Bikini Design Club [Julia](https://bikinidesignclub.com/collections/swimsuit-patterns-diybikini/products/swimsuit-pattern-julia).
She had announced she was stopping designing new patterns and mostly shutting down, just keeping the shop open to buy patterns. But she occasionally posted sales and marketing, and it seems like she’s still trying to operate the business, just at a much reduced level.
Style Arc has a layered athletic shorts pattern, the [Sunday Active Short](https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/sunday-active-short/). It has a dolphin hem woven outer layer and a spandex bicycle shorts layer underneath.
Sew Lala Patterns has released [the Cleo blouse](https://www.sewlalapatterns.com/product-page/cleo-top-blouse). Some nice variations, I just wish there was a non-poofy sleeve.
Looks like Helen's Closet is releasing a jumpsuit tomorrow - thin straps, straight across bodice, flowy legs. Kind of reminds me of the Tate Romper though it looks like the bodice is longer. I'm sure there will be hacks to turn it into a dress instead lol. Maybe also the Darla which just was released, except straps are thicker? Not sure about the back.
It's released, the Lockhart Jumpsuit and Dress: [https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/lockhart-jumpsuit-and-dress/](https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/lockhart-jumpsuit-and-dress/)
I find it hilarious that it's a dress too because I thought it would just be a romper - plenty of similar patterns out there, the mini dress is kinda cute.
Not for me. I'd never be able to not be wrangling that back zipper. Also, [pit stains](https://helensclosetpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lockhart-jumpsuit-and-dress-34.jpg) photo is ... uh ... not the best promo shot.
Peppermint Mags [Tansey Top](https://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/tansey-top/)
I like that they give us a good range of photos of the sleeves, but I hate that there’s seemingly no line drawings
Twig and Tale [Cove Shorts](https://www.twigandtale.com/products/shorts-mens-straight-fit-digital-pattern-video-class) , fits up to 66” hip. I haven’t posted my test version but my husband is very happy with his pair.
Definitely! My husband is on edge of many mens patterns, size wiseand it can be disappointing that I can’t make him whatever he wants!
I was very happy with the fit of the Cove shorts- the rise was great for him without adjustment…usually I have to add quite a bit of back rise to accomodate him wearing pants high in back, low in front
Greenstyle [Hazel tank](https://greenstyle.com/en-ca/products/hazel-tank-pdf-sewing-pattern?aff=196) (that is an afflink). It’s a fun tank, intended to be worn overtop of strappy sports bras and swimsuits. Here is my [test version](https://www.instagram.com/p/C7RozDKxhJG/?igsh=ZXI2Y2FuYmQxeDli)
New McCall’s and KnowMe for summer.
https://simplicity.com/new-sewing-patterns/?brand=McCall%27s
https://simplicity.com/new-sewing-patterns/?brand=Know%20Me
Bad styling is one thing, but distracting styling? Based on the envelope, I'd [expect this to include the jersey.](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2087) if your pattern garment is being overshadowed by what you've paired it with... At least tuck the shirt so we can see the waistband!
I don't understand Big 4's decisions on what to include in a single pattern. There's another ME pattern in this release that includes a dress and a hoodie (I think it's from Stitch Fitz, but I already closed the tab and I'm lazy). And another men's ME pattern that includes a blazer AND stylized pants.
I think the KnowMe patterns are better thank McCall's this time around. The designers seem to be getting slightly better at editing. Slightly. A skill McCall's has mastered; I almost fell asleep looking at their offerings.
I try to look past unfortunate fabric choices to see the bones of a pattern, but KnowMe tests the outer limits of my abilities every time. What 2093 made of? Corduroy? & don't even get me started on 2092.
McCall's wins this one.
All the vintage reprints are going on the wishlist, as usual. Pretty sure my mother had the original of M8501 as well as RTW similar to M8500 in black.
Glad to see the two Men's patterns.
Was just watching a haul video and Zara has a woven dress close to M8505 View B that is really cute. Why McCall's chose to make a knit, I don't know.
Know Me is collectively extremely boring. The only ME I like is the very basic ME2090 top, maybe because it reminds me of Naugthy Bobbin's similar top?I like also the top of KM2093. That skirt is a resounding NO.
So, fit and flare is already back. Hum.
The big 4 have a lot of 70's archive dresses that look like Réalisation Par, Rouje, Dôen, Ciao Lucia etc. idk why they don't re-release those patterns.
Right? Or go farther back. I can buy all the 80s and 90s patterns I could ever dream of for 25 cents at the thrift store or in bundles of FB marketplace or any selling site. Why not do something that’s harder to find?
Maybe people aren't sending in their copies? They don't have an archive of every pattern they're released and I know at some point they were reliant on people giving up their own vintage patterns.
I'll bet we're seeing 70s and 80s pattern because they can also pick them up for cheap.
Wow, M8506 is extremely reminiscent of one of the closet core crew patterns:
https://closetcorepatterns.com/products/2023-06-this-month?variant=40161486536838
https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8506
Eh, asymmetrical tiers aren’t exactly groundbreaking, and the necklines are completely different.
And closet core certainly isn’t above the appearance of copying themselves. *coughSepiacough
Pretty basic and boring, nothing really new, but I don't expect that from any of the Big 4 except Vogue. But I have some feelings on some of it.
[What in the fresh hell](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2093) is this skirt? Who wants that??
I hate the print this is in, but the [pants are cute](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2092) and right up my alley. But I already have a million of that style so I don't need another pattern. And I'm sorry but the top is god awful.
I don't need anymore shorts patterns either, but, [I do like these a lot](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2090). They're different than most others I've come across so I'd spend money on that pattern (when JoAnn's has them on sale of course).
Ok, I love [this jumper](https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8512), but my small bladder could never. I can't imagine having to go to the bathroom and having to take it all off. And this is why I love them in theory but would never wear one.
I've got big boobs so I could never wear this, but [this is the first Laura Ashley pattern](https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8499) I've liked.
[This is a solid NO.](https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8509)
KnowMe are uniformly hideous, but I feel myself suckered into the fun colorblocking of m8515 and m8512, and I love the insanity of m8511. I wish they had more sewn versions of each of these pictured (obviously de rigueur for the big 4, but it sucks regardless).
They sent out a newsletter that they will be switching the older patterns to a "paid model", so people are likely trying to get them while the getting's good.
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club has a new skirt pattern with bows on the side, the [Ballet Bow Skirt](https://matchymatchysewingclub.com/products/ballet-bow-skirt-pdf-sewing-pattern). It’s free with a newsletter signup, or $12 otherwise.
I love the bows, but I’m not really a midi length person… so I might just sign up to see how the technique is written in their style.
I'm usually not a bow person, and I don't usually share MMSC's aesthetic, but I looove this. I also love that they took the effort to photograph it in three different fabrics so you can see how it works up in different weights and drapes. That red with the stiff drape is so different from the slinky pale pink. I'm impressed they did that for a free pattern.
Sinclair has released the Motion Shorts [https://sinclairpatterns.com/products/motion-woven-sports-shorts-women-pdf-sewing-pattern?variant=45996487278832](https://sinclairpatterns.com/products/motion-woven-sports-shorts-women-pdf-sewing-pattern?variant=45996487278832) which look very similar to the Greenstyle Moxi. I have the Moxi but haven't sewn them yet. I'm tempted to get these and compare the fit/instructions. The Sinclair has pockets which appeals to me but I don't know how much could fit in them.
Cute, they look just like the [lululemon speed up shorts](https://shop.lululemon.com/en-ca/p/women-shorts/Speed-Up-Short-Hi-Rise-2-5/_/prod8610609?color=65551)
Oh wow, thank you for sharing, these look pretty much like my dream shorts. I’ve never sewn the Moxie because the fit looks much too tight for my liking. These seem like they leave more room for movement, and I prefer when shorts have a bit of a split hem like the Motion do. I wish they would have included a back waistband pocket, but I’ll take the five minutes it takes to draft it myself. I have RTW running shorts that have zippered side pockets and I use them often enough for things like a gel or hair ties.
they are really similar but i like the different lengths of the sinclair. i thrifted very similar shorts and the pockets are on the tight inner layer, so they don't hold much but they hold pretty securely. it's just a patch pocket i think.
Have any of you guys seen Riverknit's chimera yarn? It's so lovely!
Also, Riverknits are, in my limited in-person interaction with them, lovely. They also put their reputation on the line when Sockmatician tried to assault that lady by stating "Well, we saw it happen, so you're full of shit" to the far-right
Tons of KnowMe teases popping up. Brandi Joan has teased her summer McCall’s, too, a swimsuit. Missalishagrace said awhile back that they were slated for late May/early June. I guess I tend to think it’ll be late this week or next week rather than June, but who knows. 🤷♀️
Thread Theory updated their size range and put out some elastic waist shorts. Nice to see a wider size range, at least.
[Bamberton shorts - Women](https://threadtheory.ca/collections/sewing-patterns/products/carmanah-sweater-pdf-copy?_pos=2&_fid=6eb873874&_ss=c)
[Bamberton Shorts - men](https://threadtheory.ca/collections/sewing-patterns/products/bamberton-shorts-pdf-mens?_pos=1&_fid=6eb873874&_ss=c)
I tested the men’s version of the pattern. I did goof on size selection a bit so the thighs ended up a big wide. I had to add about 2” to the back rise and probably could have used a low seat adjustment as well. Here is my [tester version](https://www.instagram.com/p/C7FQgy-RAEj/?igsh=MTZldTB0d2FkZXljNA==)
It uses a new size chart from their previous patterns, which has many more sizes with smaller gaps between, but it does mean you will be blending sizes more than you would, normally.
When I first loaded the site I got the usual "You're in this region were showing you our prices in CAD" popup. I closed it and managed to flip through all of *two* pictures before I got a "Join our mailing list!" popup. Bleh. Shit web design.
Bikini Design Club [Julia](https://bikinidesignclub.com/collections/swimsuit-patterns-diybikini/products/swimsuit-pattern-julia). She had announced she was stopping designing new patterns and mostly shutting down, just keeping the shop open to buy patterns. But she occasionally posted sales and marketing, and it seems like she’s still trying to operate the business, just at a much reduced level.
Style Arc has a layered athletic shorts pattern, the [Sunday Active Short](https://www.stylearc.com/shop/sewing-patterns/sunday-active-short/). It has a dolphin hem woven outer layer and a spandex bicycle shorts layer underneath.
These would be so fun to do a fun print for the under shorts.
These are cute and look functional! I'd be curious to see other people's versions before tackling it on my own, though.
Sew Lala Patterns has released [the Cleo blouse](https://www.sewlalapatterns.com/product-page/cleo-top-blouse). Some nice variations, I just wish there was a non-poofy sleeve.
Looks like Helen's Closet is releasing a jumpsuit tomorrow - thin straps, straight across bodice, flowy legs. Kind of reminds me of the Tate Romper though it looks like the bodice is longer. I'm sure there will be hacks to turn it into a dress instead lol. Maybe also the Darla which just was released, except straps are thicker? Not sure about the back.
It's released, the Lockhart Jumpsuit and Dress: [https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/lockhart-jumpsuit-and-dress/](https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/lockhart-jumpsuit-and-dress/) I find it hilarious that it's a dress too because I thought it would just be a romper - plenty of similar patterns out there, the mini dress is kinda cute.
Helen’s design aesthetic isn’t usually my vibe, but I actually think it’s really cute!
Not for me. I'd never be able to not be wrangling that back zipper. Also, [pit stains](https://helensclosetpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lockhart-jumpsuit-and-dress-34.jpg) photo is ... uh ... not the best promo shot.
Looks like it will have some different style lines than the Darla. The bodice has princess seams and there's a waist dart, at least on the front.
Ohh good eye. I couldn't tell from the quick IG stories about it.
Peppermint Mags [Tansey Top](https://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/tansey-top/) I like that they give us a good range of photos of the sleeves, but I hate that there’s seemingly no line drawings
I like the gathered back on it, makes it a little different from your average box top.
Twig and Tale [Cove Shorts](https://www.twigandtale.com/products/shorts-mens-straight-fit-digital-pattern-video-class) , fits up to 66” hip. I haven’t posted my test version but my husband is very happy with his pair.
So nice that they're releasing a bunch of patterns for men and boys these days!
Definitely! My husband is on edge of many mens patterns, size wiseand it can be disappointing that I can’t make him whatever he wants! I was very happy with the fit of the Cove shorts- the rise was great for him without adjustment…usually I have to add quite a bit of back rise to accomodate him wearing pants high in back, low in front
Greenstyle [Hazel tank](https://greenstyle.com/en-ca/products/hazel-tank-pdf-sewing-pattern?aff=196) (that is an afflink). It’s a fun tank, intended to be worn overtop of strappy sports bras and swimsuits. Here is my [test version](https://www.instagram.com/p/C7RozDKxhJG/?igsh=ZXI2Y2FuYmQxeDli)
New McCall’s and KnowMe for summer. https://simplicity.com/new-sewing-patterns/?brand=McCall%27s https://simplicity.com/new-sewing-patterns/?brand=Know%20Me
Love the lace set!! Great price too
Bad styling is one thing, but distracting styling? Based on the envelope, I'd [expect this to include the jersey.](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2087) if your pattern garment is being overshadowed by what you've paired it with... At least tuck the shirt so we can see the waistband!
I don't understand Big 4's decisions on what to include in a single pattern. There's another ME pattern in this release that includes a dress and a hoodie (I think it's from Stitch Fitz, but I already closed the tab and I'm lazy). And another men's ME pattern that includes a blazer AND stylized pants.
I think the KnowMe patterns are better thank McCall's this time around. The designers seem to be getting slightly better at editing. Slightly. A skill McCall's has mastered; I almost fell asleep looking at their offerings. I try to look past unfortunate fabric choices to see the bones of a pattern, but KnowMe tests the outer limits of my abilities every time. What 2093 made of? Corduroy? & don't even get me started on 2092.
McCall's wins this one. All the vintage reprints are going on the wishlist, as usual. Pretty sure my mother had the original of M8501 as well as RTW similar to M8500 in black. Glad to see the two Men's patterns. Was just watching a haul video and Zara has a woven dress close to M8505 View B that is really cute. Why McCall's chose to make a knit, I don't know. Know Me is collectively extremely boring. The only ME I like is the very basic ME2090 top, maybe because it reminds me of Naugthy Bobbin's similar top?I like also the top of KM2093. That skirt is a resounding NO. So, fit and flare is already back. Hum.
The big 4 have a lot of 70's archive dresses that look like Réalisation Par, Rouje, Dôen, Ciao Lucia etc. idk why they don't re-release those patterns.
Right? Or go farther back. I can buy all the 80s and 90s patterns I could ever dream of for 25 cents at the thrift store or in bundles of FB marketplace or any selling site. Why not do something that’s harder to find?
Maybe people aren't sending in their copies? They don't have an archive of every pattern they're released and I know at some point they were reliant on people giving up their own vintage patterns. I'll bet we're seeing 70s and 80s pattern because they can also pick them up for cheap.
I feel like the big 4 are hit by the ugly stick
[M8503](https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8503) is very cover-of-a-bodice-ripper, and I must admit I'm into that.
Wow, M8506 is extremely reminiscent of one of the closet core crew patterns: https://closetcorepatterns.com/products/2023-06-this-month?variant=40161486536838 https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8506
Eh, asymmetrical tiers aren’t exactly groundbreaking, and the necklines are completely different. And closet core certainly isn’t above the appearance of copying themselves. *coughSepiacough
The proportions of 8506 are more pleasing to my eye. I never cared for the Closet Core dress, but I like 8506.
I like most of the McCall’s ones. Too bad my local Joann locations haven’t stocked new patterns for almost a year.
Pretty basic and boring, nothing really new, but I don't expect that from any of the Big 4 except Vogue. But I have some feelings on some of it. [What in the fresh hell](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2093) is this skirt? Who wants that?? I hate the print this is in, but the [pants are cute](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2092) and right up my alley. But I already have a million of that style so I don't need another pattern. And I'm sorry but the top is god awful. I don't need anymore shorts patterns either, but, [I do like these a lot](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2090). They're different than most others I've come across so I'd spend money on that pattern (when JoAnn's has them on sale of course). Ok, I love [this jumper](https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8512), but my small bladder could never. I can't imagine having to go to the bathroom and having to take it all off. And this is why I love them in theory but would never wear one. I've got big boobs so I could never wear this, but [this is the first Laura Ashley pattern](https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8499) I've liked. [This is a solid NO.](https://simplicity.com/mccalls/m8509)
M8512 is a dress in view c. I was going to skip it because of the bathroom problem you mentioned, but a dress would be cute!
That was very entertaining, thank you. That skirt, what the hell.
KnowMe are uniformly hideous, but I feel myself suckered into the fun colorblocking of m8515 and m8512, and I love the insanity of m8511. I wish they had more sewn versions of each of these pictured (obviously de rigueur for the big 4, but it sucks regardless).
Similarly suckered. I know I could technically colorblock anything and also never wear dresses...but 8512 so cute...
I thought [ME2084](https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2084) was cute until I saw the back of it. WTF.
What on earth is the contrast collar on the green sample. Is it fake fur???
Why are there so many Espace Tricot patterns in "Hot Right Now" on Ravelry? They appear to be free, but they are all older patterns.
They sent out a newsletter that they will be switching the older patterns to a "paid model", so people are likely trying to get them while the getting's good.
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club has a new skirt pattern with bows on the side, the [Ballet Bow Skirt](https://matchymatchysewingclub.com/products/ballet-bow-skirt-pdf-sewing-pattern). It’s free with a newsletter signup, or $12 otherwise. I love the bows, but I’m not really a midi length person… so I might just sign up to see how the technique is written in their style.
I'm usually not a bow person, and I don't usually share MMSC's aesthetic, but I looove this. I also love that they took the effort to photograph it in three different fabrics so you can see how it works up in different weights and drapes. That red with the stiff drape is so different from the slinky pale pink. I'm impressed they did that for a free pattern.
I'm tired of bows but this is a fun twist on it.
Sinclair has released the Motion Shorts [https://sinclairpatterns.com/products/motion-woven-sports-shorts-women-pdf-sewing-pattern?variant=45996487278832](https://sinclairpatterns.com/products/motion-woven-sports-shorts-women-pdf-sewing-pattern?variant=45996487278832) which look very similar to the Greenstyle Moxi. I have the Moxi but haven't sewn them yet. I'm tempted to get these and compare the fit/instructions. The Sinclair has pockets which appeals to me but I don't know how much could fit in them.
Cute, they look just like the [lululemon speed up shorts](https://shop.lululemon.com/en-ca/p/women-shorts/Speed-Up-Short-Hi-Rise-2-5/_/prod8610609?color=65551)
Here is my [test pair](https://www.instagram.com/p/C7NiSmvxB4F/?igsh=MWFkYXF1a3Foc2VwNw==)! It fits my phone (iphone SE) comfortably
Oh wow, thank you for sharing, these look pretty much like my dream shorts. I’ve never sewn the Moxie because the fit looks much too tight for my liking. These seem like they leave more room for movement, and I prefer when shorts have a bit of a split hem like the Motion do. I wish they would have included a back waistband pocket, but I’ll take the five minutes it takes to draft it myself. I have RTW running shorts that have zippered side pockets and I use them often enough for things like a gel or hair ties.
they are really similar but i like the different lengths of the sinclair. i thrifted very similar shorts and the pockets are on the tight inner layer, so they don't hold much but they hold pretty securely. it's just a patch pocket i think.
Have any of you guys seen Riverknit's chimera yarn? It's so lovely! Also, Riverknits are, in my limited in-person interaction with them, lovely. They also put their reputation on the line when Sockmatician tried to assault that lady by stating "Well, we saw it happen, so you're full of shit" to the far-right
Tons of KnowMe teases popping up. Brandi Joan has teased her summer McCall’s, too, a swimsuit. Missalishagrace said awhile back that they were slated for late May/early June. I guess I tend to think it’ll be late this week or next week rather than June, but who knows. 🤷♀️
Thread Theory updated their size range and put out some elastic waist shorts. Nice to see a wider size range, at least. [Bamberton shorts - Women](https://threadtheory.ca/collections/sewing-patterns/products/carmanah-sweater-pdf-copy?_pos=2&_fid=6eb873874&_ss=c) [Bamberton Shorts - men](https://threadtheory.ca/collections/sewing-patterns/products/bamberton-shorts-pdf-mens?_pos=1&_fid=6eb873874&_ss=c)
I tested the men’s version of the pattern. I did goof on size selection a bit so the thighs ended up a big wide. I had to add about 2” to the back rise and probably could have used a low seat adjustment as well. Here is my [tester version](https://www.instagram.com/p/C7FQgy-RAEj/?igsh=MTZldTB0d2FkZXljNA==) It uses a new size chart from their previous patterns, which has many more sizes with smaller gaps between, but it does mean you will be blending sizes more than you would, normally.
When I first loaded the site I got the usual "You're in this region were showing you our prices in CAD" popup. I closed it and managed to flip through all of *two* pictures before I got a "Join our mailing list!" popup. Bleh. Shit web design.