The Indie Pattern Movement is Rocking our World!

What is feeding this garment sewing renaissance?

The biggest change in our industry ever are the Indie Patterns - new pattern designers from around the world and in our own backyard.  These patterns are truly bringing our sewing community together into a world-wide happening.  We are rising up together as we create, sew and share with each other.  The Social Media platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide the vehicle for that sharing - we can see each maker's interpretation of a pattern to help us fuel our own creativity. 

Wiksten Shift Pattern shown with Yarn Dyed cottons

Indie Patterns for every occasion!

As you look at the garments made up in my store, in sewing and style blogs, and of course through hashtags on Instagram, you gain confidence in expressing your own personal style, knowing that you can make a particular pattern your own and that you can be successful in creating a unique garment.  It's all about personal expression.

Why choose Indie?

Indie patterns are classic, fun, different, expressive, unique, and usually simple to execute and comfortable to wear. 

Isn't this Floreat dreamy?!

Many are made for all body types, which has also unleashed a whole "love your body" movement - instead of seeing the endless plethora of perfect body photos so common in the  sewing world of the past.

Caroline and Catherine look amazing in their Arenite Pants by Sew Liberated

Indies are ideal for the great fabric choices available, in all the fibers - cotton, rayon, linen, silk, wool and synthetics.  There are so many knits and woven fabrics to choose from, we love that Indie Patterns tell us what types of fabrics are best suited for any given pattern.   If you're more experienced, many of the these patterns can be altered somewhat to fit either knits as well as woven fabrics.

And let's not forget that simple "hacks" and alterations of the original design, whether ruffles, pockets, sleeve and hem length adjustments all help to make the pattern more unique to you.

Several years ago, Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics (STMD), chose to carry Indie patterns exclusively. From an economic view, it was the right decision, but it has turned out to be the fuel that set us on a whole new path - one of connecting with our world-wide community, not only with other sewists but with the pattern designers themselves. 

I love my River Dress by Megan Neilson, so much we have made it 3 times

 We have been privileged to host many of our local designers here at the store, listen to their perspectives on garment sewing and wardrobes in general.

We are unique creatures, and our wardrobes should reflect that individuality.

What we chose to wear in our everyday lives says a lot about us.  We're certainly not subscribing to the old "Clothing makes the person" theory, but we can all agree that our wardrobe choices can certainly reflect our personal style, our personalities and even more importantly, our souls.

That's what we love about the Indies - unlike the factory produced RTW train or the nondescript "everybody's wearing this" pattern mentality, we can chose patterns from designers that we know poured their hearts and souls into their designs. We read their stories and about their processes on Social Media. We see them wearing their own designs. And they encourage us to make their designs our own.

Our community is growing exponentially. Some of our favorite makes and makers are from "across the miles". The beauty of our shared experiences is only a click away - we can buy fabric online and Indie Patterns. We are proud to have seen our online community grow, even as we prepare your patterns and fabrics for shipping here at the store.  We too get to experience your creativity, just as can your maker-friends.

Stonemountain Magic!

So, join in on the garment sewing renaissance  - chose an Indie pattern, pick some great fabric and sew yourself silly. You will grow to love saying

 "Thanks, I made it"!

New Top and a new pin! 

I sure love my job!! Thanks for making it special everyday.

Happy Sewing!

Suzan

follow me on Instagram @fabriclady3

email me at fabriclady3@gmail.com or email my store with any questions at info@stonemountainfabric.com

Fabric Lovers Unite at the Mountain

Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics in Berkeley

since 1981

www.stonemountainfabric.com (full service brick and mortar and online pageant of fine fabrics, patterns, and notions)

2518 Shattuck Ave.

Berkeley, CA 94704

Custom designed pin for only $12