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What's Up Sew World Vol. 3

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Hi sewing friends! I hope that you're enjoying this new series of sewing news. I'm doing a roundup every two weeks and so far I've had tons of things to share. If you have a launch or something to share, send me an email and let me know.

New Pattern Launches & Happenings

Sew Over It released a new pattern, the Joan Dress. I love the tie collar and classic design of this 60s style dress. It's available printed or as a pdf.

Sewaholic released the Vancouver Collection, five patterns for outdoor and athletic wear. My personal favorite is the Seymour Jacket (shown above, top right). 

Fancy Tiger Craft is releasing the Fen Pattern today. The pattern features a V-neck top and a dress. 

A new website called The Foldline launched yesterday, a social site for sewists. I haven't had a chance to explore it yet but it seems like it will be the sewing equivalent of Ravelry. WOOHOO! Maybe dreams do come true?

Colette has launched the Seamwork Radio podcast. The first episode with Jenny from Cashmerette was wonderful and I can't wait for the next one.

Madalynne released the Sierra Bralette pattern for free. (It's sized just for AA-B cup.)

This week has been the fall iteration of Selfish Sewing Week. There are lots of great posts on Indie Sew and Imagine Gnats. Yesterday I guest posted on the Indie Sew blog with a new DIY Fall Dress. I especially love this roundup of transitional Fall patterns.

Republique du Chiffon released a bunch of their patterns in English. Most of them (including the Dominique Jumpsuit shown above) are only available in printed form. But there are a few English pdf patterns available and it appears the rest are in the works.

Bookmark this:

Tips for sewing with sweater knits from Colette

Learn how to sew a pillowcase on Sew Mama Sew

How to Shorten a Zipper from Indie Sew

Free Maxi Skirt Pattern from Simple Simon & Co

Tips for editing your Instagram photos from Fall for DIY

True Bias shared a Southport Hudson mashup and it's totally gorgeous. I have both patterns and will definitely need to try out this jumpsuit. (shown above, bottom right)

Oslo coat pattern hack from Colette (shown above, bottom left) 

How to DIY Wide Leg Pants from A Pair & A Spare (shown above, top left)

In case you missed it, a few things I've been up to:

My 5 Favorite Easy Sewing Patterns
These are the patterns I go back to again and again and find myself wearing all the time.

DIY Chambray Culottes
The second installment of my Fall Sewing Plans.

Inari Tee Dress (guest post on IndieSew)
Third installment of Fall Sewing Plans. Gettin' stuff done around here!

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My 5 Favorite Easy Sewing Patterns

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The patterns I love the most are the ones that I can use over and over again. The ones that are as easy to stitch up quickly as they are to wear. These are the patterns that I think of when I have a bit of fabric leftover or need something quick to make. And if they’re versatile, I love them even more. Looking at this roundup, you can practically build your whole wardrobe with these patterns. What are your go-to easy sewing patterns?

1. Built by Wendy Knit Skirt
I have made at least five of these skirts. They take about an hour to make and are super comfortable and flattering to wear. The pattern is from the book Sew U Home Stretch. Check out a couple of my versions here and here.

2. Hudson Pants
The Hudson Pants pattern by True Bias is so versatile and comfortable. I've sewn two pairs in knit and at least three in woven fabric. It's a great addition to any wardrobe. Check out one of my knits here and woven here. 

3. Linden Sweatshirt
The Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio is just one of those perfect basics. I didn't realize how much I'd like it until I actually sewed it up, tried it on and then refused to take it off for the next 3 months. ;) But for reals, I've made four of these babies. Check out a long sleeve here and short sleeve here. While you're at it, check out my roundup of 8 ways to hack it. 

4. Eucalypt Dress/Tank
The Eucalypt Dress/Tank by Megan Nielsen is a great easy to sew basic with an optional front seam. It doesn't require zippers or buttons and has a super cool curved hem. I've only used this pattern a couple of times but I feel like every weekend it's the garment I want to be wearing and for some reason, it's always in the wash. Check out my chambray dress and knit tank. 

5. Nettie Bodysuit
The Nettie Bodysuit/Dress by Closet Case Files is so fun to wear and super easy to make. The elastic could be a little tricky to apply the first time but with a little practice, you can master it. I've made two bodysuits (here) and one dress from this pattern and can't wait to make more. The pattern has tons of options and I even made my own cap sleeve version (here and here).

I can't go without mentioning a few runners up: 

1. Ella Top by Liola Patterns
As soon as I made this top I knew it would be one of my favorite patterns. It's a great basic with a lovely back yoke and pleat. Check mine out here.

2. City Gym Shorts by Purl Bee
I've made a few versions of this in knit fabric and I love wearing them to sleep in, especially in these long summers when it's too hot for pants. They just take a few hours to sew and are super comfy. Plus the pattern is free! See my first version here. I recently made two more pairs!

3. Inari Tee Dress by Named Patterns
(I'll be sharing a version or two of this very soon.) It's a great basic cocoon dress with no zippers or buttons and enough details to be very cool and interesting.

4. Lou Box Top and Baseball Skirt by Sew DIY
I can't go without mentioning that my two patterns are also some of my most used. I have countless versions and wear them every week. They are designed for beginners making both of them great projects for first time garment sewists.

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DIY Roundup – 10 Culottes Sewing Patterns

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I'm so glad that the culottes trend is still going strong and there are now lots of sewing patterns so that we can make our own. Have you tried any of these patterns? Any others you have your eye on?

10 Culottes Sewing Patterns

1. Stylearc Erin Woven Culottes

2. McCall's M7131

3. Burdastyle Wide Culottes 03/2015 #126A

4. Vogue V9091 (this is a Very Easy Very Vogue pattern which in my experience are easy and great for beginners)

5. Tania Culottes by Megan Nielsen (check out my versions here and here)

6. Burdastyle Culottes 05/2014 #120

7. Girl Friday by Oliver & S

8. West End Culottes by Sewing Workshop

9. Emily Culottes by Itch to Stitch 

10. Butterick B6179

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