Announcing the August Challenge

We need to bump Indie Pattern Month back while the Monthly Stitch transitions into a new working relationships with new editors (including me! Hi), but we have a fun challenge for August that will keep everyone busy until IPM makes its grand return.

August seemed like a great time to bring back an old challenge from January 2015…

Denim Never Dies!

This theme generated a flurry of activity here on the Monthly Stitch back in 2015. Three & a half years later, there are even MORE fantastic patterns waiting to be sewn up in the huge variety of denim fabrics taking over fabric shops all around the world.

Here are just a few examples of jeans (L-R): the Closet Case Patterns Mid-Rise Ginger Jeans (also available separately as low-rise or high-rise, skinny or stovepipe leg, or you can go for the separate flared leg option), the Baste & Gather Birkin Flares, & Simplicity 8222 stretch skinny jeans from Mimi G.

Maybe shorts are more your style–& perfect for the last gasps of summer here in the Norhern Hemisphere, & a way to get a jump on your warm weather sewing for the folks in the Southern Hemisphere (L-R): the Grailine Studio Maritime shorts, Kwik Sew 3854 (I’ve made these & they’re super-cute!–comes with a pleated view), & the True Bias Lander shorts (also available as cropped & full-length pants).

Kuvassa: Heini Salonen

There’s no shortage of interesting pants patterns, if you want to go with denim bottoms but aren’t a jeans or shorts person (L-R): Named Alpi Chinos (includes a view for shorts), Sewaholic Thurlow trousers (also includes a shorts view), & Vogue 1411 (straight or tapered leg, requires stretch denim).

There are SO MANY fabulous skirt patterns that would look great made up in denim fabric (L-R): Butterick 6326 (comes with a flared view), Jennifer Lauren Handmade Cressida skirt (comes with a double-brested view), Victory Patterns Madeleine skirt.

This might be your big chance to jump on the overalls trend sweeping the fashion world right now (clockwise L-R): Sew House 7 Burnside Bibs, Pauline Alice Turia dungarees, Simplicity 8447 (comes with a pants view & a separate blouse pattern with two views).

No reason to leave shirts out of the mix (L-R): McCall’s 7360 tunic, Cashmerette Harrison shirt, Folkwear Frontiers Western shirt (five separate views, for both men & women).

& why not a denim dress? There are patterns for lovely dresses with lots of structure that would be perfect in denim, & there is plenty of denim to be found with a lovely drape that would make a beautiful dress that requires a more flowing textile. (Even try a chambray! Not actually a denim fabric, but…close enough, right?) (L-R): Colette Rooibos dress, Tilly & the Buttons Rosa dress (comes with a shirt view), & Vogue 1593 dress.

You could even make a classic denim jacket! The array of pattern options out there is dizzying. (clockwise L-R): Seamwork Audrey jacket, Style Arc Stevie jacket, & Alina Sewing & Design Co. Hampton jean jacket.

Are you feeling inspired yet? Here’s a sampling of some particularly special & unique denim fabrics to get you even more excited.

first row L-R: colored, perforated, flocked (all from Mood Fabrics)

second row L-R: metallic, floral print, striped (all from Mood Fabrics)

third row L-R: embroidered, embossed, patchwork (all from fabric.com)

& of course, full snaps to the first contributer who knocks off these bad boys: