June Indie Pattern Update!

June has been an incredibly busy month for me which has left me incredibly frustrated as I had so little time to spend on my sewing machine! I can't wait to get some quality sewing time in and my teeth stuck into the next big project, especially after seeing some of the inspiring new pattern releases this month! I don't think I've been so good at keeping up with the indie sewing new and pattern launches this month so please do add in anything you'd like to share in the comments and make sure to check out each-other's recommendations.

New Pattern Companies!

• The ever so talented Claire-Louise A.K.A the Thrifty Stitcher has launched a new line of patterns available through the Sewing Quarter and her website in paper format. Her first pattern is the Fiona Hobo Bag (I particularly like the name of course!) and the second is soon to follow.

New Patterns

• So this list is usually in no particular order but when the pattern is your namesake I think it deserves to be top of the queue right?! The Fiona Sundress is the latest release from Closet Case Patterns and is a true stunner. I was their pattern muse this time around and Heather Lou has basically created my dream dress! I am so stunned and touched. Both views have a button up front and princess seamed bodice. View A has wide straps and a midi-length column skirt with side vents and View B has a gorgeous low back with cross straps and the option for a mini or below knee length skirt. Be prepared for this blog to be filled with them.
• Style Arc released the Annabelle Woven Dress which is a sleek and sophisticated wrap style. The pattern features an optional small double edged ruffle along the bodice wrap edge and cuffs for the cap sleeves. They also launched the Catalina Designer Dress which has statement balloon sleeves which are pleated into a raglan shoulder seam.
• The new collection from Trend Patterns is formed of three stunning new designs. The TPC20 Shirt & Shirtdress and TPC19 Slip Dress are both classic styles with their unique twist but my favourite of the bunch is the TPC18 Twist Dress which has a flattering relaxed cut and twist feature in the front which can be made at the centre or off to one side.
• The two new patterns released with Seamwork Magazine this month work well together when made in the same fabric as a kind of faux romper. The Kristin Top is a boxy cropped style which wraps around the body and has three armholes and no fastening. The Heidi Shorts also have a relaxed fit with high pleated waist and the member exclusive pattern bonus this month turned these into a skort. 
• I mentioned that Merchant & Mills released the Gyo Top & Dress last month but completely missed that they also released the Francine Top, Clementine Skirt, Ottoline Shirt and Heroine Jeans. I thought I'd include them this month as these gorgeous workwear inspired designs are all definitely worth attention!
• Sarah Kirsten sent out the Walnut Wrap Skirt as a free download for newsletter subscribers. The download includes instructions to draft and sew your own cute streamlined wrap design.
• New from Tessuti is the Hazelwood Top. This is going high on my sewing list for autumn. I love the relaxed funnel neck and swinging a-line shape which is emphasised in sturdier knits. They also released the Felicia Pinafore Dress. A simple shape for any season with sleeveless bodice, slightly dropped waist and gathered skirt.
• The Emma Racer Back Slip and Bralette is new from Measure Twice Cut Once. The pattern is designed for knits and features a slim racer back and cups shaped with gentle gathering. I love the simple sophistication of this and the binding finish.
• Making Patterns Fly released the Top Halter which is a gorgeous simple lined design which would look best in really lightweight, floaty fabrics like the sample. The halter neck is gathered front and back with a tie.
• Itch to Stitch released the Crystal Cove Cami which has a relaxed fit and spaghetti straps. It features an overlapping back with curved hem which would be lovely and cool in the heat of summer. The pattern comes with pieces for A-DD cup.
• The Libby Shirt was Sew Over It's PDF pattern release of the month. It is a cropped style with a relaxed fit, open notched collar and short grown on sleeves with cuffs. This would look great made up in a fun rayon print and paired with jeans.
• The new Ulysses Trench from Victory Patterns has caused quite the stir on social media and it is easy to see why! Despite my brain being filled with summer sewing ideas this has made me think about sewing for next season; definitely one for the wish-list. It is a contemporary draped take on the classic trench with beautiful and clever details such as the belt loops being part of the rear storm flap.
• Nina Lee released what is basically my dream dress pattern in the form of the Mayfair Dress. I've got one RTW summer maxi dress which is so old and well worn that it has holes in but I've been too lazy to try and recreate. This jersey design is pretty much a dead ringer and I'm so excited to make multiple versions! The dress features a gathered front with grown on collar and waist ties and you have the option to make maxi or knee length as well as three sleeve lengths to chose from.
• The new releases from Mood Fabrics this month included the Rowan Dress and Rosa Blouse the glamorous cut out sleeve of which I love. They also released the Rosemary Blazer, Sage Shorts and Solandra Gown which features a silk chiffon cape.
• The Clare Dress is new from DG Patterns; a knit faux wrap dress with gathered skirt and gorgeous open flared sleeves. They also released the Silvia Top & Dress which is a knit design with flared sleeves and shape provided by the shirring across the front waist.
• Louis Antoinette Swing in PDF format
• The new Roksi Trio from Amy Nicole Studio is a clever design including a swing style crop top, tank and dress. All three elements can be layered over one another for a tiered look plus each element is reversible so you can mix and match to your hearts content.
• Tessuti Felicia Pinafore Dress
• Issue 3 of Lisa Comfort magazine is out now and includes the Lottie Dress pattern; a simple, strappy summer classic with a button-up front. She has also added a couple of summer designs to her new Poppy and Jazz line, both of which make for a very co-ordinated little look. They are the Raspberry Romper & Hat and Daffodil Dress & Pants.
• Wearologie released the Aestiva Sleeveless Vest. It can be made either short at waist length with a waistband and mandarin collar or in a longer length which I love the drama of! I think this would look great made up in linen and layered over a breezy linen dress of a different shade. 
• New from Hot Patterns this month are the HP 1235 Riviera Deauville Pull-On Pants and HP1234 Wong-Singh-Jones Kimono Shirt-Jacket which a a truly beautiful elegant pyjama style top with kimono sleeves. I'd love to make this up in a dramatic silk satin print.
• Simple Sew released the Tara Button-Back Dress. It has an empire line bodice, short sleeves and detail in the back which buttons all the way down.
• Greenstyle Creations have released some real gems of late. The Havana Dress is the latest and the Bohemian maxi vibe is right up my street. There are three lovely back options including a racer shape, low scoop and the unique lace up style which is my personal favourite.
• The Perkins Shirt Dress is new from Ensemble Patterns. It has a relaxed fit, grown on cuffed short sleeves and either a gathered or flat yoke. All four lengths of this look really contemporary and wearable and my personal favourite is the dress with side slits.
• Goheen Designs released the Huxley Backpack. I've been thinking about making myself a practical bag and this could be just the ticket. The larger size is big enough for my laptop and it can convert from backpack to crossbody bag to bike bag. You can also make it with or without the lid flap.
• The Brome Dress & Top is new from Fancy Tiger Crafts and is available in both paper and PDF format. It offers three sleeve options and three lengths with lots of lovely details to sew including a front placket, narrow band collar and cuff bands.
• The new Carmen Flounce Skirt from Designer Stitch has all the appeal of an on trend ruffled wrap skirt with non of the wind issues as it is a clever mock wrap style. I think they've got the proportions of the frill just right.
• Wardrobe by Me released a new men's pattern in the form of Cargo Shorts. They have been well thought out with deep pleated side pockets and back reinforcement. A really great practical and wearable project to make for you men or the men in your life. 
• The Pixie Tee is the latest release from Chalk & Notch and has a relaxed fit with two sleeve options and either a hem band or gathered hem ties. 
• PM Patterns have just released Suùn; a dress or top for women with a v-neck line created by gathering fabric into the shoulder yoke and which has three depths to choose from. I love the sample that has piping along the gathered shoulder yoke seam, what a lovely detail.
• The Kirei Camisole pattern is new from Blank Slate Patterns. The knit design includes the option for a built in shelf bra and the choice between a fitted or swinging body skimming fit.
• The ladies from Smyly Magazine have launched the Abi Jumpsuit. Designed for knits the sleek style has the option for wide or tailored and cropped, long or short length legs. It makes use of the bodice from their Samantha Dress so if you already own this you can purchase an add on of just the trouser pieces.
• Now available on freesewing.org is the Penelope Pencil Skirt which is a classic fitted design. This heralds the beginning of a number of new womenswear patterns on the site, the next being for a circle skirt.
• Madalynne released a new pattern in collaboration with Simplicity. The 8711 pattern includes an underwired bralette, with a floating bridge to hold a continuous monowire for support and also a pair of undies with a ruffle feature at the back.
• Released just yesterday are two new designs from Tilly & The Buttons. The Stevie Top or Tunic Dress has a modern boxy fit with the choice of ties or button loop closure at the back. The Seren Dress is a classic button up strappy summer dress with the option to add a neckline flounce.

Pattern updates and expansions

• Tilly & The Buttons have created a free pattern add on for their Mila Dungarees so you can add hip pockets. In my opinion, the more pockets on a pair of dungarees the better!
• Wendy has updated the MIY Collection Fulwood Dress pattern to include pattern pieces and instructions for a gathered skirt and neck facing.

Sew-alongs, Tutorials and Online Courses

• Megan Nielsen has been running a detailed sew-along for her recently released River Dress & Top. The tutorials include two methods of sleeve insertion and tips and tricks for making this design in both wovens and knits.
• The True Bias Yari Jumpsuit sew-along posts are now all up including a hack to make yours with a long tie around the waist instead of the short straps and d-rings to cinch it in.
• To celebrate the Suki Kimono being June's #sewmystyle Helen from Helen's Closet has been running a sew-along for the pattern over on her blog. It has been super in depth with a few alternative construction methods and hack ideas thrown in so worth a look.
• Love Notions have been running a sew-along for their Cadence Dress & Top including some really useful posts on fitting and adjustments you can make.
• Gertie is hosting a sew-along for her B6556 dress pattern on her blog and facebook. If you join the facebook group you can have a good chat about your project, post photos and share/ask for fitting tips and advice.
• Fancy Tiger Crafts have been posting a series of instructional videos for sewing their latest pattern, the Brome Dress & Top. There area number of fiddly details involved in this dress including cuff bands and partial plackets so I think this is a great resource.
• A complete guide and sew-along for sewing Madalynne's new underwired bralette and ruffle undie pattern with Simplicity can be downloaded here.

Upcoming!

• Gabby let us in on the news that she is going to be launching Gabberdashery Patterns soon! Gabby is working with the very talented Barbara A.K.A Rocking Stitch and they are recording their progress on Gabby's Youtube channel.
• Jennifer Lauren Handmade will soon be releasing the Raine Dress; a summer dress with a vintage vibe, two views and pockets!
• There is a new website launching soon which will be purely dedicated to maternity sewing! The site will be THE place to find maternity specific and 'maternity friendly' sewing patterns.
• Halfmoon Atelier have not one but two patterns coming in the next few days. I already love the look of the summer jumpsuit and the Wells Bay Bikini is reversible!
• Afternoon Patterns will be launching their latest design, the Sparrow Wrap Dress on Monday!

Other Exciting News

• Thread Theory are now selling menswear PDF patterns from other designers in their online shop now. Many of the patterns are from SewSewDef Magazine, there are activewear designs from Fehr Trade, three sweaters from Toby K Patterns and a design each available from True Bias and The Wolf and the Tree.
• Melissa from Fehr Trade launched her Serging Activewear course on Craftsy. Learn activewear sewing techniques from a master in your own time and your own home in this series of videos.
• Megan Nielsen has begun the process of expanding her size range. Her Virginia Leggings and Brumby Skirt are now available in two sizes; 0-20 and Curve sizes 14-30. The 0-20 sizes are also now available in printed format.
• The Yari Jumpsuit and Southport Dress designs from True Bias are now available in paper format alongside the original PDF in her shop.

• I'm a little bit in love with the striped BurdaStyle Wrap Dress Jade has made! So chic and modern. I adore her use of stripes and monochrome and the whole styling of this outfit is spot on.
• Lauren's cropped linen version of the Kalle Shirt has made me see the pattern in a totally different light. I love it with a little structure, paired with denim and in a classic white. A true summer wardrobe staple.
• I could not resist sharing Emily's Omer Jacket with you. This pattern really grabbed me when I saw it in La Maison Victor magazine, I love all those pocket, zip and topstitching details and she made a great fabric choice with a waxed cotton.
• Sara's Myosotis Dress is absolutely dreamy. I almost splurged on some of this Blackbird Fabrics viscose a while back and now I really wish I had. One of those sewing projects that I wish I owned. It will transition really well into winter with tights too.
• No one knows how to showcase a bold and beautiful fabric better than Marcy. I love how simply she has done it here with her hack of the Ogden Cami, adding a ruffled skirt to make a breezy summer dress.