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.
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.
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 |
Looks great on you! And definitely seems appropriate for your climate.
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I love this color on you! Just gorgeous!
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Very flattering color, and the neckline looks fun.
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I clicked over from Made by Melli…. I love the cowl neckline!
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That color is gorgeous and so flattering on you!
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Thank you so much
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I just love that purple. Both for myself and on you. And don’t feel bad. You’re not the first person that put their shirt on backwards. 😉 Sometimes not even tags help. 😀
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my favorite color! I can never get enough of it. I like that neckline. It is interesting and unique (and yeah, California is a beast right now, but the desert… From a longggggg time desert rat, so not fun)
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The pattern seems interesting…I love being able to make a winter shirt out of dolmans as well.
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I love your Dolman and how you used the hem tape for the sleeve hems! What a great trick that speeds things up! I am so glad you tried one of my patterns! This top looks great on you and that color is fabulous!!
Jenny Hall
Seamingly Smitten owner/designer
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Wow, how lovely of you to take the time and read and comment. I’m very flattered
I’m looking forward to making some hacks and trying some more of your patterns
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