Thursday 18 September 2014

Introducing The Dolores Batwing Pattern! PLUS: Review Copies Giveaway

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ENTERING**



I am flipping out with excitement to finally be able to reveal to you lovely people my new garment pattern! It has been in the pipeline on and off for over two years, and she's finally ready for you to see. The Dolores batwing pattern be on sale in downloadable PDF form on 3rd October. But in the meantime, let me show you some pics and tell you a bit more...


This is a pattern designed for light to medium weight knit fabrics, and looks and feels particularly good in those with a drapey, slinky quality. It's a super-simple PDF pattern that prints off in just 11 pages and consists of four patterns pieces. You'll only need to use three of those pattern pieces per style variation. 


Speaking of style variations, there are two sleeve options and three length options, giving you a combination of six different looks in total (and that's before you put your own spin on things, should you wish to!). These photos here show three of the style variations you could make, check out the line illustrations to see all six. 


Multi-sized for sizes 8 - 16, this pattern is suitable for knit beginners and more experienced types alike. Not only is it simple in design and construction, but the instructions include lots of tips for choosing, prepping, cutting and sewing knit fabrics, whether you own an overlocker or just a regular sewing machine. The Dolores batwing pattern will be on sale from 3rd October, but of course I'll be reminding you!


So on to the giveaway... I will be sending some 'copies' (umm, files) of this pattern to sewing bloggers around the globe to help get the word out about its existence. If you'd like a free copy of the pattern and instructions, then please leave a comment below this post. The only criteria for entering this giveaway is that you have a blog and promise to write an honest review about the Dolores batwing pattern on it. I don't care how many people read your blog, BTW: whether it gets a squillion hits a day or only your mum checks in now and again, please enter the giveaway if you wish to!

Leave your comment by midnight GMT Wednesday 24th September, and I'll choose twenty bloggers the following day by random number generator to receive this pattern ahead of it going on sale. If I can't easily find your email address by clicking through to your blog or blogger profile etc, then please leave it in your comment.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank my awesome pattern and instruction testers Claire, Jane, Jenna, Karen, Kathryn, Laura, Marie and Winnie. They have all been so generous with their time and assistance, and I literally couldn't have got this into the real world without them.

126 comments:

Marilla Walker said...

Me, me, me! I PROMISE to write about it! X

tialys said...

This looks like another of those patterns I would use over and over, like the Coco, and if I don't get picked to review it, I'll probably buy it anyway.
I love that you've called the pattern after your lovely baby and well done for getting it out there.

tialys said...

p.s. Do you mean Wednesday 24th September??

Unknown said...

This looks amazing and totally the kick up the bum I need to get started sewing knits! Please think of me when you're picking your reviewers! 3rdlawofmotion at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love this pattern! Thanks for the giveaway!

Fooniks said...

It looks so comfy! It's so cute to name it after your baby girl! I would love to write a review of your pattern, thank you so much for the giveaway, I can't wait to see what everyone makes! :)

Anonymous said...

Looks great! I have the perfect fabric ready to go. I can't wait :-)

CarmencitaB said...

Can I?

Philippa said...

What a great pattern! I'd love to try and review it!

Beth said...

i will definitely write about it! i love your batwing tops :) thank you for the giveaway, and the lovely new pattern! beththegulfmini@googlemail.com

Sue said...

Looks a great pattern. I would love to give it a whirl!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It looks great. I'd love to review it for you!

Sarah said...

Oooo this looks super comfy, surely a wardrobe staple, I'd love to sew it up :)

Ruth - Nightingale and Dolittle said...

Ooooh, this looks like a great pattern - congratulations! If I'm not lucky enough to win one of the review copies, I'll probably be treating myself to the pattern once it's available! nightingaleanddolittle@gmail.com

StarryA said...

My blog would be one of the ones not read by many people... but I think this could be the motivation I need to revitalise it!
I'd love to be picked to review your top, my favourite type of patterns are knits :) - and of course I love your style!

p.s. my email address is gcrox@hotmail.co.uk

French Seams said...

Oh, I do love a batwing! What a great pattern & design, many congrats! I'd really like to make this & blog about it. My email is on my blog http://frenchseamsandpipedreams.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

Unknown said...

ohh this looks so comfy! I just won my battle with my temperamental overlocker so this pattern would be great to get it back running again! looking forward to seeing some more finished versions too :-)

Almost a Hippy said...

I would love to try this. I really liked your batwing top in your me made May round ups and have been looking for something similar. Congratulations on launching your new pattern.

Terzi Begum said...

Hi Zoe! I would love to have and review this lovely pattern. Even my fabrics are ready :) a yellow long sleeve tunic, a red woolen long sleeve dress, a mint short sleeve t-shirt... My blog is in Turkish but there will be English version soon (http://terzibegum.blogspot.com.tr/)

Anonymous said...

Ohh I love this pattern.. Waist shaping + tunic and dress options! What more could I want?!
Jeanie
jmuspratt at hotmail dot com

fadanista said...

I really like this pattern. I think it is flattering and versatile and will be in frequent rotation.

Jo H. said...

Ooh!! I'd LOVE to do it! I will shout about it from all the rooftops I can get on to!

Think my email's in my profile but if not: rueniellon13 at gmail dot com.

And of course - CONGRATULATIONS too! It looks really fab!

Anonymous said...

I used to wear batwing tops last time around....

Jo said...

I have the suitable fabric for this one and I'd love to try this pattern! I have a relatively new blog which I have been neglecting a bit because I've been sewing like crazy this summer! :D Writing a review about your pattern would also give me kick in the backside to get back with blogging. :)

Tran Nguyen said...

I hope I'm eligible for this giveaway.. I have a blog, but it's not a sewing blog (yet). It will (hopefully) be updated with some sewing projects once I get to my new sewing machine (which is in the US, while currently I am trapped in the UK until October). I also recently fell in love with batwing shirts.. originally I thought they were oddly shaped, but after wearing a few tees and sweatshirts, I find that they are incredible versatile and comfortable. This design looks simple enough that my total-newbie sewing skills might be enough to put something together.

Luzie said...

Hi, my Blog is "mein-wunderbarer-Kleiderschrank.blogspot.com" what means in english "my wonderful closet". I would be really happy, if I should get the possibility to try the pattern, which looks really amazing to me, and I will write about it in my blog.

Zoe May said...

I love it!!
I could wear batwing everything everyday - it's just so comfy :D This pattern looks like it would work just as well in a sparkly, night appropriate knit as it would for cozy pjs.
Congratulations on your pattern release!

Mack and Mabel said...

I would love to try this pattern and review it on my blog. My email is julietaylor266@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I would love to try this out. I have a couple of knits in the stash that I think would work really nicely with this pattern.If i'm lucky enough to be picked you can get hold of me at - rachellousews at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to have a go at making one of these lovely garments, I particularly like the dress.

Unknown said...

This looks like a great pattern I would love to give it a go and write a post for you. x

Juliette said...

It looks awesome!Can't wait for the pattern to come out!

Kat said...

Eek congratulations this looks awesome, I particularly like the dress version and would love to try it out :)

Rosie said...

Hi Zoe, may congratulations on your new pattern! I'd be delighted to be one of the first to sew it, reckon I'd do sleeveless dress first, niiiice. I adore a versatile pattern!

Fabric Tragic said...

Congratulations! I've always loved your batwings, especially the magpies! Would love to review it on my blog - count me in the competition!
Email noo222(at)yahoo.com

roni said...

I'd live to sew and review your pattern! I like the tunic version the most and would also give it a go in a heavier knit as a sweater dress

Sewing by Shirley said...

Congratulations on this pattern!! I love it! It has a beautiful design and looks like it would be flattering on any shape! Thank you for the opportunity for the drawing. I would love to share this on my blog. If not via giveaway, then this pattern will be going on my wishlist of future patterns to buy--simply fabulous. I especially like the red-striped top.

Jan Crews said...

Would love to test and blog/review this pattern. Thanks for the opportunity.

Jana said...

I’d love to try out your pattern! I never thought that batwing tops were for me, but lately I’m reconsidering all kinds of styles that I never wanted to wear, so it would be fun to try a batwing top as well.
And I can’t help but be honest in my reviews, for better or worse. (;
(My e-mail address is on my blog about page.)

Jan Crews said...

Oops, looks like I needed to give you blog URL: jancrews DOT com.

Miriana said...

I have no blog, so am not eligible. But it's great to see this approach of decoupling pattern testing and reviewing.

Anonymous said...

OMG just seen my awful spelling! Must learn to proof read!

Anonymous said...

I would love this to be my first "me" sewing project, promise to write about it. Looks so comfy!!and I love the shape.

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE to have a batwing pattern! One of my favorite shirts is similar and it would be great to make my own version. I pinky swear to review :)

Tamsin said...

Hi Zoe, I have been hoping you'd release a pattern of this. I'd love to sew a version and blog about it. Pretty sure my email is on my profile page but if not it is tamsinwp@googlemail.com

Shauni S said...

I love the pattern - especially the long sleeved dress version! I'm a complete newbie to knits. Would love for this to be my first knit project and write about it on my blog. My email address is magnificent.thread@gmail.com

Thanks! x

Rehanon Mackenzie said...

Doll I'm buying this pattern off you and that is the bladdy end of the story. Can't wait until it's out. I love a batwing it brings out the diva in me :)

xxx

Anonymous said...

I would love to try it!!

kayleeacres2013@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I just made a decision to try more knit patterns! This is perfect timing. I would love to try and blog about this pattern.

Anonymous said...

I'd be thrilled to try this pattern. Yeah, my mom stalks my blog, but at least three other people read it too. haha. The perfect excuse to make myself some sorely needed new Autumn tops!

www.senjivastudio.com

Margaret

Minnado said...

Oooh, looks great. I'd love to try it. Liking the versatility xxx

110 Creations said...

Congratulations! And what an AWESOME way to spread the word...I think it's so cool that you're having a giveaway for your review copies.

Anonymous said...

Ooh I would love to write a review on this pattern!! I'm definitely a beginner at knits, but really want to get better this next year. What a lovely design, I'm so excited to try it out soon!!! :)

Deb said...

Your new pattern looks great, I'd love to give it a go and write a review. I love your stripy version.

Anonymous said...

Congrats, what a versatile pattern and it's great we can get our mitts on it too. I remember you buying that anchor fabric at a meet up, I've bought some too but haven't got round to making anything with it. (choistie at yahoo dot co dot uk)

Jenny said...

Awesome! Congratulations on your pattern!

buntekleider said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful pattern. I would love to show your pattern in germany.
Claudia

Maryissewfast said...

What a fun pattern! I have tons of drapy knits crying out to try this pattern! I do have a blog and would be honored to review your new pattern. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I would love to have a go at this patter! I'm really into sewing with jersey
http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk

Elizabeth said...

Looks like such a great pattern! I would love to review it!

Kelly Lynn said...

I love your pattern! I also love the idea about blogging about it too because I have a neglected blog and want to get back into it!! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Katy said...

This is exactly the sort of op I have been wanting to make! I need a comfy yet stylish top, I would love to review it!

Andie W. said...

This is awesome. I'd definitely make it up lickety split! :D

Carolyn said...

So love this pattern but I do not have a blog. No time between work, volunteering, sewing and a horrible illness. This is definitely on my wish list to purchase. I already have some awesome graduated red and white stripe knit fabric.

Meg said...

Congrats on a cute pattern! I'd love to review it!

locosewer said...

Adorable, I would love to review it. It will be my first pattern review and I have TONS of knits.

Betty Stitchup said...

Love this pattern and it looks like a great way to overcome my fear of sewing with knits! Bstitchup@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Wow Zoe it's lovely. Really adore your blue version at the top. I'd love to give your pattern a review. Count me in. Zoe.

badmomgoodmom said...

Congrats on getting your pattern out and paying attention to detail so that it prints in 11 pages!

I'd love to try out and review Dolores. Can you send the baby Dolores to my house via email? If that won't work, how about the pdf pattern?

True story: One of my classmates in grad school was the first to achieve quantum teleportation. OK, it was only 1 atom and it was only from one laser table to the adjacent one. But, you gotta start somewhere.

I hope he can improve the system so you can send Dolores over to Colorado for babysitting.

Katie said...

Congratulations!! I'd love to write a review. I blog at www.creative-counselor.com and my email is kathryn(dot)lee79(at)gmail(dot)com.

Anonymous said...

I have two blogs and one is for a local sewing shop in my town. I would love to review your pattern on both. How fun, and I LOVE wearing knit. my email is jessieheninger@hotmail

Stevie said...

Congratulations Zo! I'd love a review copy, it looks like a brilliant top and your versions over the years have always been lovely.
Bet Dolores and Pat are proud of you!

Erin said...

I'd love to review it! It looks like something that would be just my style.

Lori B said...

I'd love to try this pattern and review it! Looks like a great wardrobe staple.
Lori B from frivolousatlast.com

Anonymous said...

hello, I love it! and I would love to write a review of your pattern. I am writing from Spain. I follow you for a long time. Thanks!!.

kisses

Lori B said...

Forgot to add my email address: lbeckste at ryerson dot ca

Anonymous said...

hello, I love it! and I would love to write a review of your pattern. I am writing from Spain. I follow you for a long time. Thanks!!.

kisses

Anonymous said...

Batwing sleeves! I wore them the first time round. Looks like a fun pattern.

Sewing Mum said...

Yes please! Although, I will buy it anyway - I like the style, but I love you for cracking on and making this happen, baby and all. As a mummy to a baby who is crawling all over the place, I am cheering you on from the side lines, willing you to succeed (before the baby reaches the laptop and types a load of random stuff!)

Clarinda Kaleidoscope said...

What a great idea! I am new to blogging (ten posts now) and have minimal followers but I'm up for it! Good luck with your new venture

nomorebittercakes said...

Such a versatile pattern! I would love the opportunity to try it and let everyone know how it went on my long neglected blog. For real!

Oranges and Apples said...

I would love to review this! I've never made anything out of knits, but I do have some jersey I acquired in a swap, and this would be perfect!I'm not the fastest sewer though, hopefully there's not a deadline!

franca(dot)macleod(at)gmail(dot)com

Caroline said...

Dolores is a lovely pattern! I have some great jersey in my fabric collection which would really work with this and would love to review it for you. All the best! :-)

Vicki Kate said...

Well done Zo! I can't articulate how amazing I find it when others make patterns. I can work from a blue print but I can't draw them!
I'd love to have a go at making Dolores and will be marrying her with your maternity adjustment. Whether you want to send me the files prior to the official launch date or not is a personal decision for you, I'm just looking forward to adding her to my wardrobe! So it would be a more unusual review but 100% So Zo!

Vicki Kate said...

Oh and I should add, free copy or no, I'm still gonna pay for the pattern on launch day!

Mila said...

Love the batwing design! Thanks for opportunity.

Sølvi said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you - and the pattern looks just like something I would imagine you would publish. Well done! :-)

Christine said...

Looks like you've done a stellar job on this, well done! And I second Vicki Kate, whether I'm lucky enough to get a freebie copy of this or not, I'll still buy one from you! BTW, hope I can pass this test below which proves I'm not a robot but that do now need reading glasses! good luck with the launch!

Freya May said...

I'd be so happy to make and review this pattern! Pick me!
Freya May
thedressmakingdiaries.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Oooh it looks great! I've been waiting for a pattern like this, so I'd love to review it. I even have the perfect fabric in my stash :-) Also, I'm inherently blunt and honest, so I'll happily write an honest review. :-)

Turbo said...

Wow, I would LOVE to test this pattern! I really love it. I have a sewing and knitting blog that I've kept sporadically for years. I'm currently re-enthused about blogging since I've taken up sewing. Knits are my favorite since they are more accommodating for my very curvy shape. Thank you :).

Miriam said...

Beautiful Zoe you look so adorable in all these shots! Love the new pattern! Huge congratulations to you for such a mighty achievement. I would love to win this but I will buy one if I don't and then when I wear it I'll say 'yeah I made it and I know the chick who designed it' (I can say that can't I?!!) xxx well done lovely xxxx

vanessa said...

I'd love to try this pattern I've just started thinking about trying sewing with knits.

my blog is http://wehavenotmet.typepad.com/

Anonymous said...

I love this pattern - it suits your style perfectly. I would love to write about it. sandramargaretmabey (at)gamil (dot) com.

Anonymous said...

I would love to try your pattern if you give me the opportunity!! I have a stash of knits waiting to be transformed into batwings! My blog is www.dreamdressuk.com, a mixture of DYI style and fashion.

winnie said...

I love this dress! I would buy it in a heartbeat but would love to review it on my blog: whatwouldmaudewear.blogspot.com.au

Winnie

Sara said...

I love it, especially the sleeveless dress version and would love to try it. I promise to wrte about it!

MaciNic said...

Such a fabulous response already, congratulations! I love batwings & would be delighted to sew & blog the Dolores if I'm one of the lucky 20

Nikki said...

Great pattern, I'd love to give it a go. I reckon the tunic would be great for layering with leggings.

Anonymous said...

Would love to be able to try it! I have just the navy knit for a top... Love it!

Gema said...

Count me in!!
Yes! I can see you're not short of offers, but I definitely want to throw my blog writing hat in the ring!! Looks like a fabulous top, the kind I'll live in... And I know it'll make for a great post! Fingers crossed........ :)

jen - the stitcher and gatherer said...

Looks great Zo! I love the short sleeve dress version. Would love to test it, or if not, buy it!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on bringing out a really useful and versatile pattern, Zoe! I love that you named it after your gorgeous smiley girl.

This looks like the perfect pattern to recreate my favourite drapey t-shirt. I'd be thrilled to receive a review copy, so please do include me in the random number generator.

Joyce said...

Oh Dolores, where have you been all my life! I've made one knit fabric top and you look like my second, third and fourth knit garments. Would love to make and blog!

joycietempleton@gmail.com

Alysa said...

I would LOVE a copy! I've been ogling a top like this and would much rather make yours!!

Anonymous said...

OMG I would LOVE to review your supercool-looking pattern! Catherine x

Mary said...

I'd love to try and write a review! I already own a couple of store-bought batwing tops, and was thinking about copying one of them, before I retire it! My blog is here: http://maryall.wordpress.com
My email is maryallhandmade@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Too cute!

Michelle said...

Congratulations on the pattern release! I absolutely love the dress version! It looks really effortless and gorgeous. Also, you look fantastic!

Katie said...

Ooh, I love it! Count me in for the giveaway -- would love to write a review. (Here's my email: umbellulariadesigns@gmail.com)

Jo Campbell said...

Great looking pattern and fab to have all those variations to choose from. Would love to try it out and write a review if my name comes out of the hat.

Anonymous said...

Totally love the cuffs/sleeves. Count me in!

Anonymous said...

love Love LOVE it!! This is a perfect wardrobe filler. I'd love to trial it, but then I'm sure I'll be buying it anyway. Well done!

Betwixttheknits said...

Cannot wait for this to be available! Definitely would be up for a blog review!
Betwixttheknits.com

Cheryl said...

I have a RTW top in this style that I adore! I would love to review your pattern!

AnonaMiss said...

I would love a copy! I'm always on the lookout for easy dresses to sew and throw on, plus I've admired your batwing tops for some time now!
I blog and am also a member of Pattern Review.

Sharyn said...

How exciting! I would love to give this simple stylish pattern a go.

Anonymous said...

Forgive me if I've posted twice. Something weird happened with my first attempt and I'm not sure it got through.

I just saw Karen's lovely version of this top on Did You Make That? and I love your striped version! How cute, congratulations on the pattern!

I'd love to help pattern test, and if you're looking for different body types I'm tall, busty and fuller figured, if that helps at all.

Can't wait to see these start popping up all over the blogosphere!

Cheers,
Eileen

elizabeth rogers said...

Hi. I love this pattern and I would really like to make it and discuss on my blog (elizabethjrogers.wordpress.com).
I'm an English girl in eastern Canada, trying to build a following (only have 2 at the moment, neither being my mum) on my blog. I've just started working with knits (I am another devotee of the Coco pattern). I don't know if you have many readers here in Canada, but maybe I can help push some readers your way?
Regardless of if I receive a free file, I'll be buying your pattern, already have it in my calendar to purchase and I'm on the hunt for knits at the moment. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to make it. Liz (elizabeth.j.rogers@gmail.com)

Knitwitsowls said...

Omg I'd love to review this for you! I've never sewn with knits before so it would be an amazing opportunity to test my skills!
I blog at :
Www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk
And my email is
Knitwitsowls@gmail.com

Joanne said...

Oh, I'd love to test this! I have plenty of lightweight jersey in my stash that's been giving me the stink eye waiting for it's chance to shine!

Not sure if my email is on my blog, but it's joannne(dash)simpson(at)sbcglobal.net

(Also, can I mention how amazingly cute you look like Mathilda in the second picture? Love that movie!)

emily said...

Yessssssss! I've been coveting your batwing dress since you made it and now I'll be able to make my own! Yay yay! Congratulations on the pattern, it's a beaut!

Anonymous said...

Eeeeee! I have sent you an email to the address listed on your About Me page! I hope we manage to make contact!

Carolyn said...

Has the selection been made?

Unknown said...

Oh Zo, that's so exciting! How fantastic that you've made this, I'm so looking forward to seeing where you go with this venture, I do so love your style. Amazeballs dahling, good luck with it, I hope it becomes everything you dream x

Unknown said...

Awesome shots :) I think you should share your photos on www.voguedrobe.com, too :)

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