I spend a lot of energy dodging time warps. I don’t want to be the kind of old person who loses touch with current culture (by choice) and is content watching Gilligan’s Island reruns and listening to Tony Orlando and Dawn. On the contrary, my new favorite band is Of Monsters and Men, and I even have an appreciation for all things Steampunk. I have to admit, though, I struggled pegging indie style until I finally realized that it can’t be narrowly defined. That’s the beauty of it. Indie is short for independent and refers to entities operating outside of chains, corporations and mainstream establishments. Independently produced movies. Locally owned boutiques. Your grandmother’s handmade quilts. They’re all indie.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ecstatic that the sewing arena has also embraced the indie movement. We no longer are limited to browsing 3 or 4 major pattern companies in uncomfortable chairs at a fabric store. We can sit around in our indie clothes, wearing our indie jewelry, and find tons of indie pattern designers with a click of a mouse.
Although part of the fun of making your own clothes is the thrill of the hunt for just the right pattern, I’ve composed a synopsis of some of my favorite companies in case your time is limited. This list is by no means complete, just a sampling of some that I adore. You’ll find that the list of indie pattern designers is constantly growing, especially on Etsy.
For children’s clothing:
- Sis Boom – Jennifer Paganelli has some precious patterns for little girls, such as peasant dresses with bell sleeves & sweet boho tunics.
- Go To Patterns – Love these patterns! Especially the modern tunic and an adorable cape. The girls’ designs are feminine but with a modern approach.
- Amelie Clothing – This Etsy store is amazing! Check out the Nikka tunic and the Red Dress patterns.
For accessories:
- Amy Butler – This is the go-to place for bags and poufs.
- Pat Bravo – Some sweet bags. Also check out her fabric line at Art Gallery Fabrics. I’ve long been a fan of hers.
For women’s clothing:
- Anna Maria Horner – I adore the Roundabout and Socialite dresses.
- Tina Givens – Her dress patterns are very free flowing and reminiscent of the hippie era.
- Indygo Junction – My next project must be their Midtown Trench! I love, love, love it!
- Cutting Line Designs – Cute patterns if you like asymmetry.
- Merchant & Mills – Awesome patterns (in fact, I can’t stop thinking about some of them) but shipping them from England is expensive.
- Sew Liberated – I think this company shows a lot of originality.
These suggestions are just a few appetizers in a whole world of delectable pattern entrees. Dig in!
REMEMBER: join me in one of the June challenges by The Monthly Stitch in honor of Indie Pattern month!
