Hello, readers! This month, we’re kicking off a new feature for the Curvy Sewing Collective–a monthly roundup of interesting new patterns that have been released in the past month. We see a lot of interest on the Facebook post in new pattern announcements, so hopefully these monthly roundups will provide an at-a-glance look at what’s been recently released.
Note that we’ll be focusing on patterns with inclusive size ranges for these roundups.
Blank Slate Patterns – Auberley Dress and Tunic (and Hack pack)
Earlier this month, Blank Slate Patterns released the Auberley Dress and Tunic–a versatile day dress or tunic with several sleeve options. I really like the notched neckline on this, and the shoulder princess seams help make an FBA easier, if you need it. There’s also an available “hack pack” with even more sleeve and neckline options. I’ve been seeing the tester photos for this pattern popping up in my social media feeds, and they’ve all been very cute.
Blank Slate – Auberley dress and tunic
BurdaStyle Plus – November 2016 “La Dolce Vita” collection
Each month, BurdaStyle magazine includes a small collection of “plus” patterns, which are drafted from a different pattern block and use a D-cup size, instead of Burda’s regular C-cup. These collections can be very hit (lots of nice structured pieces) or very miss (lots of shapeless sacks). The November 2016 collection is mostly “hit”, IMO. There is actual original DESIGN involved in some of these patterns, as opposed to being nice basics or graded up versions of regular patterns. Here are two standouts:
No, it’s not difficult to find a pattern for a pussy bow blouse these days, but this one has shoulder princess seams, which is a bit unusual for this style. There’s also a loop to run the tie through to help keep everything looking as need as it did when you tied it in the morning.
BurdaStyle – Bow Blouse
No, I personally don’t wear sheath dresses, and I also don’t wear dresses (or tops) that require a strapless bra (no one makes a strapless bra in my size), but for those who can wear it, I kinda love this sheath dress with the braid detail. This is exactly the sort of interesting detail (and figure-conscious shape) that’s missing from a lot of plus patterns. Well done, Burda.
BurdaStyle – Cutout Sheath Dress
Closet Case Files – Kelly Anorak
Here in the Pacific Northwest, utility-style anorak jackets are about as ubiquitous as blue jeans. But you know what? For as common as these jackets are in RTW, there are very few sewing patterns for them; I know–I’ve been searching for one for the past three years since I moved here. Of the few that were available, they either lacked key features (i.e. a hood), were drafted for a body type or size range that would require extensive re-drafting or grading on my part, or had really sparse instructions (BurdaStyle).
Given my frustrations trying to find an anorak pattern, I was ecstatic to see Heather Lou of CCF release her take on this style. I’ve had success with her patterns in the past, and I know that her instructions are always very clear and easy-to-follow, which is important to me when I’m sewing an unfamiliar garment type. So yes, I’ve already bought this pattern and will be making it this fall or winter.
Closet Case Files – Kelly anorak jacket
Designer Stitch – Willow Cardigan
Relative newcomer Designer Stitch, with sizes up to a 52″ (132cm) bust, has a new kimono pattern out. A kimono makes a great lightweight layering piece when you’re looking for something a little dressier or funkier than a cardigan. These have been popular in RTW in transitional seasons for the past few years.
Designer Stitch – Willow kimono
HotPatterns – Fast & Fabulous Draped Blouses
We frequently get questions on the Curvy Sewing Collective wondering what sort of patterns work well for apple figures, especially since it seems like many pattern companies draft for an hourglass figure. The new blouse pattern (with two views) from HotPatterns addresses this, with this description from the release announcement:
“…anyone in the mood for a new blouse or two?
…something simple to make, easy to wear?…
..maybe something to swoosh over that pesky tummy area as well?…
HotPatterns – Fast & Fabulous Draped Blouses
I love the open neckline on this and the easy fit makes these blouses look like a great option to throw over jeans when you want to wear something comfortable, but nicer than a t-shirt.
Looking for an easy knit v-neck top with numerous design options? Itch to Stitch’s new Arenal top includes a yoke (for optional contrast) and several sleeve and hem options.
Itch to Stich – Arenal top
McCall’s released their Winter 2016/2017 collection this month. As is usually the case with Winter/Holiday collections by the big pattern companies, this one was full of party dresses and pajama patterns.
M7531 – Misses Notch Collar Peplum Jackets
I’ll admit that I don’t really look closely at party dress patterns–they don’t fit my lifestyle, and my company’s holiday party is very informal. With that being said, of the new patterns, the one that grabbed me the most was this jacket pattern with peplum variations.
M7513 – Misses’ jackets
M7518 – Family onesie pajamas (including for the dog!)
Most holiday pattern collections include a “pajamas for the whole family” entry. This one, however, stands out because it even includes the family dog! I’m not showing this pattern to my 4-year-old because if I did, there’s no way that I’d be able to escape making all of us (including our dog) matching onesies.
M7518 – Family pajamas
Moxie Patterns – Verity Dress and Top
I’m not particularly familiar with Moxie patterns, but I do follow a lot of sewing blogs and instagram accounts from sewists, and the Verity dress re-launch (with an extended size range) was all over sewing social media this past month. What I like about it is that someone has finally released a pattern doing a fairly faithful knockoff of the Modcloth Coach Tour dress, which I’ve wanted to replicate for a few years now, but never sat down to do the pattern hacks. The Verity dress is closer than any other patterns I’ve seen, and now it has a generous size range, too.
Moxie Patterns – Verity Dress
Simplicity – Winter Collection
Simplicity’s latest collection is heavy on vintage re-issues, many of which are pretty darn cute. But even if vintage isn’t your thing, there are a few other stylish patterns in this bunch. I liked a LOT of the patterns in this collection; it was difficult to choose just a handful to highlight for this post.
Simplicity 8247 – Misses’ 1930’s Dress and Jacket
Check out the gorgeous seaming and other details on this 1930’s reissue! Now, I do realize that doing and FBA and other adjustments on this pattern would probably be a royal pain, but look at how pretty it is!
Simplicity 8247 – Misses’ 1930s Dress and Jacket
Simplicity 8249 – Misses’ Vintage 1940s Gown
If the 1930s aren’t your thing, how about the 1940s? Here’s another pattern with gorgeous seaming details with a completely different vibe from the 30s re-issue pattern.
Simplicity 8249 – Misses’ Vintage 1940s Gown
Simplicity 8259 – Misses’ Sew Chic Button Front Dress
Not a vintage re-issue, but a dress with definite vintage vibes (it reminds me a bit of early Colette dresses), I thought that this pattern was super cute. AND it also goes up to a Big 4 size 26 (instead of the usual size 22). I will be keeping my eye out for the next Simplicity sale at JoAnn’s because I am dying to make this dress.
Simplicity 8259 – Misses’ Sew Chic Button Front Dress
Simplicity 8262 – Leanne Marshall Coat or Jacket
Do we all remember this Leanne Marshall coat pattern from a few years ago? The one that was labeled “easy” and yet had some of the most confusing instructions I’ve ever run into?
I must be a bit of a sewing masochist because I’m very tempted to tackle another Leanne Marshall pattern with a dramatic collar. The interesting collar detail, princess seams, and fit-and-flare shaping are right up my alley. At least this one isn’t marked “easy”.
Simplicity 8262 – Leanne Marshall Coat or Jacket
If you follow StyleArc on a regular basis, you know that they release 3-5 new patterns every month. Additionally, if you order a paper pattern directly from them, you can also get a different “freebie” pattern each month. The following patterns were the ones that jumped out at me from the past month.
Open shoulder/cold shoulder/off-the-shoulder tops have been everywhere for the past few months. We might be gearing up for winter in the Northern hemisphere, but in Australia, where StyleArc is based, the weather is starting to heat up. If you can wear a strapless bra, the Ellie-May would be a cute, casual top for warm weather months.
StyleArc – Ellie-Mae top and dress
Designed for Ponte knits, the Halle skirt was one of the freebie pattern options for October. It’s a cute basic that looks like it should be very quick to sew and easy to wear.
StyleArc – Halle skirt
Final Thoughts
I know that we didn’t manage to include every pattern this month, but wow, that’s still quite a few new patterns. Which ones were your favorites? Were there any particularly interesting ones that we omitted from this post? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Oh my! So many gorgeous patterns. That Burda chu out sheath? Yum! And the peplum jacket? And the 1950s inspired Simplicity button front dress?
I really really loved the asymmetric wrap skirt. That and the jacket would make the most awesome little suit. I am inspired to start sewing for me again. Thank you!
Great post! I adore that 1940’s dress from Simplicity. I hope they continue with the reissues since I tend to be drawn to that era! This is a great roundup, and I look forward to next month’s as well.
HI Michelle – Ann here from Designer Stitch, Thankyou !!!! for including the Willow Kimono in your round-up of patterns for October. Is there a contact email addy that I can keep you updated on new releases from Designer Stitch. Again a big thank you . Kind Regards. Ann at Designer Stitch. http://www.designerstitch.com
Michelle, what a great post. I love seeing so many new patterns. My fingers are just itching to start some new tops, and the vintage style dresses are swoon worthy, in my opinion. Relatively new here, I am loving the helpful and enthusiastic features. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I was also excited about a lot of the Simplicity patterns in this release cycle. They are leading the pack in vintage reissues right now – such a variety of styles represented with interesting, unusual details. I am sorely tempted to give that 40s gown a try! And the Burda bow blouse as well.
I want to tell you how much I appreciate all your work putting together this great post. Thank you so much. I liked the Verity dress and Burda’s bow blouse.They also put out a really nice trouser pattern for plus sizes.Thanks!
Michelle – you are a life-saver. There are so many wonderful new indie pattern companies out there, and some of them are a little difficult to locate, or be made aware of. Thanks for all you do. Here is a question, however. I think the Marfy Italian patterns are so pretty, but I never, ever hear anyone do a review of them (other than Threads – but that’s not from a curvy-girl point of view). Have you ever used any of them. They don’t come with any instructions, so I imagine they are not for the faint of heart, but they sure have some interesting designs.
Thanks!
I have been intrigued by Marfy patterns, but I have not personally used them. Their size range is fairly limited. A few styles go into the lower end of the plus sizes, but that’s about it. For me, at my size, that’s way too much grading to tackle, especially with them not including instructions, and needing to draft your own facings/linings, etc.
The beautiful Burda dress with the cutout neckline could also be worn with a bra with clear straps if you are too well endowed for a strapless bra. That is what I use and it looks perfectly fine. Don’t restrict yourself style-wise if there is a solution! All the best.
That’s a really good suggestion! Thanks!
Oh Michelle, I have missed your blog posts! Glad to see you back! I have fond some great patterns from you! First to strike me from this roundup is the blank slate dress and the moxie dress! And I am not really a dress person. Love the slit cowl! I have missed you!
Aw, thank you! I really like both of those dresses, too (and have purchased both of them).
Thank Providence–Your Pattern Round-Up Is Back! Burn-out? Happens. Once a month? Super!
Moxie’s Verity dress was hacked earlier this month using another Indie pattern. Easier to go with Moxie’s design then reinvent. The Burda cache? Loved the shoulder princess blouse too. Add a cami/tank and done. The sheath? Best design all year. Kudos for the yoke/hem treatment. Best I’ve seen since 2010; this issue’s on my list! The jacket and coat? Left coast winter weather after drought years? Coat Season! That white jacket over pencil skirt or slacks? Definitely. Ditto the coat and dress.
Your Star Wars Halloween? May the Force Be With You!
Thank you! And re: the Star Wars Halloween…any excuse to dress my husband up as Kylo Ren, right? (Those shoulders!)
Hi Michelle, great article, I look forward to seeing this feature regularly. As an independent pattern designer I’d also be thrilled if you would consider including a comment about my latest pattern releases, especially as”I design for full figured women with DD+ bust. Last month I published a new design the “Grecian Tunic” which you can check out in my Etsy shop at this link – https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/479786205/grecian-tunic-pdf-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_5.
To date I’ve published 10 PDF patterns and have 3 new ones to release before the end of 2016 (all going well!) I also write a blog about my life, art and clothing designs at http://www.pearlredmoon.com.
I hope its OK to write this in the public comments section, I did try to work out how to contact you privately, but couldn’t find anything.
happy sewing to all!
Pearl Moon
Your pattern review was one of my favourite parts of your blog Michelle! So pleased to see you’ve resurrected it in another form although it did have a tendency to blow my pattern budget right out of the water!
Definitely a young vibe, but there are a few an older lady can wear! It’s nice to see such a renewed interest in sewing.
Love love love this feature! It keeps the inspiration and creative juices flowing!
I love this new feature! Thank you so much, I’m really looking forward to seeing this every month.
Such a great series. I LOVE this idea!
P.S. The family p.j.’s, including the dog would be so adorable. It would be funny if someone did that, and then used that for the Family Photo in a holiday friends & family news letter satire… or maybe this year’s Christmas card.
Thanks, this is super! I’d been looking for a good jacket pattern for a while–the Kelly Anorak from Closet Case Files has all the options I’ve been looking for.
Thanks Michelle, I really missed your pattern roundups! When I checked BurdaStyle at the bookshop I had the same thoughts about the cutout sheath dress. But now that I took a closer look I think I can make it work by taking what they did to the hem as inspiration. Lining that yoke with fashion fabric will make it bra friendly!
Ooh, that’s a fantastic suggestion on the yoke!
Just bought the magazine and the pattern comes with templates for the yoke that can be used to cut the lining! This may even speed things up as acording to the instructions the yoke must be pinned on a dress form first. Only 13 meter of Petersham ribbon š
The dog in the pajama pattern looks like he wants to cut someone (though not nearly as much as the woman in the drawing for the Moxie dress). I’m not a huge fan of onesie pajamas because I find them annoying when I wake in the middle of the night and really have to go.
That 1930s Simplicity really is lovely. I’m ambivalent about Leanne Marshall’s patterns because I’m ambivalent about her. I didn’t like the way she typically treated her model or some of the age- and size-ist comments she made on PR.
I am all over the HP when they come out on sale on PDF. Also the recent Dressage skirt, which I love on every version I’ve seen. I wasn’t paying attention and missed the sale for it. But damn! It looks great on every shape and size who has sewn it. I should finish my Casbah maxi skirt wear with one those new tops and my kimono top for the skirt. HP has really been releasing some great styles since the summer.
If you want to see a dog who wants to cut someone, I highly regret that we were completely unable to get any photos of our dog dressed up as Yoda last night. We would have had to physically hold the costume pieces on her–she was shaking them off that fast!
That’s hilarious! One of our dogs is okay wearing his hockey jersey, and the other one seems to be okay with her cape and maybe she’d be okay with a jacket. But that’s too bad you couldn’t get a pic of the whole family decked out in Star Wars glory!
So great to have you doing this for us again Michelle! Thank you for taking the time. I have missed your pattern roundups.
I love the Simplicity 8259 dress; to me it is a shirt dress with a twist. Can’t wait until we get it here in the UK. Current exchange rate situation prevents direct ordering!
Thank you! It was getting to be too difficult to keep up with on my personal blog (plus I was a bit burnt out on writing them), so I wanted to try starting them up again on a monthly basis here on the CSC.
I am so happy you have, I missed them but totally understand the amount of effort that it must take you. Thank you!
This is a wonderful development for your devoted readers, Michelle. Thank YOU!
Michelle this was a great post! I went through it thoroughly clicking on all the links – the ones that stood out for me were the BurdaStyle and Simplicity re=issues. Irresistible…uh oh š