OK. Take a deep breath. Imagine yourself on a beach somewhere, breathing in the fresh, salty, ocean air… and not hyperventilating about HOW CUTE THE NEW SPRING COLETTE PATTERNS ARE!!!
It’s official– I’m in love! I gave up buying anything sewy/knitty/etc for Lent (which, surprisingly, was AMAZING– I felt so free and easy and de-cluttered!), but when I saw that the launch of the new spring patterns was set for April 10th… after Easter… I knew I was doomed.
First up– the Hazel dress! This is beyond cute, and I particularly like the striped version. “Wait, Ginger”, I said to myself. “You’ve already got the somewhat similarly-shaped Simplicity 2209. Stay cool and don’t buy another pattern!”. I fought the urge and forged ahead.
The Hazel dress (photo by Colette)
However… the gorgeous Lily dress– holy cow, it was love at first sight! I can’t even be cool about it– it’s absolutely smashing, and I would feel like a seductive screen siren in this thing. I feel like it might even make li’l ol’ rectangular me feel like a saucy hourglass-figured vixen! Somehow I stayed strong and avoided temptation, but I think eventually I’ll have to cave and make this dress. It’s just way too fab!
The Lily dress (photo by Colette)
But when I saw the Iris shorts, I was overtaken by a force outside of my body that willed me to click away. Digital PDF?!?! Before I knew what was happening to me, I had bought and downloaded the pattern. Luckily, this is a super practical piece, and I was looking for a nice shorts pattern just this week! I’ll confess– I hate shorts. HATE them. Shorts are a sure-fire way for my legs to look weird and they’re either way too skimpy or way too frumpy (I don’t get it!). But I work outside in all weather, and it just gets too hot to wear jeans on 90+ degree days, so I figure I could use a few pairs of cute shorts. I gave up on my no-shorts vow last year and cut off my favorite pair of jeans in a fit of passion (what was I thinking?! I must’ve been in the middle of a heat stroke), THEN I had a slip ‘o’ the scissors that resulted in what can only be described as khaki hot pants (don’t worry– they were never worn).
The Iris shorts (photo by Colette)
I have to say, I’m in love with the digital format! It’s total instant gratification! I bought it yesterday, printed it out, cut it out, and started cutting out muslin last night! Also… the best part… I don’t have to bother with tracing the pattern (I feel too guilty just cutting out my lovely Colette patterns, and tracing is such a thoroughly joyless process for me that I often put off starting a project just because I’m dreading the tracing process so much!). Plus, they’re a few bucks cheaper, so it’s win-win for me! What are your thoughts on downloadable patterns? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? Ambivalent?
OK, so let’s get down to business. Just because I’m behaving and not buying every single one of these doesn’t mean I don’t wanna share the love! I’d like to give away your choice of the three patterns in either paper or PDF format. Just leave a comment and let me know which pattern you’d like (and which format). You can enter until, let’s say, Saturday, April 14th at noon EST. I’ll pick a winner Saturday! Yay!
They are all lovely! I think I’d have to go with the Iris shorts too. Trousers and shorts are so tough for me to fit but I am definitely up for giving these a try! Especially in PDF Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!
They are fabulous I’d love to try out the Iris pattern too! Shorts like that are too cute to not try out, especially in PDF! Thanks for a fab giveaway! Stevie x
I love the new patterns. I think since I already have Simplicity 2209 too, and I *think* I can hack a pair of shorts out of my clover pattern, so I’m going to go with the Lily dress. Thanks for such a great giveaway!
I’d love to make the Hazel dress! Printed pattern all the way!
Woohoo! I LOVE those shorts (and like you, I HATE shorts). Maybe they will get me out of the skirts and dresses I wear all summer long…PDF works for me!
I was just eyeing the Iris shorts today while I was surfing the web at work. shhhh! I love the idea of downloadable patterns! No tracing yeehaw!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Ooh, can’t wait to see your Iris shorts!
For me, though, I’d have to go for the Hazel dress (in paper format, I’m still too scared of PDFs). Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!
I love the Lily Dress in PDF format seeing as I’m international.
I want to love the Hazel dress, because the name has special significance for me…but I’m afraid the Lily dress is the winner. Gorgeous!
Thanks so much for offering this!
Ginger, this is such a generous giveaway. I totally bought the Lily dress as soon as it released but it was hard NOT to buy the Iris shorts! I love all the new patterns, and thanks for enjoying your post-Lenten splurge with us! You are too too.
The shorts would be my pick. They’d be perfect for summer, and I might even be able to finish my SWAP with a quick make like I imagine they’d be. Thanks, Ginger!
oh ginger, you do do good giveaways! i think i would go for the iris shorts myself, i too am fearful (?) of shorts, they are totally not part of my wardrobe but would love to give them a whirl, i love the cute buttons!
Oh, I would love the Hazel dress pattern (in paper)!!! I was also thinking of downloading the shorts pattern and am looking forward to seeing yours.
Iris shorts! PDF!
Iris shorts all the way. I have thick legs and have never found RTW shorts that fit my waist AND my chunkers. Paper pattern please, homegirl doesn’t have a printer.
Hmmm, I figured I have enough patterns for the moment, but if you twist our arms…
Iris shorts, paper puhlease! (printer’s out of ink, and I’m too lazy to change right now)
Hahaha Khaki hot pants… you poor soul. I’m not a shorts girl either but the Iris could be awfully cute! I want to give them a try! You’ve also convinced me to give the PDF patterns a try…
I cannot resist a princess seamed dress, and as I don’t have a princess seamed dress pattern I think a downloadable version of Lily would make my summer! (I already have five different versions of it dancing in my head!)
I would love the Iris shorts! And I think I’d like the paper pattern. The pattern envelopes are just so lovely.
I can’t resist a princess seamed dress and since I haven’t a princess seamed dress pattern, a downloadable version of Lily would definitely fit the bill for summer. (i already have five different Lily versions dancing in my head!)
This is a great description of the new patterns. I like the dresses, but like you find the Iris shorts completely adorable. I am not much of shorts person either, but there is just something in the lines of these shorts… I also find the idea of PDF intriguing.
What a generous gal you are! I think I’m going to have to try those shorts too. And as much as I adore technology, there’s just something about a paper pattern, you know? Like an actual book, or newspaper. I love my Kindle, but it’s just not the same!
I’d love a paper version of the Hazel dress. Stripes can play up this dress wonderfully.
I find that I’m drawn to the Lily dress – must be those pockets! I hear you on the avoiding tracing at all costs, so I’m a pdf girl.
You are so generous!!!
I like all three, but I’m going with the printed Hazel on this one
My favourite would have to be the Iris Shorts (preprinted please the packaging is too darling!) I’m moving into colder weather in the southern hemisphere and my brain can’t compute the sundresses.
What a generous giveaway! Thanks! I’m also most excited about the Iris–while shorts aren’t my favorite either, they are kind of necessary in my wardrobe and it would be nice to be able to work on making a pair to fit. (I’m good with PDF!)
Wow, thanks for hosting a giveaway! For me it’s definitely the Iris shorts that standout in this collection. I love the idea of making PDF patterns available but I think I’d be more likely to sew from the paper version.
Ooo, great giveaway! That force you spoke of that made you buy the Iris… I’ve been fighting it all day! That instant download is so tempting! It would be my first Colette though so, I’d prefer to have the pretty paper version.
I can’t wait to see your new shorts!
Well aren’t you a dear. Generous giveaway! I think I’d like the Lily dress. Paper pattern, please, but only because I don’t own a printer.
Thanks!!
wow you are so generous! i am in love with all three – they all have so much possibility for variations! I think I like Iris the most, and I would actually wear them the most in the Summer. I’d love it in paper version.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Tee hee, I’m being a rebel and commenting but NOT entering the competition
It’s really nice of you to give something away! I just counted my list of “to do” projects lately, and it’s over 35… soooo I really can’t add another project in good conscience! Heh heh. Hope the winner really enjoys her pattern!
I do love the new patterns though- Colette always deliver
I want all three! If I had to choose I think it would be the hazel dress. As I’m an aussie, I love the digital format to avoid shipping charges and the lengthy wait. I totally agree about the tracing – as I’ve recently had a baby my size has been changing frequently as I’ve gone up and then down a few sizes so it’s nice to be able to print out new sizes as I need them
Oh you wondrous person! I’d be overjoyed with any of the patterns!
I love printable patterns, as I can hack, spread and alter with no guilt, there’s no tracing and I can always print another one if it goes wrong!
Out of curiosity, are the instructions on the PDF as good as the booklet with the traditional patterns?
Thank you again for a wonderful give away!
They are! They look just like the pattern booklets– same format and illustrations and everything.
So nice of you to do a giveaway. I must say I’m coveting the Iris shorts too (even though I just modded Clover to a similar sailor short. The pattern came out the day after I cut all my pieces!) And the Lily dress is just lovely. I’m still a little leery of PDF patterns, I like being able to hack them to bits but I also like having the little booklet of directions!
Oh Hazel, Oh Lily …. lovely dresses, but Hazel is my favorite. PDF is ok.
Thank you!
Oh ginger, what a star you are, and I love your style gal! You make me smile, even more so with such a giveEaway. Please put me down for the old fashioned format shorts so I can join you this summer baring my legs
How cool! Really, at this point I would love any pattern whose directions are better than burda
I do love the hazel, but since dresses are pretty frosting for my taste, I think I should say iris. I do love downloads for the reasons you mention, but really traditional patterns hold a special place in my heart and it’s too hard for me to deny that!
I’m on for the Iris shorts – despite the fact I have thunderthighs, I’m willing to subject the world to my thighs just because I like the pattern so much (and I don’t know why – they’re just shorts) but anything that makes me want to get my rugby player legs out has to be a winner – and it’s the old fashioned paper for me!
What an amazing giveaway! I promised myself I’d only buy one of the new patterns and since they have come out have literally been mulling over the Lily/Hazel decision permenantly! But…I’m going to go with lily! In paper format please!
I’ve resisted buying any of these yet – I still have 2 Sewaholic and 3 other Colette patterns to make yet but like you I know I’ll end up buying at least one of those dresses. Good point about the PDF format – tracing is a pain. If you love the pattern and have it adjusted to fit you can then trace that! Thanks for the giveaway – I would love to have the Lily dress in a PDF format.
I;m loving the new download format. I’ve used it for childrens clothes before and it’s an amazing way to quickly get hold of great patterns. It’s such a toss up between Lily and Iris….but maybe Iris will win out! I too am reluctanct about shorts, but these look like they may just be perfect for me.
Oh, I’m really looking forward to seeing your shorts made up. I’m a little scared of shorts myself . . . I was a little underwhelmed when I first saw these patterns, but I have to say, the more I look at them, the more they’re growing on me! If I were to pick one, I’d start with the Hazel dress, to be made in stripes, of course! I think I’m sticking with print format for now, but it’s really nice to know we can get PDFs if we need something RIGHT NOW!
So difficult to choose between them. All so beautiful. But I’ll go with the Hazel seeing as I have 3 or so border print fabrics in my stash waiting to be used up. Also I’m dreaming of one in black/white stripes!
Probably pdf as I’m in Australia.
I would love the new collette lily dress pattern, in paper please.
I’d like the Iris shorts pattern, in booklet form!
What a fab giveaway! I gave in yesterday and purchased the Hazel and Iris patterns, but couldn’t rationalize getting all 3 at once (I’ll want to make several versions of the 1st two these next couple weeks – enough time to save for the Lily).
BUT… if I were to win the Lily pattern here, I’d be estatic!
I’d like to receive it in paper format please. I could totally see this one done up in a summer-LBD.
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
The Iris Shorts Pleeease! I think PDF would work best for me. For some reason I think cutting and taping pieces of paper together is therapeutic, weird eh?
I’d love to see if I could pull off those sweet shorts. A pdf would be best since I am so impatient
Wow, so generous! I’d pick the hazel in PDF format.
I’m very excited about the PDF formats of the patterns from now on, one of the biggest hinderances to me owning more of the colette patterns is the cost of getting them shipped to Australia. (oh and as you mentioned – tracing!) Hurrah for digital version!
It’s so hard to choose – I love the shorts but until I’ve done a bit of exercise I think I’d go for Hazel in printed format please. Thanks for the generous giveaway!
WHHAAATT???!!! Free Patterns! Holy Yes!!
I’d pick the Hazel in PDF…. Or the shorts. So hard to choose. No! The Hazel. PDF. Definitely.
Yeah, I pretty much died & flew straight to Heaven when I saw the patterns. I can’t wait to see how everyone makes theirs up. Almost as exciting as the initial release
I am really enamoured with the Hazel dress. Love that stripe play & the bias side pieces! I actually have the perfect piece of fabric to use with this dress… totally fate. I prefer paper patterns, just because i hate printing & taping all those PDF pages (plus mine NEVER line up properly, no matter how precise I am). But I do think it’s a great option to have, especially for people outside of the US!
Really loving the V bodice on Hazel. I’d go for the paper format as I’m running out of tape!
I love the Iris shorts in print form…I usually wear only skirts or dresses, but these shorts are so cute!
The Hazel dress is my favorite. I love the stripe version and doubt I could make it as cool, but would love to attempt it! I am undecided when it comes to pdf or paper. Both have their positives and negatives. I guess this girl will be riding the fence on that debate for awhile.
You generous lovely human! I am in love with all of the patterns as well, but I would probably pick Lily dress in print format. If I won it, I’d sew it in one day and have a garden party to celebrate how beautiful it is.
I’d love the pdf of the shorts! I NEED to make some!
I also hate shorts but probably because I’ve never really found a super flattering pair. I’m excited to see how yours turn out! And if all goes well, I could be convinced to try the Iris too!
Thank you for the giveaway! I would love a pdf of Hazel!
I would love to have the Iris shorts pattern in paper format (please) Thanks!
I’d love the Hazel dress in paper format please! Thank you for a great giveaway
I would love to attempt the Lily. Paper. Can’t wait to see how your shorts turn out! I’m sure you’ll inspire all of us to make them.
Erin
oh, Ginger! I know – these patterns are divine!! I am in loooove with all 3! here’s hoping I win…thanks so much for your generosity!
AH! You are entirely too fabulous for offering this giveaway! I personally would love a paper version of the shorts pattern, because this pattern makes me actually want to make shorts. Your shorts are going to be fab!
Ahh! You naughty girl. I’ve been trying to control myself since I’ve got two unused Colette patterns in queue but count me in!! I can’t even decide which I love more — the Lily (those pockets!) or the Hazel (them stripes!). Thanks for being so generous
I want those Iris shorts in the paper format. So flippin’ cute!
I admit, I’m a sucker… I fell in love, fast and hard, with the Lily dress immediately – and promptly ordered that and the Iris shorts… but now that the Hazel is growing on me (lovin’ that v-shaped seamline on the bodice) I’m afraid I might have to have that one too!
Thanks for the giveaway and counting me in!
The Iris shorts are definitely my favourite. Perfect summer cycling and picnic wear!
Loving the Hazel dress – especially in the stripy fabric – ideally in pdf format.
You are too too nice! I would love a pair of the ris shorts in downloadable format. And I’m with you in that I was hesitant about the digital format but like it now because of the instant gratification and that fact that you will always have a copy. No need to worry about losing the pattern!
I too love the iris shorts. I always have trouble finding nice shorts for my shape. PDF is the best. I only use it now.
So generous! I really like the Hazel dress and would love to play with some border prints or stripes with it. I’ve definitely made fair use of pdf files, which make good use of my scrap paper as it is.
It would have to be the Hazle as I have some blue and white fabric I just bought at home and I’m addicted to stripes. I bought it just ‘because’ but now I need this pattern in PDF!
Fun giveaway! I would love the Hazel pattern (PDF).
Oh, Iris shorts for sure. I’ve never tried making shorts, and I have visions of them in orange twill…
Hmmm, how to choose a favorite?! I would have to choose the Lily.
Oh you generous soul! Ive never had a go at a Colette pattern, despite my ownership of the book and the sorbet to pattern. Must. Try. Soon…
I’m totally keen on the Lily pattern, not only because it has some serious beachy gorgeousness, but also because I can see it as an awesome autumn/ winter dress in wool layered on top of some long sleeves and tights. And for those in the southern hemisphere, this is only a good thing! (Oh, and probably paper if I won, but I wouldn’t turn my nose up at PDF, I know what postage rates are like!).
I’d have to go with Lily, although Hazel is pretty awesome, too. I’ve never tried a digital version of a garment pattern, but would be happy to give it a whirl. Thanks for doing this!
Wow Ginger – it’s so lovely of you to do a giveaway! I think for me it’d have to be the Iris shorts (although quite frankly I want all three) as, like you, I’ve been looking for a shorts pattern I like since the new year. (And PDF format would be lovely thanks!)
The new patterns are cute.
I’d go for the Hazel dress – the cut of the bodice is really interesting, I think it would be lots of fun to play around with. Either paper or PDF would be fine for me, but since I’m waaay down in the bottom of the world, PDF is probably easier. 
Looking forward to seeing what your shorts look like made up!
I can see myself wearing the Lily dress, it would flatter my shape so well. I am sure I could find plenty of beautiful fabrics to make it up in.
Oooh, I’d have to go with the Iris shorts too. I also am not a shorts fan usually but these ones could definitely persuade me otherwise! Pdf would be good for me.
Look forward to seeing your version!
Would love the Iris Shorts in paper! They are too cute!
I LOVE the hazel dress. Having the v seams with a stripe is just so flattering. Would love to have a go at that one in paper.
I totally forgot these were offered as pdf’s. I think that’s great. Sign me up for the Iris shorts in digital format, please. Thanks for the great giveaway!
I would love the Hazel dress in paper! Our printer is cranky and never prints things out right
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What a lovely giveaway! I am hankering after the Lily dress (pdf) because i’m a bridesmaid later in the year and that would make me the perfect dress!
I would adore the Iris shorts in paper. I like the convenience of pdf, but I always worry that my taping is somehow slightly off and therefore that I’ve messed things up!
oh boy! colette patterns are so sweet. and the instructions and printing are clear and beautifully put together. i’d love to win an iris shorts pattern (paper version).
Send me your tracings ! I love that bit
Please don’t count me in for the win as I already scored me these patterns (I am just too greedy !) but thank you for a fabulous give – away ! 
You can enter my give-away for a renfrew top on my blog – it would look just too cute with the Iris shorts !! xx
Most definitely the shorts. I am in the same boat. They are always grandmotherly or trampy. I cannot seem to find the middle ground.
I’d love to make either the iris or Lily.
I’d love to sew Hazel, ,my kinda dress!
Oooh hard to pick but this is the first short pattern that I have EVer liked! Either pattern
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