Hot Patterns Love - and Giveaway!

**Please scroll down for the pattern giveaway!**
Please specify in your comment if you'd like to be included in the draw :)

Back in May, I decided to give in and finally purchase a couple of Hot Patterns. I loved all the versions of the Cosmopolitan Dress cropping up all over the Internet. Hot Patterns are more expensive, because they're an independent pattern company. But it's good to experiment outside the "Big 4" (Vogue, Butterick, McCall's, Simplicity) beaten tracks. Hot Patterns really have a fashion flair that is - different.
I ordered both the Deco Vive Cosmopolitan dress and the Cha-Cha-Cha dress at that time.
Some of you may remember the dismal story of my first try at the Cosmo dress... I am determined to make another one some day, and to be more successful this time.

I made the Cha-Cha-Cha dress (halter-neck version) later in June.

That dress is fabulous (if I may say so myself!). It hasn't been worn yet because 1. the weather hasn't been up to it, and 2. I simply adore the beauty of this on my dressform. It is a great decorative item in our flat because it matches the blues in our everything room - and it is so classy. I love it so much, I don't want to put it away in a closet, even if it's been too chilly this summer to wear it!

The halter neck ribbon hasn't been cut to the right length: I was out of white narrow ribbon, but I think a white satin ribbon might look better than the blue organza pictured here.

Here's my review of the pattern:
Pattern Description:
From the HotPatterns website: "Sweetly simple dresses , easy to make in soft or crisp cottons, silks and rayons. /.../ Halter-neck dress has a semi-circular skirt which wraps over at the back, a deep shaped waistband and long self fabric ties. Both dresses pull on and finish just above the knee."

Pattern Sizing: 6-26. I made the 6, but it ended up too big. The HP sizing is different from the big pattern companies. It seems to reflect more the American RTW sizes, I think? (which are themselves very different from the European sizing). I wish those patterns started at a size 4 or 2!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very. I particularly loved the super-clear construction drawing, which is very self-explanatory, like those in Japanese sewing books if you're acquainted with them.

Fabric Used:
Lightweight woven cotton, white background printed with blue flowers. A Christmas gift from my Mom :)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
Apart from taking in the seams, I redrafted the neckline for a smoother line. This was prompted by twistedangel's review, and she was totally right. Thank you twistedangel!
I also cut the sash ties shorter than they were meant to.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would love to sew it again! I would love to make the other dress from the pattern.
I absolutely recommend it to others, beginners and more advanced seamstresses alike.

Conclusion
This dress is so feminine and sexy. I love the long ties. The wrap-around design accents the waist in a flattering way, and I'm a big sucker for full skirts. All in all, an absolute winner! Both easy and spectacular. My only wish is that it came in smaller sizes as well.

~*~

But wait!! The Hot Patterns Love doesn't even stop there!
Hot Patterns mistakenly sent me the two patterns again in July. I emailed them about it and asked them whether they wanted me to return it. Jeremy at Hot Patterns sent me a super sweet email, and very kindly told me to simply sell them at a reduced price on my blog... And use the money to celebrate happy times! How sweet is that?
However, I have decided to spread the love further and to give them away. The sewing world online has given me too much for me not to want to give a little something back.

I have decided to send the extra Cosmopolitan Dress pattern to Tany, as part of her giveaway contest prize (Tany, Su, and Ali, your prizes are being put together and I'll ship them ASAP!).
I would like to offer my extra Cha-Cha-Cha pattern (reviewed and pictured above) to one of my sewing readers. If you are interested, please leave a comment mentioning that you would like the pattern, and I will draw a name on Saturday morning (Sept. 1, Central European time). I will cover the shipping costs for you. :) Please specify in your comment if you'd like to be added into the draw :)

I recently purchased a few more Hot Patterns for autumn, taking advantage of their buy 2 get 1 free promotion last month. More on that once they have reached my mailbox - I cannot wait :)

Have a great week, everyone!