Indie Pattern Month

Indie Pattern Month is being hosted by Mel of the Curious Kiwi, and Kat of Modern Vintage Cupcakes. Head on over to their blogs to find out more, and join in the fun.

Despite, having quite a substantial pattern stash containing both Big 4 patterns and Independent pattern designers, it is the Indie's I tend to reach for the most. 

Case in point, the last few patterns I have made;

Hot Patterns Cabana T shirt

Hot Patterns Superfantastic Shirt

Made By Rae Parsley Pants 

Colette Laurel

Jalie Winter Accessories

Jalie Mens and Boys Rugby Jerseys

Liesl + Co Woodland Stroll Cape

and about a dozen different wallets and bags from Michelle patterns.

On my immediate to-do list (this list is really long, so this is just the highlight reel)

Jalie's .... so may Jalies.

Most of the Hot Patterns catalogue, most notably their pant/trouser patterns ;-)
And these beauties below ...

Decades of Style 1930's Capelet

Decades of Style 1950's Object dArt Dress

Onion Coat with cut on Collar.
If you order your patterns from shopOnion, you can even have the instructions in English!

For even more Independent Pattern Designer inspiration, head over to A Good Wardrobe for an ever expanding list.

Skirt Bag

After my previous bag was getting a bit untidy looking, I decided to make myself a new bag. I prefer a cross body style and the Michelle Patterns Skirt Bag was just what I was after.

After some too-ing and fro-ing on fabric choice, I chose a cotton drill with a vintage cotton reel print that I found at Spotlight. The lining is in a matching purple colour.

As always, the instructions in the Michelle Patterns are clear and well thought out, and produce a tidy end product.
There are included a few different ways to finish the inside pockets - either leave as one large pocket, or include pen slots and a smaller pocket. I did one of each, but would break up the larger pocket next time as it flops open a bit.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and it has generated some positive comments from people who have seen me wearing it.

Keyka Lou Camera Case Wristlet

This is my first make of the Keyka Lou Camera Case Wristlet. 

It has one main pocket for your camera, plus a small pocket in the back for other useful bits. 

Instructions for the wristlet strap are included, which I think is a great feature. The strap is long enough to fit over your wrist (or use as a hanging loop), but the case is small enough that it can be easily carried in the hand. It has the added security of a velcro fastening too.

The pattern instructions include the use of batting to provide some protection to your camera. I did not include the batting this time as I was trying out the instructions, and I planned to give it to my niece as a small handbag.

 The fabric I used was a cotton for the main fabric, and a jade poly/cotton for the lining and straps. 

I used black thread throughout, thinking the contrast on the straps would be a nice touch, but on seeing it finished, I think next time using a matching thread would give a nicer finish.

This was another great Keyka Lou pattern. The instructions are well written and easy to follow with plenty of diagrams to help you along, and you finish with a nicely made wee bag.

Keyka Lou Keychain Clutch

I recently came across the lovely patterns by Keyka Lou, and as a first foray into these patterns I tried the Keychain clutch.

This cute little clutch is about the size of your palm. They sew up very quickly and use just the smallest amount of supplies. These are perfect for using up your scraps! 
The approximate finished dimensions are 4" wide x 2.75" high x 1.5" deep (10 x 7 x 4 cm). This is a cute wee size for attaching to your keys or in your handbag for little bits you don't want to lose.

The instructions were extremely well written, with photos and diagrams. I used quilting cotton for both the focus fabric and the lining. 

I have now made four of these so far. My only minor change was that I accidently left off the tab for the keychain split ring, on one of them!

They are quick and easy gifts, and would also be great as a wee purse for a little girl.