New Pattern Roundup for April 2017

It’s that time again…end of another month, and time for another roundup of the new pattern releases–this time we’re taking a look at new patterns that were released in the month of April! I’ll give you a quick hint as to what you’ll be seeing a lot of in this post: as they continue to be popular with CSC readers, pattern designers are continuing to crank out different takes on shirtdress styles. But if shirtdresses aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options this month, too.

Closet Case Files – Kalle Shirt and Shirtdress

Instead of the timeless staples that we usually see from Closet Case Files, their latest release is the sort of boxy shirt/shirtdress that we’ve been seeing all over the place for the past year or so. This pattern contains three views: a cropped blouse with hidden placket, a popover tunic with placket, and a button-up shirtdress. While StyleArc has some similar styles available, the CCF pattern has more view options available and more user-friendly instructions, if you need them.

Grainline Studio – Lark Variation Packs

Targeting beginning sewists, Grainline Studio released two expansion packs for their popular Lark t-shirt pattern. One expansion pack provides options for turning your tee into a t-shirt dress, and the other one provides two additional views for waterfall-style cardigans of different lengths.

HotPatterns – Weekender Utility Cargo Pants

The slender cargo pant is such a ubiquitous garment in RTW right now that I’m shocked that we haven’t seen more patterns like the Weekender Utility Cargo pant in recent seasons. Designed with a slim (but not skinny) fit similar to the HP Tailored Trackpant, the new Cargo pant has princess seams on the front and back (yay for fitting!), and large patch pockets characteristic of the style. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a new casual pant pattern that wasn’t jeans or some take on joggers or track pants, so I was really excited to see these released.

HotPatterns – Fast & Fabulous Garden Party Tees

The Garden Party tees were designed with both a relaxed fit and lots of seaming (princess and underbust) to help you get the exact fit that you want. This pattern is also designed to provide you a template for your favorite types of embellishment, whether it’s lace, trims, or mix-and-matching different fabrics. If you click through to the catalog web page for the Garden Party tee, you’ll see that Trudy put together several mood boards for inspiration.

Lark Dress Variation Pack and Lark Cardigan Variation Pack

Itch to Stitch – La Paz Jacket

On Facebook groups for various pattern companies, I have seen MANY requests for a pattern in the style of a structured jacket but that can be made in a knit. For those of you wanting a pattern like this, your wishes have been answered. The La Paz blazer from Itch to Stitch has the features of a classic blazer, including lapels, welt pockets, and a two-piece sleeve, but is drafted to made from a stable knit. The pattern even includes important details like a back stay and an under-lapel dart to help the lapels lay nicely. From a fitting standpoint, it includes cup sizes A-DD and has princess seams for easier pattern adjustments.

Itch to Stitch – Anza Jumpsuit and Dress

Also this month, Itch to Stitch released the Anza jumpsuit and dress. Like many Itch to Stitch patterns, the Anza is available in cup sizes from A-DD and has an overall inclusive size range. If you’ve liked some of the trendy jumpsuit patterns offered by other indies but were disappointed that they didn’t come anywhere near your size, the Anza may work for you. The dress view is cute, too, IMO–it’s got shirtdress vibes, and that open neckline is very appealing to me.

Jennifer Lauren Vintage – Juniper Cardigan

The Juniper cardigan from Jennifer Lauren Vintage is a nice layering basic for spring. With its saddle shoulder detail and separate bands, you can explore your design creativity while staying comfortable when the A/C is turned up a bit too high. The cardigan pattern includes both a long and cropped option, and the option for a full button band or just a top closure.

Simplicity – Summer 2017 collection

The Summer collection from Simplicity includes a new pattern line, “Pattern Hacking”, which includes a basic pattern and additional pieces for your own design options. It’s not clear to me how this line differs from the “Project Runway” line that they’ve had around for a few years, other than the Pattern Hacking patterns appear to be true basics (e.g. a knit tee), and it seems like they’ve been phasing out the Project Runway line.

Simplicity 8376: Pattern Hacking Misses’ Knit Top

S8376, a knit tee, is one of the inaugural patterns in the Pattern Hacking line. From an options standpoint, I find it a bit underwhelming. It’s got a few hem/ruffle/peplum and sleeve options, but these are changes that a non-beginner can easily make on their own. I’m going to guess that this line is aimed at novice sewists who want to customize their patterns because I don’t see the draw for someone with more experience.

Simplicity 8384 – Misses’ Dress and Shirt with Length Variations

Few garment types are more beloved at the CSC than a shirtdress, especially ones with a fit-and-flare shape. S8384 includes length options that vary from blouse-length to a maxi-dress length. Basically, get the fit right on your bodice, and simply vary the skirt length for whatever look you’re going for. This is probably the only pattern out of this collection that I’ll actually buy for myself with any intention of sewing it.

Simplicity 8404 – Misses’ Belle Costume

And in a move that should surprise absolutely no one, Simplicity (who holds the licensing agreement for costumes based on Disney characters) has issued a pattern for Belle’s ballgown from Beauty and the Beast. (There are also girls’ versions, too.) This one might be worth picking up just to have in your collection (it can sit in the box with my misses’ Elsa dress pattern).

StyleArc – April 2017 patterns

Given the number of patterns covered in this roundup, I won’t go through all of the new StyleArc patterns, but I am focusing on three new patterns that caught my eye.

StyleArc – Trudy Tunic

StyleArc describes their Trudy tunic as “an interesting take on the classic over-shirt”, and I would agree. Per their description, the Trudy has a fly front that sits slightly open at the neck, buttoning at the front, with a knife pleat falling from the base of placket. There’s a sample sewn up on the StyleArc website, and it’s a lot cuter than the line drawing would indicate. I’m intrigued by this one.

Trudy Tie-front Pant

If you enjoy the comfort and ease-of-sewing of pull-on pants, but are looking for a bit of a different twist on them stylistically, the Trudy pant might be your answer. The Trudy pants are drafted for lightweight woven fabric with a good drape. I like how they’ve got the look of a sarong, but being a pant, they are clearly more practical for daily wear.

StyleArc – Maisie Designer Dress

The Maisie Designer Dress sports the current on-trend cocoon shape, but with asymmetrical seaming to help break up what is typically a somewhat sack-like silhouette. The Maisie bodice is drafted for knits, and you can make up the skirt in either a knit or a stretch woven. The Maisie includes ever-important pockets (in the side seams).

True Bias – Lodo Dress

The Lodo dress from True Bias has pretty much been an instant hit on Instagram. With only a few pattern pieces and an easy-fitting shape, the Lodo looks like it has true “Instant Gratification Project” potential.

Vogue – Summer 2017 collection

I’ll reiterate again that I really tend to have trouble picking out Vogue patterns for these round ups, as they just don’t tend to fit my personal style or lifestyle.

V1542 – Patricia Jeanne Keay – Misses’ Dress with flounce and shoulder detail

I have zero need for a cocktail or semi-formal dress in my wardrobe, but if I did have a need, wow, do I love this dress. I love the princess seams, and the neck and shoulder details are very pretty and very unique.

V9251 – Misses’ Wrap dress

While not a totally unique design (both StyleArc and HotPatterns have similar dresses in their catalogues), we see a lot of requests for woven wrap dresses on the CSC community Facebook group. The Vogue take on this style is a little more simple than either the SA or HP takes.

Final Thoughts

Because I hoard shirtdress patterns the way a squirrel hoards nuts, the two patterns that jumped out at me most this month were the Itch to Stitch Anza dress and the Simplicity 8384 shirtdress with the various skirt lengths. I also think I need that Belle gown, just to own the pattern for the Belle gown. My other favorite is the new HotPatterns Cargo pant; I don’t have any need for dressy trousers in my lifestyle, but it would sure be nice to sew and wear pants other than jeans or yoga pants. Plus…they’ve got princess seams–what’s not to love about princess seams when trying to fit your tummy or booty? What were your favorite new releases this month? Any must-sews?