Susanne Cardigan Pattern Review

Hi!

Today, I’d like to give you my review of this Compagnie M. pattern: the Susanne cardigan.

I can’t remember exactly how I have discovered Compagnie M., probably through Facebook or Feedly (blog RSS feed reader). When I saw the Susanne cardigan and all the different versions one could make with one single pattern, I was convinced, and I ordered the adult/teen pattern as well as the kid pattern. I have ordered the paper pattern.

A few hours later, I received the link to download the digital pattern with the sewing instructions. (that is great to already get the digital pattern, if you are really in a hurry to make your cardigan as soon as possible! I was not, so I waited a little longer…)

And I received the pattern paper a few days later through the post, in a neat little (slim) cardboard envelope and was very happy with the packaging straight away: just some cardboard and paper. No plastic wrap to throw away, but good quality eco-friendly materials. I also liked the colour scheme of the packaging. I love this mustard yellow colour!Susanne Paper Pattern

So I quickly opened the cleverly designed pattern cardboard envelope to read through the instructions. But then I was disappointed: no paper instructions! That is my ONLY disappointment, but still I’m quite upset to have to use the digital instructions. Of course I could print them. And once you’ve sewn the pattern it’s quite easy to remember. But still: when I buy a paper pattern, I expect the instruction to come in the package. If in a few years time I want to sew this pattern again, I would appreciate to find the instructions neatly placed next to my paper pattern, in the pretty envelop. I understand that the digital instructions have a lot of pictures (great!), so a printed version of these would look very bulky. But still, just the text would help, with all the information regarding sizing, amount of fabric needed etc… (and maybe some simple schematics for the tricky steps).

However, I have lots of good things to say about this pattern:

  • I love the design, it’s simple, clever and quick to sew, with lots of ways to personalize your garment to make your very own version. Even the simplest version will look stunning with a good choice of fabric.
  • The pattern comes in two versions: with and without seam allowance. And THAT is clever. Because I HATE having to add my own seam allowance to a pattern. (boring and time consuming). So high five there!!
  • The paper quality is really good. and I’ve not noticed any mistake.
  • And I got a Compagnie M. label to sew on my garment. Although I’m going to keep it in my pattern pocket, because I’ve got my own “Elise Makes” labels. (proud, proud, proud! I love it when someone asks me where I’ve bought it and show them the label! ha! 🙂 )

The best proof that I love this pattern:

  • I’ve first bought the adult version and quickly bought the kid version too.
  • I have already sewn 3 garments from this pattern!!! I have worn them straight away!

And I’m going to share them with you… as soon as I manage to take some good pictures of them! 🙂

#susannecardigan

Ottobre Design 4/2015 Girl Dress 1

EMJB0670-2I’ve made two dresses from this Ottobre Design pattern. Ottobre is a Finnish sewing magazine that I really enjoy: I like the Scandinavian style of their clothe and the quirky prints on their fabrics. They are easy to wear clothes, which is so important for kids. You want them to enjoy putting their clothes on and wearing them without worrying if they will be comfortable enough to play and move. Ottobre offers simple and efficient designs that are easy to wear and enjoyable to sew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMJB0672-2For my first “out of Harm’s Way” dress, I’ve chosen a warm fleece fabric from Backstitch. The dress is REALLY warm. I’ve also chosen a funny print woven fabric (that my daughter chose, also at Backstitch) to make the pockets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMJB0671-2The only tricky thing with this pattern is the collar piece that is much shorter than the total length of the neckline on the dress. This was done on purpose, but the fleece fabric was less stretchy than the recommended jersey fabric. But with intensive pinning and stretching, I managed to make it match AND my daughter’s head is fitting through! (what a relief, I can tell you!)

Christmas Advent Calendar

Back in October, I bought a fabric panel from Backstitch to make an advent calendar for my daughter. Back then I didn’t realize that it needed some extra fabric to make the back of the socks and a ribbon too, which I found at CallyCo. I used some red felt for the back, and red velvet for the ribbon.

24 socks! Twenty! Four! It took me a little while, but it was worth it.

Here are some pictures of the Advent Calendar ready to be used!

EMJB0675-2EMJB0691-2 EMJB0681-2

Red and white baker twine & little pegs from Tiger.

Masking tape.