The Sewing Place

Independent pattern companies

Morgan

Independent pattern companies
« on: March 03, 2017, 21:16:58 PM »
A couple to start the list -


http://sewwardrobe.co.uk/patterns by 'Alison Smith.  A small range of  classic patterns


http://www.bluedotpatterns.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html another small range - the Dover Jacket pattern bang up to date
« Last Edit: May 22, 2019, 10:48:54 AM by Acorn »

UttaRetch

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2017, 21:24:10 PM »
Love this



but it maybe largely due to the fabric.

Francesca

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2017, 21:50:08 PM »
I do like but wonder if it's one of those patterns that is even worth buying. I know I am confident making a skirt with a box pleat (maybe two pleats on each front and back) from scratch. I guess it can get more complicated the more pleats you introduce...

I wish though if they're advertising a skirt they wouldn't then put a cardi on over it!

b15erk

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2017, 21:52:41 PM »
Marina Brompton does an excellent tutorial on boxed pleat skirts Fran.

Jessie
Jessie, who is very happy to be here!!  :),  but who has far too many sewing machines to be healthy, and a fabric stash which is becoming embarrassing.

Swisslass

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2017, 08:48:14 AM »
Ottobre Magazine   https://www.ottobredesign.com/ - by magazine subscription, patterns for both kids and adults, 6 issues a year, issue 2 and 5 are the women's edition. Available from Dots and Stripes in the uk http://www.dotsnstripes.co.uk/

Style Arc - we all love a bit of Style Arc!  Available as downloads from Etsy or paper copies shipped from Oz (takes a couple of days) http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/

Schnittquelle http://www.schnittquelle.de/ - German pattern company, paper copies on A0 size, I love the dresses and jackets they do, but they are cut for people with very skinny arms !

Burda https://www.burdastyle.co.uk/ Good source of free patterns but the lack of line drawings when searching annoys me!

Lekala https://www.lekala.co/ - mixed feelings about this website, I love the concept but I'm not sure it's foolproof. 2 dress patterns were disasters, yet a free skirt pattern (after tweaking) was lovely and a pattern for boys pj's was fine. A few free patterns and patterns sent in PDF format.

I'd like to think I was inspired, but maybe sewing is just hard wired

Catllar

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2017, 11:54:07 AM »
I blow hot and cold about Indies. Some of them are very expensive for what you get and whilst I understand that many people need the support that a printed pattern gives them personally I wouldn't spend good money on a skirt pattern like the box pleated one. I might be wrong but wouldn't people new to sewing be more inclined to use big 4 patterns anyway, rather than delete into the Indies?? Those of us who are a bit more experienced would perhaps look twice before splashing out on some of these really simple patterns - or am I just being tightfisted and scroogey?
If life gives you lemons, add to gin and tonic !

UttaRetch

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2017, 12:12:58 PM »
I wish though if they're advertising a skirt they wouldn't then put a cardi on over it!

Another view here, Fran.

UttaRetch

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2017, 12:20:08 PM »
I blow hot and cold about Indies. Some of them are very expensive for what you get ...

You would hope patterns drafted by Alison Smith would be top notch, but I don't see anything in her range not available from the 'Big4'.  What gets up my nose are all those boxy garments from 'star bloggers' with a fangurl following that cost £15.  :angry:
  • CT likes this

Francesca

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2017, 17:56:31 PM »
I have mixed views on Indies. Some fill a niche, like Cashmerette for example. Seamwork has fashion forward designs for a very reasonable price, even though it's associated with the dreaded Colette. But a lot of them do cut corners, or have poor drafting, or simply don't know that they're poorly drafted or have cut corners because they're made by inexperienced people.

Tamnymore

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #9 on: March 05, 2017, 11:59:05 AM »
I've not yet found an Indie pattern company that I really like although there are a couple which do lagenlook/art teacher type patterns which I like. Tina Givens  patterns look interesting although a little frilly in places! http://www.sewtinagivens.com/printed-patterns.
'One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.' Oscar Wilde

Kittensposies

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #10 on: March 05, 2017, 15:55:17 PM »
I am a huge fan of Sewaholic patterns, because apart from lengthening, because I'm stupidly tall, they fit with minimal adjustments.  Everything else - big three and other indie - I have SO much grading between sizes to do. 

I quite like Sew Over It and Tilly because the instructions make sense to me.  I've often struggled with instructions in Big 3 patters, but now I've built confidence with basics I feel a lot more capable to take on ones with slightly sketchier instructions.

Other than that I wouldn't generally give a hoot if a pattern was indie or not.  Except if it was Collette or By Hand London in which case I would probably run a mile.  (Though admittedly Fran's moneta dress looks awesome!)

My mum sends me a lot of Prima patterns and I've found those to be good on the whole - they're neither indie nor big 3 I guess?

UttaRetch

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #11 on: March 05, 2017, 16:00:46 PM »
I quite like Sew Over It and Tilly because the instructions make sense to me.  I've ... built confidence with basics I feel a lot more capable to take on ones with slightly sketchier instructions.

Ooh, let me then suggest Burda.  :devil:

Kittensposies

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #12 on: March 05, 2017, 19:22:28 PM »
Ooh, let me then suggest Burda.  :devil:

Hmmmm nope, not that brave yet ;)

rowe1311

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #13 on: March 05, 2017, 21:06:19 PM »
  Except if it was Collette or By Hand London in which case I would probably run a mile.  (Though admittedly Fran's moneta dress looks awesome!)

Why would you run a mile?  I quite like Colette but haven't bought any yet. 

My first pattern was coco by Tilly and the Buttons and while it is such an easy pattern at quite a hefty price, it is brilliant for a beginner with the pictures.  The indie patterns often seem to do well on blogs so end up on pinterest, and then I find them and fall in love with them.  I need to get more confident with drafting simple dresses for me and the girls so I don't need to buy simple patterns.   

My favourite pattern for ease was by 'sew liberated'.  It was the Ashland dress and as beginner it was such a well explained and well fitting dress.  It is the only one where I haven't had to alter anything or needed help to understand the instructions.   

By the way I am trying to quote and keep getting it wrong as I am such luddite and then trying to edit it.  Oh dear, such basic things baffle me. 
« Last Edit: March 05, 2017, 21:21:02 PM by rowe1311 »

AnneFrances

Re: Indie Patterns
« Reply #14 on: March 06, 2017, 16:41:39 PM »
I had a really good experience with a Lekala pattern for a Man's overcoat. It seemed to be the only way to get a classic single-breasted overcoat that would fit my  slim slight DH - and it did. I also really like Sewaholic though I wonder what will happen now the original designer is no longer associated with them.
People speak well of Grainline http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/collections/pdf-downloads

Anne