Pattern Review: Sweet Dragon Patterns

One thing that I really enjoy is sewing things from patterns that I've purchased from Etsy sellers. I get almost all of my patterns there.  I value being blessed to stay at home to take care of my kids, and I like supporting other women who are trying to do the same.  Buying patterns and handmade goods from Etsy sellers is a great way to do that.  I also like getting a good value for the money I spend, and the types of patterns that I buy usually run in the $1-$5 range.  I like being able to pay just a few dollars for one pattern that I will really use again and again, instead of $10-$20 for a book of patterns that I will mostly not use.  And don't get me wrong, I'm by no means a penny-pincher!  I'll gladly spend the money on something that is of value to me, and am way too tired to truly bargain hunt. 

Anyway, I purchase all kinds of patterns, from crochet patterns, to doll and toy patterns, to reusable menstrual pad patterns.  As a general rule, the patterns I get from this source are really fantastic.  Sometimes there are things I wish were a little different or more clear, or things that I wish had been made more clear in the description.  And every once in a very great while, I end up with a pattern or product that just doesn't meet my expectations.  With this in mind, I'd like to share here some of the patterns that I find, and review them.  I'd like to share what I like, and maybe what I wish was a little different.  Nobody is perfect! These reviews will never be intended to bash or judge a designer or their skills, but to offer my observations and experiences about the patterns and purchases, and any interactions.  Hopefully the information will be useful to some of you.  So, here we go with our first pattern review!

The shop: Sweet Dragons Patterns

The pattern: 13 Inch Flared Top Pad

Price: $3 for an instant download PDF file

  

This pattern is for a reusable menstrual pad.  These are also known as things like reusable maxi pads, mama cloth, RUMPS, etc.  Although you can quite easily make a pattern for these on your own, which is what I have always done, I wanted to try out some different sizes, shapes, and materials than what I normally use. 

I had recently purchased a more expensive pattern set that I wasn't completely happy with, so before purchasing I sent this seller a private message, asking her a few questions about dimensions.  I wanted something that would measure 3" or less across the center when the snaps are closed.  The seller responded almost immediately, which I really appreciated, and answered all of the questions I had.  She was very helpful.

Okay, so here is a picture of the pattern, once I downloaded it, cut it out, and taped the pieces together:

As you can see, There is a pattern piece for the topper/backer (the piece with the wings), and a pattern piece for the core.  The piece for the topper has an outline for where the core will rest on the fabric during assembly.  Those dotted lines on the core pattern were are not from the designer.  I added them myself after trying out the pattern, which I'll explain in a bit.


This is the finished product that I made from the pattern: 

I like to turn and topstitch my pads, but this pattern was not designed for that method.  Because of this, the size of the core pattern was slightly bigger than it was comfortable for me to sew.  This wasn't a design flaw, it was just a preference thing.  The pattern instructions didn't have any pictures to follow, but they were clearly written.  Most patterns I've seen will have some kind of a photo tutorial included.  This was fine for me, since I've made lots of pads before and knew what to do, but it might be a problem for someone who is using this pattern to make a pad for their first time.

I also wanted to include a picture with the snaps done up.

This is just a size comparison with my hand.  As you can see, when the snaps are closed, that center gusset area is probably a finger and a half wider than my hand.  After assembly, it measures about 3.25" across.  This will definitely be too wide for my comfort.  (Most people find a gusset width of about 2.5"-3" to be the most comfortable, no matter what size and style of underwear you use.) The pattern is designed for you to do some stitching and then cut away extra core material.  That seemed like an extra step to me, and I've had better success with the finished pads using another method, which I used here. That partially accounts for that wider gusset.  And that's where those dotted lines on the core pattern come in.  I really did like the size and shape of this pattern for my intended use, so I just went ahead and made a dashed line on the core pattern that brings the sides in 1/2" from the perimeter of the topper.  That will reduce the width of the gusset, and allow more wiggle room for using a turn and topstitch method of closing up the pad. (Again, that's not what this pattern was designed to do - it's just my preference.)

All in all, I would say that this pattern was definitely worth the $3 that I paid for it.  I will really like the design when it comes time to use it.  The adjustments I made were minor, and only for my preference, not because of an issue with the design itself.  Although there weren't any step-by-step photos, the instructions were clear.  So if you're good at following directions, or you've made pads before, they will be easy to follow.  If this is your first time making a pad, this might not be the pattern for you.  The rounded shape made stitching quite easy and fast, because I didn't have to stop and adjust at any corners.  The designer/seller was great to work with.  I will definitely be buying more patterns from her, and gave this pattern 5 out of 5 stars in my Etsy review.

Hopefully this was helpful information for you!  Please feel free to ask me questions!