Clockwise from top left: DIY Cat Bed // Selene Skirt // Lena Dress // Hayden Top
I’ve taken a little longer than usual to put together this post which means there’s lots more to talk about. There were so many great pattern releases in the last few weeks. It makes me really excited to start sewing for spring and summer. The weather has been really off and on in LA the last few weeks, with some days in the 80s and others cold and rainy. It’s not bad, you just have to pay attention and be prepared to maybe get a little wet some days. It’s nice change from the years of constant sun. With that change of season approaching there’s no better time to start thinking about what pieces we need to add to our Spring and Summer handmade wardrobes.
PATTERN RELEASES
Colette released the Selene skirt pattern (also shown above top right)
Pattern Fantastique released the Falda Jacket
Tessuti released the Demi Pant Pattern and the Audrey Shirt.
Marilee Walker released the Mercury Collection with a small run of printed patterns and digital too.
On the Cutting Floor released the Megan Shirt
Tilly and the Buttons released the retro style Martha dress
True Bias released the Colfax Dress, a lovely tunic style perfect for summer.
Cashmerette released the Concord T-shirt.
There’s a new issue of Seamwork Magazine out, featuring the Hayden Top and Seneca Skirt.
Blank Slate Patterns released the Forsythe Trousers.
BurdaStyle released two new collections – 50 Shades of Pink and the Plus Size Connoisseur Collection.
The Lena Dress from Wear Lemonade (french language)
There’s a new summer collection from Butterick including a few retro inspired patterns designed by Gertie.
Made It Patterns released the Groove dress from adults, teens and kids
I’m not super big on vintage inspired designs but I really like Simplicity 1166. The skirt is totally classic (pleated button front which I love, see my tutorial here) and the blouse has a really interested sleeve seam, like a raglan with an angle. (I’m sure there’s a technical name for it that I can’t remember right now.)
And for the knitters out there, Quince and Co released the Kestrel Collection.
TIPS & TUTORIALS
I love this DIY Cat Bed from See Kate Sew. It has a cozy hole that I think a cat would really like to get lost in and it’s in the shape of a cat head! I made my kitten a very easy little cat bed and he honestly never uses it. He’d rather be on a
5 Tips to stop your sewing machine swallowing fabric from Tilly and the Buttons
DIY Zippy Pouch from Sew Caroline
How to Sew Leather Appliques to a T-shirt from Megan Nielsen
How to make thread chains from Colette
Great tips for sewing with knits from Lucky Lucille
I love this rubber dipped tote from Earnest Home Co. It uses a kind of spray on rubber that I’ve never seen before. Someone in the comments mentioned using the spray for the bottom of knitted slippers too. Imagine the possibilities!!
Very interesting read from Itch to Stitch about why your hip measurement doesn't work.
HAPPENINGS
Purl Soho released a new line of fabric called Mineral Linen. It’s a really gorgeous, solid collection with a hint of metallic. It think it would be super gorgeous for a summer dress.
Dressmakers Social has started the hashtag #dressmakers52. She’s posting a new theme each Sunday and you have the whole week to post a photo inspired by the theme. Read about it here.
Selfish Sewing Week kicked off April 11. So hurry up and go sew something for yourself!
Also I enjoyed reading this Q&A with the costume designer from Girls on Man Repeller.
What else has been happening lately? Please share in the comments.
