April Indie Pattern Update!

Does anyone else feel a little bit overwhelmed by their sewing queue at the moment? I think it happens with this change of season every year as there are so many things I want to sew for the warmer weather. No that there is any sign of that here in London this morning! The influx of beautiful new pattern releases this month sure hasn't helped. There's a lot to look through as many indie companies launched whole new collections! I'm wishing someone could give me an extra week in my life and put everything else on pause so I can just sew all the lovely new things!

New Pattern Companies!

• There was a new digital sewing magazine launched this month and along with it a new pattern! Smyly Magazine has been created by Athina and Hattie after the success of the 'Sewing Makes You Love Yourself' challenge earlier this year and the first issue focuses on women who have turned their passion for sewing into a career. Each issue will include a downloadable pattern and the first is the Samantha Dress which is a faux wrap style. 

New Patterns

• The two new patterns released with the April edition of Seamwork Magazine by Colette were the Natalie Blouse and Jenna Skirt. Both great wardrobe basics, my favourite is the boxy fit and notched collar of the classic blouse.
• DG Patterns released the Marla Jumpsuit, Top & Dress which is a semi fitted style with lovely pleated bodice detail with v-neckline and dolman sleeves.
• I love the new Ariana Woven Dress from Style Arc. It has everything I'm after in a feminine strappy summer dress with a flattering classic fitted bodice and full midi skirt. The addition of shirring at the back of the bodice for a comfortable close fit plus pockets on the skirt make this a real winner in my book. I also really like the tie detail on the sleeves of the new Miley Woven Top which was one of their freebies with any purchase in April. They also released the Meghan Jacket which would be perfect made up in a ponte knit. The design features a waterfall front and ties on the cuffs.
• The new free downloadable releases from Mood Sewciety this month included the Lotus Leggings, Morina Jumpsuit (super glamorous secret pyjamas!) and Lilium Pant. I love how the details of a classic button up shirt are exaggerated in the design of the Melia Blouse and now we've had a brief spell of summer weather in London the new Magnolia and Nyssa Dresses are catching my eye.
• Hey June Handmade released the Amalfi Dress, the carefree style of which would indeed be perfect for wafting around the Amalfi coast on a hot summer's day! It has flutter or gathered short sleeves combined with a relaxed fit and elasticated waist. 
• Ohhh Lulu released a free pattern for the Hyacinth Bralette. Constructed from just two small pieces and the perfect simple style to jazz up with a bit of trim this design could be a great stash buster for any knit scraps. Could this finally be the thing that tempts me to dip my toe into the world of sewing lingerie?!
• One of my favourite releases of the month (and one which I'll probably own by the time you read this, I have no will power!) is the Vernazza Two Piece Swimsuit from Friday Pattern Company. I love the style of the top with tie front and the high rise bottoms really appeal to me right now.
• The Sew Over It PDF pattern release of the month is the Emmeline Skirt. I love this style for spring and summer and think it would be great in a variety of fabrics. The full, high-waisted style features box pleats, a button front and big bow belt.
• New from Designer Stitch is the Kate Vintage Tea Dress. A classic, flattering fit-and-flare style with vintage inspired bodice and circular skirt. The pattern also includes a variety of cup sizes for easy fitting. 
• Love Notions released the Harmony Blouse. An effortlessly stylish design which would be best sewn up in a beautiful silk or viscose woven. The pattern includes four sleeve styles and a keyhole feature at the back of the neckline.
• Ann Normandy launched a new PDF Pant Pattern. I love that the on trend flared leg of these is created by long godets inserted in the side seam. The design also features a high waist with side zip fastening and a deep welt pocket on the hip.
• The Spring/Summer collection from Republique du Chiffon has arrived! It consists of six patterns in the form of the Yolanda Dress, Yvonne Playsuit, Jacqueline Jacket, Petula Shirt, Jeanne Blouse and Prune Dress. My favourite has surprised me as its not my usual style but I think I'd get a lot of wear out of Petula; I love the volume and that gathered back yoke.
• SBCC Patterns have been working on perfecting their latest pattern for the last two years! The Rickey Jacket is a classic blazer with either a notched or contemporary shawl collar and the proportions of the pattern are designed to suit petite ladies.
• The Billie Jacket is new from PM Patterns. It has a shoulder yoke and princess seamed cut for a slim fit and can be made in a classic single breasted style or double breasted for a moto look.
• Dessine Moi Un Patron released a new collection of three patterns. The scallop detail at the armhole and across the back of the Bloom button up Dress and Blouse is lovely and I like it as a tie front top. Cherry is a relaxed blouson jacket packed with details and Leaf is a chic dress or top that wraps or buttons at the back.
• Wardrobe by Me launched two new shirt patterns; one for women and one for men! The Jensen Mens Shirt is a classic with button front, tower plackets, stand and optional collar as well as the option to make with short or long sleeves. The Anna Shirt is very similar in style with the same variations but has slits at the cuffs on the long sleeves and is cut for female proportions.
• The fifth pattern from Afternoon is the Cosmos Bralette which they have created in collaboration with Create Hobby to celebrate the opening of their Cape Town store. The ideal beginner lingerie pattern.
• Muse is the new summer collection of patterns from Louis Antoinette, which are all available in both paper and their newly launched PDF format! I love the draped front of the Betty Dress, the waist tie of the Amanda Skirt but am most drawn to the asymmetrical style of the Elvire Top.
• Also with a new collection out is Laela Jeyne Patterns. La Femme Collection consists of four designs; the Cosette Blouse, Léa Swimsuit and the Josephine and Victoire Dresses. I particularly like the criss cross back and plunging front of the Léa which uniquely can be filled in with lace.
• New from Street Style Patterns is the 026 Bodysuit. Ideal for wearing with denim, this close fitting style can be made with short or long sleeves and has elasticated leg openings and snap fastenings.
• Rochad Studio are offering the new Madeline Cardi pattern for free to their newsletter subscribers! It is a great beginner cardigan pattern that would work in a variety of drapey knits with a waterfall front and longer lower hip length.
• The Robinson Trousers are new from Ensemble Patterns and give you two patterns in one! With six different hem variations and patterns for both stretch and woven fabrics included you'll get a very different result each time. 
• Rosy Peña Patterns released their first collection which consists of six designs that work beautifully together. The Carolina Jumpsuit is a stunner but I'm most drawn to the Bella Wrap Top; I can't resist a bell sleeve! Also included are the Luisa Trousers, Sophia Flares, Ana Top and Mila Bag. 
• Nikki from Beauté J'Adore released her second pattern download for women which is a gorgeous fashion forward Gathered Tunic design. It has a boat neck, gathered waist and high slit. I love it worn over jeans.
• Closet Case Patterns released a free pattern download to sew your own sewing machine cover! My machine has a hard cover but I was excited to see that the download also includes a pattern for a serger/coverstitch machine. Definitely going to be making one of those to jazz up my sewing space and keep the dust off.
• The Giverny Dress is the latest pattern from Itch to Stitch and wow is it a beauty! There are many elegant features to this which balance each other perfectly including a pin tucked bodice with slit neckline, wide curved waistband with optional sash and the choice of short or 3/4 length pleated cuffed sleeves.
• Megan Nielsen released two new patterns this month, one of which is an absolute cracker of a jeans pattern! The Ash Jeans include four different leg styles and I love the proportions and classic style of that back yoke and pockets. The River Dress & Top is a reversible raglan style which can be sewn in knits of wovens and has optional side seam pockets and sash belt. A really versatile wardrobe staple.
• New from Schnittchen is the Holly Jacket which is accompanied by a video sewing tutorial. Its a cropped college style jacket with ribbed hem, cuffs and neckline and also includes the option to sew with a pointed collar. I'm particularly love with the striped ribbing they've used on the teal sample, so retro! They also released the FREE Margo Skirt which can be made with or without flounces. I like how the asymmetrical ruffle continues up the centre seam!
• The Maya Linen Pants are new from Designer Stitch and free when you sign up to their newsletter! Just in time for the approaching summer these have a relaxed wide leg with rear patch pockets and a knit yoga waistband for maximum comfort!
• The last pattern company this month with a new Spring/Summer collection release is Anne Kerdilès Couture. The collection consists of three patterns; the Andria Dress, Côme Trousers and Syracuse Blouse. A few of you were after my recommendations for tapered trousers with a pleated waist when I posted my tartan ones a couple of weeks ago; the Côme Trousers could be a great choice.
• Wear Lemonade have released the Andy Dungarees which are more of a classic workwear style than their Fionas. The design features a low back, straight legs and five roomy topstitched pockets. Who needs a handbag when dungarees are in fashion hey?!
• Jily is the most recent release from Ready To Sew and is a beauty of a little boxy slightly cropped top for summer. I love the view with the tie at the centre front hem!

Pattern updates and expansions

• Grainline Studio launched the Scout Sleeve Variation Pack to accompany one of their first and still very popular patterns, the Scout Tee. The four new sleeve styles included (cuffed sleeve, petal sleeve, short and long sleeves) mean you can really get the most out of your pattern.
• As the full bicep pattern option for the recently released Montrose Top was so successful Cashmerette have just released a free downloadable full bicep sleeve pattern piece for their Harrison Shirt. Their patterns really are taking all the work out of pattern alterations for you!
• OhhhLulu released a downloadable expansion pack for the Hyacinth Bralette pattern. A total bargain for all the variety that is included! Th pack enables you to customise your bralette with lace overlays, back variations including a keyhole cut out and strapping and instructions on how to finish with fold over elastic.

Sew-alongs

• The sew-along for Cashmerette's most recent pattern, the Montrose Top, has begun over on their blog. The posts include sewing up three different versions of the top using very different fabrics with tips and tricks along the way.
• Indie Sew are running a sew-along for the Moto Sweatshirt recently released by Seamly. Its just finished up over on the Indie Sew blog so all the posts are there if you need tips with a particular stage. 
• The ladies behind Smyly Magazine will be posting a sew-along for their first pattern, the Samantha Dress on their blog. There will be a video tutorial for version 1 and a step-by-step how-to post for version 2.
• Grainline Studio are running a Make-Along in collaboration with Madder to go with their newly released Uniform - Knit & Sew book and e-book. Posts on the Grainline blog will be packed with advice and guidance for sewing up the tunic pattern. For all the knitting tips for the accompanying cardigan design check out the posts on the Making blog.
• There is a sew-along currently running on the Wardrobe By Me blog for their recently released Jensen and Anna Shirt patterns. If you've been hesitant to tackle menswear or tower plackets this could be a great excuse!
• Sew News have been running a sew-along for the Emerson Crop Pants and Shorts from True Bias. It has been a three part series with super clear step by step photos to follow.

Upcoming!

• Coming next from Fresh Press Patterns is the Leon Spring Coat. The weather in London can't seem to make up it's mind at the moment so a spring weight coat might be just what I need! They also shared a peep on Instagram at the James Pants which are designed for knit fabrics.
• I'm very excited to see what the next Closet Case Patterns design will be. They were shooting the samples a couple of weeks ago so the release must be imminent! 
• Gertie is working on the next patterns for her fairly new Charm Patterns line. From sneaky peeks on Instagram one looks to be a gorgeous 1950s inspired dress with square collar. 
• Sew Liberated are currently testing their next pattern; the Gypsum Skirt. Its going to feature two variations and deep pockets!
• It looks like the next pattern from Victory Patterns will be some form of trench coat. They are busy sewing up samples for the Ulysses Trench right now!
• Thread Theory are about to start testing their next pattern, which they describe as a quick wardrobe staple. 
• Decades of Style have a new pattern coming out on 2nd May which will be part of their Decades Everyday range. The pattern will be the first in their newly expanded size range of 32"-52" bust.
• The sneaky peak of the new Pippi Pinafore from Jennifer Lauren Handmade promises side button fastening and lots of yummy topstitching! Looking forward to the release of this later in the week.
• The next design from Ensemble Patterns will be the Perkins Shirt. They gave us a sneak peak on Instagram of a lovely keyhole and tie detail at the back of a classic collar.

Other Exciting News

• The No.12 Aalborg Dress & Blouse from How To Do Fashion is now available in paper format. This is a gorgeous 1970s inspired wrap style and the blouse variation also lends itself beautifully to 1950s styling.
• The Avid Seamstress re-launched their City Trousers pattern. They are a classic cigarette style with a narrow waistband and invisible zip at the rear. With side seam pockets and the option to add hem slits these are a true versatile classic. 
• Sew Over It launched a new online course this month; Intro to Sewing Shirts. I think this is a great subject for a course as there are so many aspects to sewing a shirt which can be challenging without further explanation when you make your first one. The course includes two patterns; the Ultimate Shirt for ladies and the Hackney Shirt for men. Sew Over It's very first menswear pattern!

As always fell free to add any releases or news I've missed in the comments below and I'll endeavour to get the post updated as soon as possible! Here's your dose of indie sewing inspiration to get you motivated to sew your way through May!

• I can't get enough of the trousers Novita has been making recently and my latest obsession are these denim Persephone Pants. I was planning to make some Lander Pants for spring but am now torn between the two patterns! 
• Emanuelle made a beautiful version of the Iris Top from Fresh Press Patterns. I love the fabric that she chose and those overlapping side seams finished with bias binding are a beautiful feature. 
• I adore this longline Sophie Bikini that Holli made and posted on the Imagine Gnats blog, Isn't that rope print swim fabric the perfect nod to nautical without being too novelty?! It makes me want to book a sunshine break immediately so I can make my own.
• Sian from Kittenish Behaviour made an incredible pair of Beach Pyjamas. The fabric she chose is also from Til The Sun Goes Down who have the most amazing vintage inspired prints which pair so well with this mid century design. 
• I adore this hack of the Winslow Culottes from Helen, particularly in my favourite shade of berry red. A pair has immediately been added to my sewing queue...in fact I may have even hunted down the fabric already!