Sorry that last month's update of news from the Independent Sewing Pattern community is coming to you a little later than usual. I allowed myself to become completely absorbed in the festive season this year and am only just getting back on track! I hope you all enjoyed some time off with your loved ones too and are looking forward to 2015! It's been a slightly quieter month as I'm sure designers have all taken some well earned time off but I'm sure more snippets of news have fallen through the cracks than usual so feel free to make additions to the list in the comments. I've only included news up to the new year, anything that has happened in the last couple of days will be included in January's update.
New Pattern Companies/First Releases!
- I've long been a fan of The Little Tailoress so I was really excited to see Ami launch her very first PDF pattern this month. The pattern is called the Emmeline Tee and is a versatile dart-less tee for knit or woven fabrics; I particularly love the sequin version. It's also worth taking a look at Ami's tutorials as she has some amazing sewing skills, just check out her collection of coats!
New Patterns
- April Rhodes released the Popover Poncho pattern. It looks like a great pattern for a beginner and features a cosy cowl neck and hoodie style front pocket. A lovely way to showcase a spectacular fabric I think.
- There have been some great seasonally appropriate new releases over the last couple of months and Jennifer Lauren has just added the Enid Sweater to the mix. It fits perfectly with her usual Vintage aesthetic and has a bias cut bodice with options for a square or rounded neckline. This is also the first of her patterns to be available in two additional larger sizes.
- I've been toying with the idea of making myself a coat as I desperately need a new one but I don't really have the time at the minute to do it properly. Seeing the release of Pauline Alice's new Quart Coat nearly made me take the plunge anyway. I absolutely love the unique design details of it and have a feeling that if I don't make it this winter I will for next!
- Another coat pattern to tempt us is Marilla Walker's Freemantle Coat. It's an on trend cocoon style with three variations including a shorter jacket. She also shared a knit version on her blog the other day which looks great as an oversized cardigan!
- If you're on the hunt for the perfect t-shirt pattern for you Lindsay Woodward has recently released the Phlox Tee. It's a lovely basic with a number of sleeve and neckline variations.
- Thread Theory released their very first womenswear pattern! I must admit that I have bought a couple of the men's sewing patterns but haven't yet sewn them up because the lure of sewing something for myself normally wins...maybe I'll have more success with the Camas Blouse! It's an elegant design with a yoke, v neck and narrow front button plackets.
- Cali Faye released the Brenna Coat. It's a PDF pattern with a modern oversized cut and relaxed draped style. I'm looking forward to seeing this made up in a variety of fabrics!
- The most recent release from Compagnie M is the Julia Sweater. It fears dolman sleeves and large cuffs and is a PDF pattern for knit fabrics.
- Melissa from Fehr Trade released the Surf to Summit Top which I think has to be her best activewear release yet! Not only are there patterns for both women and men, it has numerous variations and optional extras to make it suitable for a whole variety of sports from a surfing to cycling.
- The third and latest release from Muse Patterns is the Natalie Dress. It's another pattern for knits and has three length options. I love the slightly 1940s style gathering and triangular panel at the centre of the bust!
Upcoming!
- Marilla Walker hinted that she will be releasing a tights pattern soon after drafting a block to make up a number of really impressive pairs for herself over December. Those lacy ones are my favourite!
- Itch to Stitch put out a call for testers for the new Idyllwild Top & Dress at the start of the month. I'm really looking forward to this knit pattern. With all the variations of necklines and sleeves it's possible to create 42 different garments! Kennis has set up a private Facebook group for testers to discuss their findings which I think is a fantastic idea.
Sew-Alongs
- Rhonda from Rhonda's Creative Life ran a sew-along throughout December on the Sew News blog for the Sewaholic Robson Coat. I absolutely love this pattern and highly recommend it for a first experience of sewing outerwear, the addition of the sew-along will make it even easier!
- The sew-along for Christine Haynes'Marianne Dress is starting on her blog on 6th January. If you've ever wanted to make yourself the perfect breton knit dress now is your chance!
Other Exciting News
- Papercut Patterns' Sigma Dress and Riegel Bomber patterns are now available as PDFs. I've had my eye on that bomber for ages and what with the Riegel Bomber January challenge happening too it's now even more tempting!
- The latest addition to Sewaholic's PDF pattern arsenal is the Alma Blouse. Tasia must be getting close to having her whole collection available in digital form!
And here's your monthly dose of Indie sewing inspiration to give your 2015 sewing a kick start!
- Sonja's Isabel Marant inspired sweatshirt version of Papercut Pattern's Undercover Hoodie made me want to straight up copy it I liked it so much! A great use of colour blocking to personalise a wardrobe staple.
- Amanda's pineapple print Colette Iris Shorts are so fun! What a brilliant fabric. I can't wait for summer to come around this side of the equator so I can make up some printed shorts of my own!
- Carly in Stitches actually made up the Thread Theory Finlayson Sweater for her nephew but I love it on her! I love the fair isle ponte she found and her decision to combine it with plain black for the collar, cuffs and hem.
- Jennifer did an amazing job on her electric blue Sewaholic Minoru Jacket. Doesn't that colour look amazing on her?!
- Karen used an absolutely stunning silk for her Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse and got such a beautiful finish on all the lovely details. The buttons and loops on the cuffs are to die for!