Dolman Pattern Review: EYMM Asymmetrical Drape Top

Its Dolman time and I am part of a five week blog tour on Dolman tops, and how they work (or not) on different body shapes. I am a child of the 70’s and yes, in the 80’s I wore those big Dolman sweaters. To suddenly step outside my comfort zone and make a pattern I never felt very comfortable in to begin with was, well, a bit unsettling. As such I turned to EYMM’s Asymmetrical Drape Top for my first pattern. I must admit that the point of this tour is to work out  whether different patterns suit our body shapes, and if not, what we can do about it. My body shape is pretty much hour glass. There is 2″ difference between my full bust and my hips. I seem to be working my way towards an apple shape, but I am trying not to as I like myself this way. I feel that women with hourglass figures generally have flatter stomachs. It might be an optical illusion from the waist to hip curve, but that’s my thought anyway.

But onto the pattern! Like all EYMM patterns this top printed and was put together easily. I’m obviously improving in the whole print ‘n’ stick process! I chose this particular pattern as I like EYMM patterns generally, and I liked the modelled view. I don’t like round necklines or boxy shapes, as I feel the round necklines do nothing for my larger bust, and  boxy shapes make me look like a Sherman tank: I avoid both if I can! Interestingly, Essence, another blogger, is pretty much the same shape and loves Dolmans for their hide-all capacity. Her reviews can be found in the permalink section at the bottom.

Side back view

Great as a tunic but it was too chilly for tights

The pattern is just two pieces and has two views; I made view A. In retrospect I should have made view B as it is a bit more shaped. I chose a lightweight polyester knit with good drape. EYMM has a section in the pattern on how to check the fabric drape: it’s really useful.

This top is asymmetrical and can be worn pulled down as a tunic to showcase the hemline, or pulled up to sit wherever you like. Sadly, the photos don’t do justice to the fantastic drape on the right side. I tend to wear leggings and I like coverage to my thighs. As a wise woman once said: “if you are wearing leggings or tights then cover your tail”. With jeans I can wear it higher on the hips; that’s the beauty of having a fabric that drapes well! I added 2″ to the overall length, and had intended adding the hip band. I found the top to be long enough for my 5’8″ frame, without the band. Unless your torso is 2″ longer than normal you could pass on adding any extra length.

Comfy for spring

Worn higher at the hips

It took me a while to like the neckline, after all Dolmans are well out of my comfort zone. When I make it again I’d like to include a back lace panel and make the front neckline scooped or with a V, as these lines accentuate and flatter a larger bust.

This is an ideal top for those days when I want to cover it all up though.

All the Dolman reviews contain the following information, allowing the readers to compare the patterns.

Note: EYMM donated the pattern for the tour. Thank you! The sewing is all my own work. My opinions and the review are entirely my own. 

Sizes	XS – 5X
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	Pattern pages
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	Yes, for optional hip band
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	XL
Options chosen	A
Fabric Requirement for your size	1.5
Measurement Chart	Yes
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	Yes
Suggested Fabrics	Knitted fabric with minimum 30% stretch and good drape
Layer Printing Option	No
Neck Line Options	No
Sleeve Options	No
Hem Options	Yes, optional hip band
Color Blocking	No
Seam Allowance	3/8″
Hem Allowance	1/2″
Separate add-on pack	No
Fit	Pretty good. Long.
Easy to read instructions	Absolutely!
Drawing or photograph instructions	Both

Diving Into Dolmans Week 1

Sewing By Ti

Creative Counselor

Sew Sophie Lynn

Made By Melli

Guest blogger: Rebel and Malice

Diving Into Dolmans Week 2

Sewing By Ti

Creative Counselor

Sew Sophie Lynn

Made By Melli

Guest bloggers: Rebel and Malice

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Diving Into Dolmans Week 3

Sewing By Ti

Dos Natural Sistas

Creative Counselor

SewSophieLynn- Hey June Aurora
Made by Melli

Guest Bloggers: Sew Far North

Adventures with Bubba and Bug