New Pattern Roundup for January 2017

Hello readers!  It’s that time again…time to look back at all of the new pattern releases over the past month. After a bit of a lull in the run up to the holidays, we’re starting to see pattern makers releasing their spring patterns, so we’ve got a fairly full roundup post this month.

BurdaStyle Plus – January 2017 – “Pretty Woman” collection

BurdaStyle isn’t exactly known for being a source of body positivity. Their plus patterns are often hit-and-miss, running between shapeless rectangles some months and nice, structured designs other months. In the summer, you rarely find shorts or swimsuit patterns offered, unlike the smaller sized collections. Given their somewhat dodgy history with plus sizes, I do want to give them kudos for producing a plus size collection of lingerie and sleepwear patterns.

BurdaStyle 01-2017 #121: Babydoll Sleep top or Nightgown

The babydoll-style sleep top or nightgown gives you a cute, sexy lingerie option that can either be worn alone or paired with sleep pants or shorts, depending on which view you’ve chosen. The empire waist seam also helps add a little bit of support up top, too.

BurdaStyle – babydoll sleep top or nightgown

BurdaStyle 01-2017 #125: Négligé

This pretty négligé pattern includes princess seamed-style darts to add shaping to a garment type that can often be a bit shapeless. One thing to note here is that the puckering along the princess seams is probably going to be difficult to avoid if you’re using a silk or satin type fabric. If that type of thing bothers you, make sure to practice on a sample or two, first.

BurdaStyle – Neglige

BurdaStyle 01-2017 #126: Robe

Sewing patterns for robes tend to be a dime a dozen; however, this one has some unique detailing, with its dolman sleeves and shirring.

BurdaStyle – Robe

This collection also includes sleepwear staples, such as pajama pants, shorts, and a traditional pajama shirt. I won’t take up space posting pics of those here, but you can follow the links if you’re interested:

• BurdaStyle 01-2017 #124: Pajama Bottoms
• BurdaStyle 01-2017 #123: Sleep Shorts
• BurdaStyle 01-2017 #122: Pajama Shirt

Closet Case Files – Ebony t-shirt and dress

Many of us on the Curvy Sewing Collective are big fans of “secret pajamas” (i.e. knit clothing that’s so comfortable that you feel like you’re wearing your pajamas). The new Ebony pattern from Closet Case Files definitely looks like a solid contender in that category. It’s a swingy knit top/tunic/dress that relies on fabric drape for shaping.

Closet Case Files – Ebony top and dress

HotPatterns: Gatsby Cardigan-Jacket and Gilet

Interested in adding a super on-trend cardigan/vest to your wardrobe for spring? This design has a removable faux fur collar, adding to the trendy feel. Both the cardigan and gilet have a wrap-style closure. Shaping is done via panel seams and Dior darts.

HotPatterns – Gatsby Cardigan-Jacket & Gilet

After taking a break from doing Youtube videos for new patterns for a while, Trudy has filmed TWO new videos for this pattern–a “show and tell” video AND a mini-tutorial on how to construct the faux fur collar:

Itch to Stitch – Paro Cardigan

Are you looking for a cute, hip-length cardigan but are tired of the “waterfall” style that’s been around for the past few years? Or maybe you like some aspects of a waterfall cardigan but prefer a style that has a closure? Itch-to-Stitch released the Paro Cardigan this month, and it looks like it should be a nice, transitional topper for cool-weather days.

Itch to Stitch – Paro Cardigan

StyleArc – January 2017 release

For the past few years, the January releases from StyleArc have concentrated on blouse patterns. As part of that theme, they’ve been offering a “buy two new style, select one new style free” deal, and that’s on top of the normal “monthly freebie” that they offer for paper patterns. This January was no exception, as StyleArc offered five new top or blouse patterns and continued the freebie trend. If you enjoy sewing blouses or tops, I think there’s pretty much something for everyone in this batch of new patterns.

In addition to this new batch of patterns, StyleArc released the Alissa Knit dress–a knit dress with a draped pocket–around mid-month.

StyleArc – Juliet Woven Shirt

The Juliet woven shirt is a nice basic with a twist: a darted blouse with a tie detail. You could dress this pattern up or down, depending on the fabric that you used and how you styled it.

StyleArc – Juliet shirt

StyleArc – Annika Top

I’ll admit that I passed over this design until a made up sample showed up in my instagram feed. It turns out that this pattern is designed for a woven/knit mix, which you can’t really tell from the line drawing. The body of the top is designed for beefy stretch knits (e.g. lightweight Ponte), where as the cuffs and shirt-tail is designed for wovens–it’s sort of a more conservative version of the HotPatterns Domino Sweatshirt from a few years back. It’s cute, and it’s ideal for using an expensive fabric that you only have a small quantity of.

StyleArc – Annika Top

StyleArc – Isabella Top

So, um, to say that this top isn’t my personal style is to put it mildly. (I try to stick with open necklines, and little ruffles/frills really aren’t my thing.) But hey, I bet there’s someone out there who likes it!

StyleArc – Isabella Top

StyleArc – Fran Knit Top

The Fran knit top is about as simple as you can get. It’s a basic long-sleeved knit top with cut-on sleeves in the front and an armhole seam on the back. The shirttail hem is a nice detail. I’m kind of surprised that this pattern wasn’t one of the freebies, as those tend to be simpler styles like this one.

StyleArc – Fran top

StyleArc – Winona Lace-up Top

Okay, I love this top. Lace-up necklines like this one have been everywhere in RTW lately, and the top itself is a pretty simple sew with its cut-on cap sleeves. Overall, I think it’s just a fun, trendy design for warmer weather or layering. The Winona is also the “new” freebie option for the month (the other freebie option being the Imogen knit maxi skirt from a little while back).

StyleArc – Winona Top

Vogue – Early Spring 2017

I’m not an indie pattern snob; I sew both from indie patterns and from the Big 4 pretty regular, but I have to confess that I’m just not a Vogue woman. I know, I know, they’re considered the high benchmark for the Big 4, but stylistically, they rarely appeal to my personal style nor my lifestyle. I’m 10 times more likely to get excited about a new Simplicity or McCall’s collection when those are released.

I’m stating this disclaimer because I had a really, really hard time pulling out a couple of interesting patterns from Vogue’s early spring release. It’s not a “bad” collection, but I just didn’t find much noteworthy about it one way or the other.

V1535 – Badgley Mischka ruched dress with attached cape

I have less than zero need for a fancy gown in my life, but I thought that this dress was very, very pretty. The sheer attached cape is a fun detail and gives a little more coverage if you’re like me, and your shoulders get cold easily.

Vogue 1535 – Badgley Mischka dress

V1537 – Kay Unger dress and Jacket

Yes, the fabric for this ensemble is very Mother-of-the-Bride, which is a look that most of us don’t have a need for unless you actually have a child who is getting married. But look past the sample fabric, and there’s a nice, if unexciting shift dress and a nice, lined jacket that make up this pattern.

V1537 – Kay Unger dress and jacket

Final Thoughts

Whew, that felt like a long post…especially after a somewhat slow winter for pattern releases. What new patterns are you planning to add to your stash?