This is our last Pattern Roundup post of 2017, can you believe it? We didn’t have a ton of new releases this month, so this post will be a little shorter than most months. Let’s take a look….
Butterick’s latest collection was a bit of a yawn to me–there’s just not a lot here that we haven’t already seen before…often many times over the past few years. As a result, I’m highlighting two patterns that I thought were the most notable for the CSC audience.
B6526 – Lisette crossover top and side-seam detail pants
I’ve been seeing a fair number of crossover (not wrap) tops like this in RTW in the past year or two, especially with the split hem like this. The pants are interesting in that they apparently have no side seams (I don’t know how that would work if you typically need a lot of fit adjustments for pants), but do essentially have princess seams in the front and back.
B6526 – Lisette crossover top and side-seam detail pants
B6533 – Connie Crawford Hoodie Jacket and Pants
Indie patterns for hoodies and lounge pants are a dime a dozen; however, these trendy patterns don’t always have particularly inclusive sizing. (I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen someone asking for a hoodie pattern that goes up to, say, a 4X in our Facebook group.) Connie Crawford’s new hoodie and jogger pattern goes up to a size 6X, which is about as inclusive of a size range as you’ll find in a commercial pattern.
B6533- Connie Crawford hoodie and jogger pant
Itch to Stitch – Uvita Top (free)
Itch to Stitch has a new free top pattern available. It’s a dropped-shoulder, relaxed fit knit top with a wide, boat neckline. You have the option of 3/4 or full length sleeves. This is the sort of free top pattern where we tend to see a lot of fun hacks posted in our FB group.
Itch to Stitch – Uvita top
Jennifer Lauren Handmade – Nixie Briefs
If you like vintage-style undies, the new Nixie Briefs from Jennifer Lauren Handmade are a cute new entry into that garment category. With the Nixie briefs, you get a choice of a hipster or full-brief coverage. The Nixie also claims to prevent both “plumber’s crack” and “hungry bum”–two common issues with underwear fit.
Jennifer Lauren Handmade – Nixie briefs
Love Notions – Rockford Raglan tee
Many of our readers are big fan of Love Notions’ Laundry Day tee–a swing-shaped tee that fits through the bust and easily skims over the tummy and hips. By request, Love Notions has now released a raglan version of this tee/tunic. The Rockford Raglan comes with both swing and boxy/straight fit options, top and tunic length, and the options for a free, split, or banded hem.
Love Notions – Rockford Raglan
Simplicity – Early Spring 2017
Much like the new Butterick collection, I was pretty underwhelmed by the new Early Spring collection from Simplicity. It’s not…bad…it’s just really boring, IMO. Here are the two that I found the most interesting:
Simplicity 8547 – Mimi G dress
Sure, we’ve seen a lot of colorblocking in recent years (a trend that sort of seems to be on the way out), but I thought that this pattern’s take on colorblocking looked fairly fresh. I also liked the shape of the dress–somewhere between fit-and-flare and a more bodycon style. Plus, I like to highlight Mimi G’s patterns in this monthly post, as her size range tends to be more inclusive than a lot of other Big 4 patterns.
Simplicity 8547 – Mimi G dress
Simplicity 8560 – Misses’ Knit Sports Bras
Unlike many indie lingerie patternmakers, Simplicity acknowledges that women can have breasts that are larger than, say, a 38DD. In fact, the new sports bra pattern from Simplicity goes up to a size 44G–with all cup sizes included for all band sizes! The details on these bras are pretty fun, too.
Simplicity 8560 – Misses’ sports bras
December was a quiet month for StyleArc in that we only got two new patterns from them–a knit top and a pretty dress.
One of the freebie options for December, the Emery knit top offers a different take on a basic knit tee pattern with its leg-of-mutton sleeve with a puffed sleeve cap. I remember this style being popular a few years ago–I can’t tell if this top looks dated, or knowing how StyleArc is usually right on top of trends, if this style is going to be making a comeback very soon.
StyleArc – Emery Knit Top
It’s not something that I’ll be tackling any time soon because I detest working with sheer fabrics, but wow, is the new Valentina dress pretty! This darted, feminine dress is meant to be worn as an overlay over a bias-cut slip, which is included with the pattern.
StyleArc – Valentina Dress
Final Thoughts
What were your favorites this month? I didn’t necessarily see any must-haves for myself and my lifestyle, but the Valentina dress from StyleArc sure is pretty. I know that many in our Facebook group are fans of the Laundry Day tee from Love Notions, so I’m sure that we’ll start seeing many versions of their new raglan top there, too.
Over at Savvy Patterns, we released the Reversible Beanie! It’ll fit any head size from newborn up to adult! Here’s the direct link: http://savvypatterns.com/http:/savvypatterns.com/reversible-beanie/
Enjoy!
I was a pattern tester for the Nixie Briefs, and all the claims are correct- they are the most comfy undies I’ve ever worn. I have a very round bum, and need the equivalent of a FBA when making things like pencil skirts or pants, and that wasn’t necessary with them, they… hug and embrace perfectly. I’ve never made undies before, and they were really easy to put together. And addictive. I think I’m up to 5 pairs. I encourage everyone to give them a try!
Good to know! I have the same issue with a protruding bum and need to make a “full bum adjustment” on most things on my bottom half–it’s one of the fit issues that’s made me hesitant to try making my own knickers.
I’m loving both of the Style Arc patterns and the vintage panties! So cute! I loathe working with sheers but I think I’m going to have to suck it up and make that dress!
Isn’t it lovely! it would make up in a lawn or voile really well I feel, which would be easier and less see through too. I am all for see through, but not if it means having to eschew a natural fibre 😉
Hi All further to my previous post re Butterick 6526 I think that it is just not yet available in the uk yet so will just have to be patient 😞
Help can anyone tell me where I can purchase the Butterick 6526 cross over top in the uk pattern or pdf I seem to have tried everywhere its just the top I need! I can get it in the USA but shipping is so expensive. So if anyone has it and wants to sell it on please message me. Thanks for all your help
Carole
“Every cup size for every band size”… unless you’re larger than a G cup. 😉
This is likely a size or two off for me, but I’m excited about the new undergarment pattern from Gertie (https://butterick.mccall.com/b6530) as I wear a bunch of 50s style outfits and find that petticoats are scratchy unless I make them myself. We’ll see if I’ll create the longline bra as well…. It can’t be much harder than a corset, right?
This New Look also gave me ideas about Cashmerette Upton necklines… http://www.simplicity.com/new-look-pattern-6526-misses-dress-with-bodice-variations/N6526.html#sz=30&start=41
I love the 30’s vibe of that Style Arc dress! Beautiful!
Instead of a side seam, the trousers have a side panel, which means you have two seams to make adjustments instead of one. Cheers!
Why do so many companies hide their size range? I just tried to find the size range for Jennifer Lauren’s Nixie panties and not only can I not ask, they don’t seem to have it printed anywhere.
A lot of companies currently put their size chart in a “back of envelope” style image in the pattern’s listing. Jennifer Lauren does this. You just need to go to the actual pattern page in the online store and look for the image with the size chart. The Nixie briefs go up to a 53″/134.5cm hip.
Thanks
I am just now finishing my first Rockford Raglan and I love it. I am a huge fan of Lovenotions. I love how her PDF’s need no trimming, are layered and so easily tape together. I also love that her patterns never need guesswork. If something’s not working, I know it’s my fault. I went to pin the neckband on and it was off by maybe an inch. ??? DOH! I had cut it wrong! I had cut it against the grain. Cut a new one with the grain lined up correctly and presto – perfect. I also love all the variations in style and size (large bust, regular, etc) she offers up with every pattern.
This one hangs so nicely and feels wonderful. One hem and it will be a wardrobe favorite plus a TNT.