One year ago, on 23rd of May, a new independent designer company was born: Sofilantjes. Well, what’s new, you’d say? So many indie designers are opening up businesses these days, right? But I think Sofilantjes has something more than many others.
I had the opportunity to test one of its patterns about 8 months ago, so I virtually “met” Anne, the mind and designer behind the name, long before this blog tour. She was kind with us, testers, understanding and what’s more important, she did her best to listen to our feedback and fix any “glitches” in the pattern or the instructions, so that anything could be as close to perfection as possible. I really enjoyed working with her.
Then, in a couple of occasions, we exchanged a few messages, and I was really pleased and conquered by her kindness.
That’s why, when I saw the opportunity to take part in a blog tour to celebrate the first anniversary of Sofilantjes, I didn’t hesitate.
The pattern we all made and interpreted is the Summer Surprise, the first pattern ever to be launched by Anne. It’s a knit top and dress pattern, with a… surprise! It comes in two size ranges: 6 months to 7 years and 8 to 16 years. It also comes with the options for top/tunic or dress, and normal/skinny sizes. I find this particularly useful for me, since my 9 year old daughter is as tall as an 11 year old, but her chest measurement is normal for her age. So I made size 11, the skinny version. I found that the pattern runs true to the child’s measurements.
I already owned the pattern, so I could verify by myself that the pattern has been updated into a new, better format. The pattern pieces are layered, so you can print your size only, and you are also instructed which pages to print for the option and size you want to make. This is a feature I particularly love in a pdf pattern – knowing I can save paper and ink makes me happy even before I start!
For those who look for this kind of information: you have three pattern pieces only for each option (top or dress) – front, back and bow. You are given measurements for the neckband, armhole bands and bow knot band. This makes it a pretty easy and quick sew, maybe a couple of hours from printing to finish.
I made my version without modifications. The printed jersey (95% cotton – 5% spandex) I used is busy enough on its own, and I liked the “suprise” bow in the back to be at the centre of the attention. Actually, when we went out to take a few pictures, my daughter met a couple of friends, and she told them, proudly, that ‘Mommy made the dress‘! and, after the ‘Wow!’s, she added, ‘Look! There’s a bow in the back!‘. Her friends were stunned and she was really happy! 😀
She even wanted to show that you can run, play and jump in a dress! Aww, this girl!
The Summer Surprise (individual patterns) are ON SALE from the start of the tour untill May 30th. You need to use the code: anniversary and get 25% off on Sofilantjes.
During the tour there is a new giveaway every day, with pattern bundles fom many other designers as prizes, so visit the other participants in order to take part!
In today’s giveaway you can win patterns by:
Whimsy Couture Sewing Patterns, winner’s choice
Gray Day Patterns, Athena top
Muse of the Morning, winner’s choice
Little Kiwis Closet, winner’s choice
Stitch Upon a Time, winner’s choice
Nimblephish, winner’s choice
Filles à Maman, winner’s choice
Straight Grain, Ishi pattern
Sofilantjes, winner’s choice
Sponsors:
Blog tour participants:
FAQs: if you bought the pattern on Sofilantjes before the update, the pattern in the new format can be downloaded from your account on the site. If you bought it on Etsy, won the pattern or tested it you can send an e-mail to info@sofilantjes.com with the subject: summer surprise, and e-mail a proof of payment or copy of Anne’s e-mail. The pattern itself did not change. Just the format.
Maryall made 
Oh jumping. I want to jump with her. She looks like so much fun. Love the dress. Thank you for celebrating with me.
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The dress turned out great!
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Thank you! 🙂
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