Swoon Cardigan Review

The lovely Alicia over at Swoon Sewing Patterns has done it again!  Another beautiful and easy pattern.

But it gets better-it's a WOMENS pattern!  I can't describe how much I love sewing for myself.  

Presenting Swoon Cardigan!

Size range is S-XXL.  Two sleeve options:  long and 2/3 (elbow-ish)

Irregular hem line for fun and princess seams for a great fit.

Super easy and fast pattern to sew.  She gives sewing options for using a serger OR French seams.

This pattern should definitely take less than 2 hours cut to finish.  I'm embarrassed to say that it took me longer because my knit choice is so thin, it kept slipping out from my fingers.  THEN I sewed a sleeve 45 degrees off.  I took extra care to rip that serged seam.

The instructions are only 1 (ONE) page long.  Yep, that easy!  She also provides an assembly diagram.  

The thing I love most about this pattern is the sleeve length.  They are nice and long.  I admit, I'm a knuckle dragger, so it's rare for me to find sleeves that are long enough.  I was beyond thrilled to find that I did not have to lengthen the sleeves.  Remember! If you need to shorten/length sleeves, do so around the elbow on the pattern so that you get the correct sleeve structure!  Don't just chop off at the wrist!

Swoon Sewing Patterns Clyde

I have had the greatest pleasure of getting to know Alicia from Swoon Sewing Patterns. The Clyde is the fourth bag pattern I have made from her patterns.  

You can see the other bags I've made below.

Eleanor

Dorothy

Dottie

For this bag, I decided to try something new: stenciled burlap.

Here is a quick "how I did it".

 Mixed my paint color with fabric medium.  

If you can't find fabric paint or if you can't find the right color, just mix your regular ol'

acrylic paint with a wee bit of fabric medium and voila!  Fabric paint.

Paco Bean Dorothy Day Tripper Pattern GIVEAWAY!

Yesterday I blogged about the Paco Bean Dorothy Day Tripper sewing pattern.

Isn't she gorgeous?
You can read that post here.  I also talk about two other Paco Bean patterns.  I'll be 100% honest, you need these bags in your collection.  I get lots of compliments on the Eleanor.  My sister in law has already threatened to steal it from me.  Back off, Nancy!
(no, her name is not Nancy)

Well, now is your chance to get the Dorothy Day Tripper for FREE.  Gratis. Frei. Gratuit. Liber.

I love Swoon Sewing Patterns!

I have recently pattern tested two bag patterns for Swoon Sewing Patterns.  I must say, these patterns are awesome!  Really, really great design.  

As an anti-diaper bag mama, I prefer a larger bag to carry all the kid stuff.  i have fallen madly in love with my Eleanor Slouchy Hobo.  You can see my pictures for it here.  Personally, I like cross body bags because when you pick up kids, put them down, pick up items they have throw out of the grocery cart, I don't want my bag falling off my shoulder and all the contents spilling out on the floor.  You know what I'm talking about; so embarrassing!  Well, the Eleanor's strap is the perfect length for cross body, so it will never fall off that shoulder while shopping.  It's also large enough for diapers, wipes, and sippy cups but not so big you feel like a pack mule.  The Eleanor is so comfortable laying on your hip or along your back for when you must carry your infant and toddler at the same time.  

Again, you know what I'm talking about!

The Dottie is a great bag when you are out and about when you don't have to carry items for 4.  You can see my pictures here.  It's also a great bag for a little girl to carry around her necessities.  And by necessities I mean Barbies, stickers, and princess hair ties.  

Yes, I am getting to the point now.  After these two bags, I decided I absolutely positively MUST have the Dorothy Day Tripper bag pattern. 

So here she is, my Dorothy. I really love it!  Great should strap length, nice and roomy interior without being bulky.  This would be the best carry-on bag for a flight.  You could fit a knitting project in this thing!  

Swoon Dottie Bag

Swoon Patterns will be releasing the beautiful Dottie pattern soon!

I was able to pattern test for Swoon again and really love this bag!

I chose Michael Miller Candy Shop cotton to sew it up.  I took Wonder Under, applied it to the top of my cotton fabric, then ironed on a thin vinyl on top to create a custom laminated cotton look.  

I wanted a vintage-y, plastic appeal to my bag and I think I accomplished just that!

The interior as a zipper pocket and I added a phone slip in pocket as well. 

Eleanor Slouchy Hobo Bag

I had the pleasure of pattern testing for Swoon Patterns.
I sewed up the Eleanor Slouchy Hobo Bag in a few hours.

The directions are very clear so if it is your first time sewing zippers, you are in good hands!

I finished sewing the bag last night and already moved my stuff over!  The strap is the perfect length for a cross over.  And the interior is SO roomy!

I really love this bag!