Pattern Review: Women’s Dolman Sleeve Sweater

 

It’s now week 4 of the Dive into Dolman’s Tour and I am back with my second creation. Its a pattern by Seamingly Smitten. I haven’t made any of their patterns before and a part of me wished I’d just made a couple of their Dolmans in order to compare them. There is a website, a blog and an active Facebook Page (I’ll be following that in future). What appealed to me about this pattern is that it is designed for heavier knits, and it has an asymmetrical neckline. I live in the chilly mountain climes , and despite writing this while in the California Desert (don’t start me off about the heat!), I live in cool weather clothing most of the year. Or at least it feels that way! I’m also partial to a top that finishes below elbow and as such, was attracted to the modelled photos. 

Like my previous pattern choice this one called for a fabric with good drape. I chose a sumptuous purple medium weight cotton polyester lycra knit fabric. It washes wonderfully and feels so soft; like wearing a light blanket. One thing to remember is that the neckline is slightly lower at the front than the back. Don’t be a dufus like me and wear it backwards several times, wondering why the heck it wasn’t comfortable and didn’t sit right at all! I have recently ordered labels and when they arrive I will sew one in to remind me which side goes to the back of my neck! I’m also improving making tops that drape well for my hourglass figure, and this one is more flattering than its boxy shape led me to believe.

Asymmetrical neckline in progress

My trusty knitted seam tape

I really liked how the asymmetrical neck is created. It is a bit quirky, just like me! I found the sleeves to be quite wide. I think they’ll either be a cooling agent in the warmth or encourage drafts. Either way, they took a bit of getting used to. I think if I followed the pattern line to extend them to wrist length (not a pattern option, but not a difficult hack), they would narrow nicely. A narrow cuff would then finish the sleeve off. It’s in my notebook for when I make it again. I cheated a bit and used my trusty knit tape to create the hems. It gives a lovely finish and (if I could be bothered) would look great with a twin needle hem stitch.

I like this look!

It fits well over the hips

That said, the pattern has clear instruction with visual aids. Its an easy pattern to make and is wonderfully comfortable. It is also currently on for 50% off, so hop on over and grab it while you can!

Note: Seamingly Smitten kindly gave me the pattern for this blog tour – but they haven’t a clue what I made or what my review states. I thank them for their faith in me! 

Underneath is a link to all the bloggers and their blog posts. The table that follows has information on each pattern on the tour. I hope you enjoy reading the posts as much as we enjoy writing!

Diving Into Dolmans Week 1

Sewing By Ti- Sew Much ado Sea Farer

Creative Counselor- Sewing Cake’s The Tee

Sew Sophie Lynn- Patterns for Pirates Pumpkin Spice

Made By Melli- Patterns for Pirates Sweet Tee–

Guest blogger: Rebel and Malice- Jalie Dolman #3352

Diving Into Dolmans Week 2

Sewing By Ti- Create Kids Couture Donna’s Dolman

Creative Counselor- Blue Dot Patterns Georgia

Sew Sophie Lynn- EYMM Kymy’s Dolman

Made By Melli- Love Notions La Bella Donna

Guest bloggers: Rebel and Malice- Kzjo Poppy

Adventures with Bubba and Bug- Little Kiwi’s Closet Take Flight Dolman

Diving Into Dolmans Week 3

Sewing By Ti- Peekaboo Sunkissed Tee

Creative Counselor- Seamwork Aberdeen

SewSophieLynn– Hey June Aurora

Made by Melli-Peekaboo Sunkissed Tee

Guest Bloggers: Sew Far North – EYMM Assymetrical Top

Adventures with Bubba and Bug- Seamingly Smitten Dolman Sleeve Sweater with Assymmetrical Collar

Dos Natural Sistas- Hey June Aurora

Diving Into Dolmans Week 4

Sewing by Ti: Jalie #3352 Dolman

Mahlica Designs: Fancy Tiger One Hour Top

Creative Counselor: Maria Denmark Olivia Oversized Tee

SewSophieLynn- Itch to Stitch Carey

Made by Melli – Shwin Day Tripper

Guest Blogger: Sew Far North – Seamingly Smitten Women’s Dolman Sleeve Sweater

 

Sizes	XS – 3XL (0-26)
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	Printable at home
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	Yes
Line Drawings	No, just photos (but good ones)
Size made	XL
Options chosen	Cut to the tall hem length
Fabric Requirement for your size	2 yards
Measurement Chart	Yes
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	Yes
Suggested Fabrics	Medium to heavy  weight knit, sweater knit, ponte, or similar
Layer Printing Option	No
Neck Line Options	No
Sleeve Options	No
Hem Options	No
Color Blocking	Collar binding only (could do collar tho)
Seam Allowance	3/8″
Hem Allowance	1″
Separate add-on pack	No
Fit	Pretty Good
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Photographs