July Indie Pattern Update

It's been a slightly quiet month here on the old blog for which I apologise; work has taken over yet again! I'm determined not to let it in August as I have some really exciting projects lined up which I can't wait to make. First up has to be a Fiona Sundress! I've been busy taking a few photos of recent projects though so should have some review posts up for you to read soon. We've been having quite an extraordinary summer here in the UK and all the heat and sunshine has been really inspiring me to sew! I love the hot weather and never have I had such a need for all the summer dresses! Speaking of which, there are some gorgeous dress designs among the new releases this month...

New Patterns

• Pauline Alice released the Vera Shirt which is oversized with a dropped hem and notched collar, and also the Romero Trousers which are a gorgeous wide legged sailor style with button drop front fastening.
• Style Arc launched the Eme Dress which is a cocoon shaped easy to wear style with no fastenings and in-seam pockets.  They also released the Meghan Markle inspired Sussex Cape Dress pattern which is a simple shift with optional lined shoulder cape. One of their free patterns with any purchase this month was also new; the Melody Tunic which features on trend 3/4 length sleeves with elasticated cuffs.
• Sew This Pattern released the Sienna Dress; a cute a-line shift style with ruffles around the armholes which are cleverly set into the princess seams of the bodice. Great for a beginner looking to advance.
• New from Sew Liberated is the Hinterland Dress. The perfect showcase for a beautiful linen with clean lines, a loose fit and a button front. I also missed a new release of theirs at the end of last month; the Gypsum Skirt is a simple and comfortable style with the option for crescent shaped or side seam pockets.
• Another release late last month which I missed was the Summer Bikini from Evie La Luve. There have been some fantastic swimwear patterns released of late and this one may have queue jumped a few I already had my eye on!
• The two new patterns with Seamwork Magazine in July were Ariel and Lucy. A chic column style shift dress with straps and a practical and comfortable knit jumpsuit. 
• Afternoon pattern company released the Sparrow Wrap Dress which has really caught my eye as one of those timeless yet contemporary styles. I love the effortless combo of low back and wrap front for summer.
• Studio Costura released the Mia Panties which are a Brazilian cut. I particularly like the second variation included with the pattern which is designed to show off a scallop edged lace.
• There was a free skirt pattern launched by Ready To Sew. Justine is a super wearable midi skirt with button front and optional patch pockets. I love the use of a border print for the sample. 
• New from Cali Faye Collection is Dress 47. I adore this with its cheeky tie front bodice which gives a flash of flesh combined with the full skirt.
• The new Melbourne Trench Coat from Tessuti is a classic single breasted style with inverted back pleat, curved patch pockets, button front and detachable hood. Following their detailed instructions and construction methods is sure to give you a wardrobe staple that will never age.
• The second pattern from the Thrifty Stitcher is the Alex PJ Set. Aimed at beginners it consists of a cute cami top and simple pull on trousers.
• The new releases from DG Patterns in July included the April Top and Callie Dress which works for both knits and wovens and combines a lovely cut out neckline with flounce skirt.
• HalfMoon Atelier launched the Well's Bay Basic Bikini and Tofo Summer Jumpsuit. I've got one of these cut out and ready to sew but to be honest it was a tough choice for which to make first! Such effortless, yet interesting design.
• New from Jennifer Lauren Handmade is the Raine Dress which is a classic fit and flare style with two neckline options. The pattern includes multiple cup sizes and provides an opportunity to flex those sewing skills with a curved waistband and all in one facing.
• Louis Antoinette released the Jade Dress. Super chic in solid black, this design is a shift style and features a dropped waist with ruffle hem plus a deep v-back with horizontal strap detail.
• The Plitvice Top and Chirripo Top are the latest releases from Itch to Stitch. The former has an elegant cowl neckline and the latter a square neck, relaxed fit and optional flutter sleeves.
• Charlotte Kan released the Parsec Leggings which are a basic style with not side seam. The ideal blank canvas for fun printed lycra or getting creative with your one style lines or colour blocking.
• Amongst the new releases from Mood this month were the Sequoia Shorts, Thalia Blouse, Torenia Blouse, Elnath Cosplay, Ursi Ensemble (consisting of wide-legged trousers and a button up crop top) and Thyme Bodysuit which makes the most of their selection of stretch laces.
• Daughters of Style released the Mulligan Skirt which is a full length a-line style with drawstrings along the side seams which you can tighten or loosen to create a unique draped effect. 
• Our Lady of Leisure released the Margarita Dress, a figure hugging off the shoulder style with wide wrap around the bust. I also missed the release of their Sangria Jumpsuit last month. With palazzo legs and a deep scoop neck this is a great choice for the hot summer.
• The new collection from Republique du Chiffon consists for the Anita Top with fun tie back, Paula Top with fun tie front and Florence Dress which is a pinafore style with full skirt and deep pockets.
• The Havana Dress and Top is new from Greenstyle Creations. A flowing maxi style for woven fabrics. Great to show off a big bold print.
• Sew Over It's PDF launch for July is the Marguerite Dress. A classic flattering everyday dress with fitted waist, reasonably full skirt and little grown on sleeves. Fun to sew and fun to wear!
• Nina Lee London released their capsule collection of Summer Essentials. Available for download only these patterns are juts £2.50 each or £7 for all three. All three designs (the Effra Skirt, Fleet Top and Moselle Top & Dress) are speedy to sew, handy if you've found your handmade summer wardrobe a little lacking for the recent heat!
• I can see the new Felix Dress from Grainline Studio being hugely popular in the sewing community as it is so effortlessly wearable and will look great in a variety of fabrics for all seasons.
• Thread Theory released the Eastwood Pyjamas. A great starting point if you're tempted to try sewing gifts for men any time soon; you can make these really basic or add in extra details such as a button or mock fly for a more challenging sew.
• New from Sew Different is the Moon Pocket Maxi. It's a-line shape is created by the inverted v shape panels reaching up into the bodice and the pockets are concealed within that diagonal seam line. The pockets can be emphasised with circular topstitching.
• Smyly magazine launched their next design. The Lisa Dress has an a-line shape and optional shoulder ties or little cap sleeves.
• Schnittchen released the next design by a winner of their Maker's Wish competition. The Trine Dress is designed by Trine Schroeder from Groovy Baby and Mama and is a chic cocoon shape with rounded hem and pockets set in a diagonal seam line.
• Allie from Indie Sew launched her next pattern. The Kila Tank is designed for rib knits and is a close fitting tank with a lovely cut. The combination of slight racer back and scooped neckline is really flattering.
• To celebrate her birthday Amy Nicole created the Krissa Crop pattern which is free to download for newsletter subscribers (the only way to get your hands on the pattern! It is a boxy sleeveless style with split back and button closure.
• The new SBCC Patterns Flora Blouse is a great little wardrobe basic, perfect for layering. It has small grown on sleeves and a lightly gathered neckline.
• Cocowawa Crafts released the Cherry Culottes & Shorts. Ideal for beginners these have a relaxed straight cut and elasticated waistband.
• I was very excited to discover that DP Studio launched a collection of slightly more simple patterns. I adore many of their patterns but the designs are in general a little out there for my day to day style. I'd wear all of these 9 patterns in a heartbeat and am currently trying to resist an impulse purchase! My initial favourite is the Panel Dress.
• The new Shakti Jersey Pants pattern from Designer Stitch includes a huge number of elements which you can combine in multiple ways to create your ultimate pair of trousers. Choose from three waistbands including a yoga or ruched style and 4 leg styles plus optional pockets.

Pattern updates and expansions

• Pauline Alice updated her Cami Dress pattern. The new version includes the two extra sizes that the rest of her patterns now include and also a new variation! View B is a more relaxed shirt dress without bodice darts and a slightly more empire line waist as well as a full buttoning front.
• The Megan Nielsen Tania Culottes pattern is back in print and now includes pockets and an extended size range! I made a couple of pairs of these years ago and may need to revisit them in the longer length...
• The York Pinafore Expansion Pack turns the new Helen's Closet pinafore pattern into a cute cross-back apron with a new back pattern piece and two pocket options. 
• Ready To Sew updated their Jazz Jumpsuit Expansion Pack to include even more options. There are now 30 different views to choose from including a front button closure.

Sew-alongs, Tutorials and Online Courses

• Afternoon Patterns have been running a sew-along for their new Sparrow Wrap Dress. The dress is fully lined with some interesting features so this is thorough and packed with sewing tips.
• To accompany the release of her Romero Trousers Pauline Alice has posted a video tutorial to guide you through the trickiest parts of sewing your own pair; namely the pockets and button front.
• Closet Case Patterns have been posting some tips for sewing up the Fiona Sundress including an ebook you can download for free with advice for fitting princess seams. You can bet I'll be all over that as that dress is TOP of my sewing queue!
• The sew-along for the new Grainline Studio Felix Dress has just kicked off over on their blog. Everything you need from inspiration to preparation to sewing the final stitches.
• Evie La Luve posted some YouTube tutorials for her Darcy Bra pattern this month. A welcome addition to a channel already packed with lingerie and swimwear sewing advice!

Upcoming!

• Gertie's forthcoming Night and Day Dress for Charm Patterns gives you enough variations to make a whopping 72 dresses! A whopper of a sewing pattern which is available for pre-order now.
• The Wearable Studio are currently testing the Canary Cami.
• Past winner of Cousu Main (the French Sewing Bee) Carmen is launching a sewing pattern on August 23rd. It is a beautiful classic single breasted coat with a hooded option and a variety of pockets.
• Named are releasing a pattern to celebrate their fifth anniversary tomorrow! We haven't seen a pattern from them for a while whilst they've been working on their book so I can't wait to see the appropriately named Anni!
• Sew Over It have a new ebook of patterns coming next month! I'm a huge fan of their first 'City Break' capsule wardrobe ebook after making three of the five patterns included so I'm really looking forward to seeing what this one has in store.

Other Exciting News

• Sew Over It released their Penny Dress in paper format which is their best-selling PDF pattern. The paper pattern includes a hand illustrated instruction booklet as with all their patterns and has been updated to be an inch longer in the bodice due to customer feedback. If you already own the paper version you can download the update for free.
• Maternity Sewing is a brand new website which launched this month. The shop includes over 70 maternity, nursing and postpartum appropriate patterns from indie designers. The perfect one stop shop if you are expecting or would like to sew for someone who is.
• Made by Rae has retired her bag patterns to focus more on clothing. If you've had your eye on one and are ready this on 31st July you might still be able to snap one up quick at a special discounted rate!
• The Deer and Doe Chataigne Shorts are now available in PDF format.

Despite my lack of time at the machine you guys have been keeping my sewjo going and filling me to the brim with inspiration for future projects and sewing challenges to set myself. Here are a handful to get you motivated to sew your way through August!

• Bianca looks absolutely stunning in her Gia Dress from Russian pattern company Viki Sews. She has really inspired me to give some Russian sewing patterns a try. Watch this space!
• Dixie has given me some serious practical summer sewing inspiration with her black denim Lander shorts. Get me on my machine pronto!
• April lengthened the Seamwork Adelaide Dress to maxi length for her ikat version and I just love it! This and the mustard cropped top she made from the same pattern have made me reconsider not purchasing it!
• I love this Nina Lee Kew Dress from Nicole! It looks so different in a crisp and bold contemporary print. I'm really taken with the monochrome look.
• I'm still can't decided what fabric to make my first Fiona Sundress from but Erica is absolutely killing it in her white denim version! What a great look on her.