Can you believe that it’s already December? In addition to finally being able to say goodbye to 2016 soon (Good riddance!), that means that it’s also time for another pattern roundup post, covering new patterns that were released in November.
New pattern releases tend to slow down around the holidays, but we did still get a pretty decent selection of new patterns this past month.
Blank Slate – Tulip Top (Revised with extended sizing and an additional view)
Blank Slate patterns recently released a revised version of their Tulip Top pattern, which was originally available up to a size XL (44″/112cm bust). The revised version now includes an additional view with the crossover in back and is now available up to size 3X (53″/134.5cm bust).
Disclaimer: I was a tester for this pattern for the extended size range. I made the back crossover version, and I was very happy with how my top came out–it’s a super comfortable, cozy top for winter, and I’ve been wearing it a lot. If you’re worried about tummy or lower back coverage, the top is drafted so that isn’t an issue. You’ll be seeing a review of this pattern from me here on the CSC in a few weeks.
Blank Slate – Tulip Top
Butterick – Winter 2016 Collection
I don’t buy a whole lot of Butterick patterns; from the Big 4, McCall’s and Simplicity usually appeal to me more. However, I was pretty impressed with the latest collection from Butterick–there’s pretty much something for everyone in this group of patterns.
While Coni Crawford patterns aren’t typically my own personal style, I know that a lot of CSC readers love them–and for good reason; the styles tend to be very classic and Coni’s size range is about the only one that goes up to a 6X. If you’ve been frustrated about not being able to find a coat pattern in your size range, the new coat pattern from Coni has a lot going for it. It’s got a classic style and not only shoulder princess seams, but princess seams in the coat skirt, giving lots of options for fitting.
B6430 – Coni Crawford coat
B6412 – Sweetheart dress (Patterns by Gertie)
While most of sewing bloggers Gertie’s patterns for Butterick have been very cute, very few of them have been boob-friendly, so I’ve usually taken a pass. However, I LOVE this dress with its sweetheart neckline, princess seams, and full skirt.
B6412 – Sweetheart dress by Gertie
Lisette patterns have a huge fan following for good reason; Liesl’s patterns tend to be very wearable for most women’s lifestyles, and the patterns have excellent instructions. There’s a cute knit dress in the current collection that I expect to be very popular among sewists.
B6411 – Lisette dress
B6433 – Making History Jacket, Jodhpurs, and Breeches
Looking to do a little Downton Abbey cosplay? Butterick has you covered with this pattern for a riding outfit, which has some really great details. Heck, that jacket is pretty great all on its own!
B6433 – Making History Jacket, Jodhpurs, and Breeches
Cashmerette Patterns – Turner Dress
Looking for a quick and comfortable knit dress to make where you’ll very likely be able to skip the FBA step? Take a look at Cashmerette’s latest offering–the Turner knit skater dress. I already have my copy of this one and am looking very forward to sewing it up.
Cashmerette – Turner Dress
Grainline Studios – Farrow Dress
Swing dresses have been gaining in popularity over the past year or two. It’s easy to see the appeal; few shapes are quite as “throw on and go” as a swing dress. Sure, there’s a risk (particularly for busty women) of a “tent effect,” but really, as women, are we obligated to make ourselves look as small as possible with everything we wear? Must everything we wear have a waist-defining effect?
In any case, the Farrow is a cute entry in the swing dress category, particularly with the chevron-ish hem option that carefully conceals a set of inseam pockets.
Grainline Studio – Farrow Dress
Itch to Stitch – Vientiane Skirt
Do you feel like you’ve seen every possible variation on an A-line skirt pattern? I’d thought so, but I was instantly grabbed by this new offering from Itch-to-Stitch. I think that the flounce is adorable, and I love that it has options for pockets and sewing either a lined or unlined version. If you click through to the Pattern Release Announcement, you’ll also see that the pattern testers knocked it out of the park with this one, showing lots of creativity and skirts that look great on everyone.
Itch to Stitch – Vientiane Skirt
German pattern company Schnittchen recently expanded their line to include plus sizes for several patterns. One of these patterns is the new Katha Tunic, which has a cool-looking neckline and both long-sleeved and sleeveless views. (I loved this the second I saw it–expect to see a pattern review for this one here on the CSC in a few weeks.)
Katha tunic by Schittchen
StyleArc – November 2016 Collection
StyleArc’s November releases included an interesting mix at cozy patterns (for those of us about to enter winter in the northern hemisphere) and warm-weather patterns (for those whose temperatures are heating up in the southern hemisphere).
With its on-trend slit sleeves, the Rae tunic was one of the freebie options for the month of November. Designed to be made in either a knit or a woven, this tunic looks like it would be a nice, easy sewing project for the summer months.
StyleArc – Rae Tunic
The other freebie option for November was the Josie hoodie–a raglan-sleeved hoodie with some designer details, such as a curved hem and drawcord. I’d love to make this one up in a soft French terry!
StyleArc – Josie Hoodie
Designed for lightweight, drapey wovens, the Sadie tunic has an interesting twisted sleeve cuff and shirttail hem.
StyleArc – Sadie Tunic
I kind of love the details on these pants; they’re a woven pull-on pant, but with interesting front pockets and in a tapered style and split hem that elevates them above what you might associate with “pull-on pants”. Unlike many of StyleArc’s pull-on pant patterns, this one isn’t designed specifically for bengaline fabric, and should work with any lightweight, drapey woven fabric.
StyleArc – Sadie Pant
StyleArc: Winsome Designer Dress
Most of StyleArc’s “designer dress” patterns have been interesting, but not really my personal style. And I guess that the new Winsome dress isn’t really my personal style, either, but I do really like it. It’s got an easy fit, those draped pockets look pretty cool, and the henley button placket gives this dress a more sporty/less artsy look. Bottom line, it looks like a super comfortable throw-on-and-go dress.
StyleArc – Winsome Designer Dress
Tilly & the Buttons – Cleo Pinafore and Dungaree Dress
With the 90’s revival that we’ve been seeing in fashion for the past few years, it was only a matter of time before overalls, shortalls, and pinafores came back in style. Now with the return of overalls, we can hope that someone will reboot Lilith Fair, right?
Kudos to Tilly for using a curvy model in some of the promo images for this pattern, as this style is definitely one that takes on a different look on full-busted women.
Tilly & the Buttons – Cleo pinafore and dress
Final Thoughts
What were your pattern favorites from this month? Do you plan to sew any of these over the holidays? (I’ve got plans for another Tulip Top, a Turner dress, and some of the new StyleArcs, which I bought over Thanksgiving weekend.)
Were there any pattern releases that I missed that should be shared with our readers?
How about the Drop Top and Dress from Madeit? Very simple and quick make, but different enough to set it apart…
I’m half way through sewing the Farrow dress in a stretch velvet from my stash. It’s coming together nicely.
So great that you’re doing these pattern updates again, Michelle. I love tthis comment especially: ” as women, are we obligated to make ourselves look as small as possible with everything we wear? Must everything we wear have a waist-defining effect?” Happy Sewing!
HI Michelle. You must have forgotten me this month.
The new Gypsy was released by Designer Stitch-http://designerstitch.com/shop/gypsy-tunic-dress/
Cheerio
Ann at Designer Stitch.
I just opened this mail on my phone and EVERYTHING KS SO GREAT / such a range. It’s very exciting to see. Especially for sizes left behind. THANK YOU. I also enjoy the threads that lead to other sites.
Love the review. I’ve been head over heels with a move and rehab-ing a home that is really a pit. Trying to make it safe by upgrading the basics, like electric and plumbing. The inspector missed everything. So will use this list to focus options for sewing clothing. It’ll be a great big help and THANK YOU.
Heres 3 patterns you didn’t notice from an independent Australian designer…
Two new releases by Pearl Red Moon, in lagenlook style
End Point
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/480822582/end-point-multiple-large-sizes-womens?ref=shop_home_active_1
Grecian Tunic
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/479786205/grecian-tunic-pdf-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_10
and Adeline, a pattern from 2014 that was revamped
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/262188418/adeline-dress-and-tunic-large-sizes?ref=shop_home_active_2
Can’t remember Coni’s cup size. But every fitting tips sheet includes both Bust and Bicep adjustments. As Coni/McCall Co. designs do not include pattern layout diagrams, on-the-grain layout is a given.
One’s size is determined by one’s full bust measurement, another reason to check her fitting tips sheet, then make a muslin to ensure fit.
FYI, Coni’s pattern pieces are interchangeable. I’m hacking a 90s OOP pattern using a recent tee and dress bodice for a lower-cut surplice-front top. Coni hacked one of her blouse designs to create a variety of jackets, including a moto (see her jacket book).
I just ordered the StyleArc Sadie pants bundled with the Sadie blouse. They also included a free Rosemary blouse as one of the Dec freebies. I love the Adele tunic that is the other Dec freebie, which I bought last year and have made so many times!
I like the Sadie tunic and pants as well. I think I will get those two.
Love this round up making a list.
Thanks a lot for this rewiew! The Turner’s on position 3 of my list. And I’ve oggled the Schnittchen tunic for a while. As the model is a German blogger friend of mine I’m sure that is a must sew, too.
Does anyone know what cup size Coni Crawford drafts for? I do love that Gertie neckline. I’ll probably take a stab at that Lisette dress, it does seem very accessible. The Making History pattern looks like they picked a Miss Fisher lookalike! Just picked up the Turner Dress, and I’m tempted by the Winsome Style Arc (Coco’s Loft just had a good review). Good roundup!
There are some really tempting options here (so much for my pattern fast!). Thanks so much for putting together such a thoughtful selection of new patterns.
I’d like to make the Josie hoodie but it does not come up is free. Is there a code? Am I missing something?
I too want to make the Josie hoodie but got to it a day late! It was one of the November freebies on offer. Here we are now in December (!!) with new patterns. Oh well……I don’t mind PDF patterns so I’ll wait for on of StyleArc’s sales and order the pattern then.
The Josie was free for the month of November (with purchase of at least one other paper pattern from the StyleArc website).
When you order a “freebie” pattern from them, you just make a regular order WITHOUT the freebie, then indicate in the order notes which freebie you’d like in which size.
I want to thank you so much for all your information. I am an experienced sewer and have always needed to adjust patterns to a petite size as I am average size around but short. I am now trying to sew for my curvy (54″ bust) daughter in law and this info has been fabulous! I was frustrated in trying to find cute things in the larger sizes and couldn’t see me drafting up from a size 20.
Wish me luck!!!!
Ohhhh! Really tempted by the skirt with the flounce. I have the Rae tunic coming in the mail. Even the coat pattern is tempting. It has great bones with all of those seams.