The month of May is now in the books, and in the northern hemisphere, we are headed into summer. May’s new pattern releases are a clear indication of this, too. Let’s take a look!
Spring weather has finally hit Seattle, and I’ve been seeing tie-bottom tees everywhere since temperatures warmed. Blank Slate offers their version of this trend with the Austin tee. As with most Blank Slate top patterns, there are a variety of views to choose from, including split or scoop neck and tie band or no tie band, plus four sleeve length options.
Blank Slate – Austin Tee
The Barton shorts started as a one-off pattern that Melissa from Blank Slate drafted for herself, then offered as a freebie in one size on her site. She had enough requests to release the Bartons as a pattern that she graded the shorts to her full size range (up to 3X) and has now offered it for sale. I think the retro styling here is really cute, and with inseam pockets, they’re also practical for things like walking the dog(s).
Blank Slate – Barton Shorts
Cashmerette – Lenox Shirtdress
It’s no secret that I test patterns from time to time. However, because of my limited sewing time, I’m pretty picky about the patterns that I choose to test, but when the opportunity to test the Lenox shirtdress (the Pattern Formerly Known as the Montgomery Shirtdress) came across my Inbox, I actually “squee’ed” at my desk. Seriously, this pattern checked all of my wishlist items for a shirtdress: Cup sizes up to a G Cup? Princess seams? Check. Waist seam? Check. Full-ish skirt? Check. Pockets? Check. Open neckline? Check.
In any case, I was very happy that the Lenox was released this month so that I could finally share my test version and make more using the finalized pattern. I try to be fairly objective with my pattern roundups, but I really can’t help gushing over this one. Shirtdress fans, you won’t be disappointed.
Cashmerette – Lenox shirtdress
Itch to Stitch – Lago tank (free)
Just in time for summer, in the Northern hemisphere at least, Itch to Stitch has released a free knit tank pattern. While there are a few free woven tank and a few free knit t-shirt patterns floating around, I haven’t seen many free knit tanks, so this pattern nicely fills a niche if you’re looking for a quick, cheap, and easy garment to sew.
Itch to Stitch – Lago tank
Love Notions – Rhapsody Blouse
I know that a lot of people in our Facebook group are fans of Love Notions patterns, and their new pattern looks like the perfect summer blouse for curvy sewists, given its open neckline, separate pattern pieces for busts up to DD cups, and current styling with its peasant blouse feel.
Love Notions – Rhapsody blouse
McCall’s – Summer 2017 Collection
I haven’t been too enamored with the Summer collections released by the Big 4 so far; however, the McCall’s collection does have a few interesting garment options. It was easier for me to pick selections for this post out of this collection than any of the other Big 4 Summer collections so far this year.
M7606 – Misses’ off-the-shoulder body suits and wrap skirts
Love ’em or hate ’em, those 90’s fashion mainstays–body suits–appear to be back in style, and we’re seeing more and more patterns for them pop up in various places. M7606 comes with two different body suit styles (both of which feature the now-ubiquitous off-the-shoulder look) and a wrap skirt pattern.
M7606 – Misses’ body suits and wrap skirt
M7591 caught my eye because it appears to be fairly similar to a VERY popular Lisette/Butterick pattern from a few years ago, with the M7591 being a bit simpler, and geared towards knits and lightweight, drapey wovens. I can see this one being fairly popular with our readers.
M7591 – Misses’ dresses
M7602 – Misses’ Mock Wrap Top (with cup sizes)
If you can look past the awful fabric choices for the sample, M7602 is a nice summer top, at its bones. Even better–it has cup sizes, and who doesn’t love cup sizes? There are also enough design options included in this pattern that you could make it several times without getting bored.
M7602 – Misses’ Mock Wrap tops
Scroop Patterns (by The Dreamstress) – Ngaio Blouse
We tend to see a lot of similar designs for woven summer blouse patterns–woven shells, woven tees, camp shirts, and peasant blouses, etc. I can’t think of a single other current design that’s similar to the Ngaio, though–a vintage-inspired woven blouse with a twist front and empire waist. Not only is a cute design, but it also comes in bust cup sizes up to an F cup!
Scroop – Ngaio blouse
StyleArc was very busy with releasing new patterns in May. I won’t try to cover them all, but like with the Big 4 collections, I’ll highlight a few that I found particularly interesting.
StyleArc used release the occasional clearly-inspired-by-Kate-Middleton design, although they haven’t done so in quite a while. They seem to be back on the Kate-inspired designs, with the new Peony dress.
StyleArc – Peony woven dress
For those of you in the southern hemisphere, May’s releases included a very on-trend new coat pattern. It’s got a cocoon shape, panel seams, in-seam pockets, and a zip front:
StyleArc – Casey Coat
If you’re looking for a simple tee without a lot of seaming but with the potential for design creativity, the Besharl tee might be the pattern for you. There are angled inserts in the front, and a columnar insert in the back, which could be used for color blocking, adding lace, or other details.
StyleArc – Besharl Tee
Tilly & the Buttons – Etta dress
So, um… I have to be honest. I know that we have a decent number of Tilly fans here, but there’s absolutely nothing about her latest dress that appeals to me. In my personal style, I am not a sheath dress wearer, nor do I like high necklines like the one on the Etta. But Tilly is a big name, and I’m betting that some of you love this–just not me.
Tilly & the Buttons – Etta dress
Final Thoughts
I love the tester version of the Lenox shirtdress that I made, and I’d like to make a few more this summer. I also finally jumped on the Love Notions bandwagon with the Rhapsody blouse–it’s on my shortlist for summer tops. The McCall’s dress with the keyhole neck opening, is cute, too. What were your favorite new releases this month?
Seamstress Erin released the Laminaria Swimsuit this month as well. It is a one piece up to a 52″ high bust and with cups up to F. http://seamstresserin.com/shop/laminaria-swimsuit/
I’m excited that Ngaio comes with cup sizes and is different from lots of the trendier designs.
I like the besharl pants from style arc, i am thinking of making those up.
Style Arc has been boring me a little but that coat is fantastic. I probably ignored it because I’ve been itching for summer to arrive in the way up north… :)The Rhapsody blouse is so pretty. I can see that being uber popular…and agree that the Ngaio is unique, which is always nice in a new pattern! That Tilly dress is full of sadness, especially those ridiculous pocket flaps. The Austin tee is a must. I like it even though it’s a basic. And YAY for the shirtdress! Such a popular style that can be hard to fit on a curvy body.
May was a good month overall I’d say!
I love these roundups so much. Thank you!
I have the Ngaio printed out and ready for a second muslin – my first muslin technically fit but was a bit small (like, hard to take off because it was too tight on the upper back small). I’ve heard others say it runs a bit small so word of warning for anyone planning to make it. And I’ve just printed out the Lenox – I was a bit unsure about how the collar was sitting in the promo shots but every time I see one made up I just love it! Can’t wait to give it a go.
Thanks for the warning. I just bought it !