Fell down the Indie Patterns Rabbit Hole
Its been a minute, the week before I talked about the new patterns I had purchased, thrifted or just ordered off of Etsy, and I mentioned how disappointed I was in Simplicity’s new Spring release. Still no Butterick’s Spring Collection (and I’m no longer holding my breathe for that one) so I had a chance to watch Inside the Hem’s first Impression on this release and reading all the comments it seems I’m not the only one who feels this way.
After my video I took some time to take a look at a lot of other indie pattern designers. Lots of other indie pattern designers. I knew they were there, I had seen their patterns time and time again, but last week I fell down the indie patterns rabbit hole and let’s just say that for now, I’m not coming out.
I’m officially out of ink on the printer and out of glue sticks but here is what I downloaded or have made again, and I’m pretty sure you know about some of these!
Closet Core Patterns | Pietra Pants - I have made these time and time again. I found a yard of fabric around my studio as I was cleaning linen and told myself I would make another pair and sure enough I still love this pattern. The instructions are top notch and guys if you have been holding back. There is a sew along on You Tube from a fabric store. It goes a little quick but she teaches you how to make it if you are worried about the pockets which is perhaps the most challenging part. I used a Botton weight linen from Joanns. You only need a yard for these shorts, I no longer see it on their site but this fabric is similar..
True Bias | Dani Shorts - I have looked at True Bias numerous times but I felt that some of their patterns I can make them with a Big Four pattern to the point that its close enough and I didn’t need to purchase an indie pattern. But when Simplicity dropped those shorts in a smaller size range I realized it was time to go check out True Bias one more time. Sure enough the Dani Shorts fit the bill and not only would I get shorts, I had two different styles along with shorts AND long pants. I’m working on a muslin right now but so far, so good and I’m happy I got the pattern. I’m using a stretch twill for this from Fabric.com and for the pockets I’m using a fun rayon challis print
Dani Shorts from True Bias
Dp Studio | Le 4004 - Always lusted after a vintage Big 4 bias spiral cut Skirt pattern. It was one of those elusive ones I could never find on Etsy. Lets face it, I’ll never find that pattern in my size either so I needed to move on. BUT I have DP Studio’s coat pattern (in paper thank you very much… I just have to make it), anyhow I was checking out their site and loved this skirt. The instructions are in English, not the best instructions ever but I know what’s going on and it’s pretty straight forward. Looking for a striped linen fabric for it as I type! It will be perfect for summer.
Dp Studio Le 4004 Bias Cut Skirt Panels
Stay Stitch Patterns | The Sofia Sweetheart Top - Downloaded that one too, Its been printed, cut and awaiting me to get going on it with my ivory rib knit from Joann’s. Keep seeing tons of people wearing it so it will be worn for spring and summer whenever that shows up.
Jennifer Lauren Handmade | The Esme Batwing Top - I was a tester for this pattern and I actually love how Jennifer Lauren Handmade does her PDF patterns. You print out the least amount of pages which I appreciate because as I said, I’m out of ink! The pattern comes in a Original and Curve version so pay close attention to which one you need. Needless to say a soft lightweight knit is ready to go and my pattern is printed! My fabric is now out of stock but a lightweight or mid weight knit would work for this pattern.
Tammy Camisole | Etty Handmade - I love this pattern, I added a dart and widened the straps so I can wear a bra with this one. Love it the scalloped neckline. It will be perfect under a cardigan. I changed some things in the order of construction so I don’t have any seams in the facing but other than that, its a relatively easy sew. Tammy also did a You Tube Sew Along for her pattern. Remember this pattern is free of charge and a pretty good one if I may add. I made this pattern with remnant lyocell denim fabric that I had from another top.
I also tested a pattern for an Indie Designer which should come out pretty soon and I will say its a REALLY good one. Once it comes out I will do a separate review on it as I made all the views.
Last but not least I’m checking out Sinclair Patterns’ Journey Zip Up Hoodie. If anyone has any words of wisdom on this one let me know! Fabric is on the way as I want to make a zip up hoodie and this looked interesting. I was also looking at the Rory Jumpsuit from True Bias, I think it will be a fun one for my daughter and perhaps make it in a Ponte since she loves to stretch and move around.
So what have you been making?! Any indie patterns that I should take a look at? I hear a lot of about Love Notions and Itch to Stitch… anyone else that I should look at besides the usual suspects?
