewing Magazine but is now available to purchase in PDF format from her site alongside the add on pack which includes thumb cuffs, a hood and zip pocket.

With the length of that list of new releases I find it hard to believe that there can be any more but if I have missed anything you know of please let me know in the comments below and I'll be sure to add it in! If the promise of summer sunshine hasn't been reason enough to get you racing to your machine just yet here's a bit of indie sewing inspiration to get you doing just that...

• The appearance of summer sunshine always gets me eyeing up maxi lengths and bright, colourful prints and Lindsay has nailed the perfect combination of these with her Laura Vent Skirt.
• Someone else who has an eye for a beautiful print is Sallie. She's knocked it out of the park with her marble print Catarina Dress. So chic in that midi length.
• Jasika has gone bold with her choice of monochrome stripes for a Sallie Dress and is totally rocking it! I've got this pattern on my summer sewing list and this has go me thinking about what fabric would work best for the variations I've got my eye on.
• Katryna's flower power Martha Dress is super cute! The body of the crepe really accentuates the shape of the dress in a lovely way. Combined with that vivid summer print it's a winner.
• Debbie has been absolutely rocking her latest pattern the Chloe Dress recently with numerous versions in stunning fabrics. I love a bit of tie dye so this latest one is my fave.

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