Dive into Dolmans – SewSophieLynn

Dive into Dolmans Round-up Review

Can you believe the end is here? I’ve had such a blast with my co-bloggers and have learned so much. Did you pick a favorite pattern? Maybe find a couple you just HAD to have?

Here’s a little run-down of what we reviewed:

Diving Into Dolmans Week 1

Sewing By Ti- Sew Much Ado Seafarer
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

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
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
Mahlica Designs: Fancy Tiger One Hour Top

Diving Into Dolmans Week 5

Sewing By Ti: Patterns for Pirates Pumpkin Spice
Creative Counselor: EYMM Natasha
SewSophieLynn- Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee

Guest bloggers: Sew Far North – Nap Time Creations Easy Breezy Summer Tee
Lulu & Celeste: Shwin Day Tripper

Diving Into Dolmans Round Up

Sewing By Ti
Creative Counselor
Sew Sophie Lynn

Guest Bloggers: Bubba and Bug

I love seeing them all together- what a variety of fits and features! All dolmans are definetely not created equal.

To check out my other beloved dolmans you can head here.

Ready to see my picks? Drumroll please….

My surprise favorite is …

The Itch to Stitch Carey Top! I love, love this top! It’s not super versatile (like, I think people will catch on if I were to sew up a dozen and wear them everyday) BUT I will make more for sure. I really want a light woven version for summer. The gathered arms are just so fantastic and unique and really elevate this pattern.

Most comfortable goes to…

The Mandy Boat Tee from Tessuti. It’s such a cute, comfy silhouette and very easy to wear. Not the most flattering but most days I don’t really care 😉

The one I’m most anxious to sew up again is…

The Hey June Aurora Tee. I love the side colorblock option with this pattern and definitely need to try it. I also want an easy-breezy short sleeve version for summer. Adrianna recently posted the cutest slouchy Aurora tee hack here that I’m dying to try too.

Most flattering goes to…

EYMM Kymy’s Dolman. My poor little chest and lack of waist gets camouflaged great in this silhouette. I’d love to try the side rouching option for even more belly hiding. I think in a drapier fabric it will be even better!

My cool weather staple will be…

the Pumpkin Spice Dolman from Patterns for Pirates. I love the silhouette of this tee with the long sleeves. The volume up top with a fitted sleeve and waist works wonders on my frame too. I will definitely be making more of these when the weather cools down.

My go-to staples will remain the same…

Sew Much Ado’s Seafarer Top is so quick and I love the slim fit of it. It’s the perfect basic top for me.

Shwin’s Daytripper Top is another go-to that I can’t give up- pockets in a top are genius! I’ve even hacked this one into my favorite loose-fitting maxi dress. It’s just so good!

The Love Notions La Bella Donna Top is so super flattering and could potentially dethrone my other got-to’s. I need to make a short sleeve version stat but I absolutely adore my long sleeve ones.

K- are you feeling overwhelmed? That’s a lot of dolmans, right there! The great thing about the pdf world is that there is something for everybody. I certainly loved following my co-bloggers on this adventure and even with my abundance of dolman patterns I think I may pick up a couple of their favorites too. Dolmans are so versatile and each pattern has it’s own unique fit and options that I hope you found the perfect pattern (or two…or ten!).

A HUGE thank you to the designers who so willingly gave patterns for this series and to the other bloggers who worked so hard each week. Thanks Ti for letting me join in the fun.

And thank ya’ll for following along! I hope to see you around here again soon!

Dive into Dolmans Bonus

I know- it’s not Thursday but I’ve got a special little bonus post for you.

Dolmans were some of the first pdf’s I ever tried and the very first knit garments I ever sewed myself. They are just perfect for beginners.

The Seafarer Top by Sew Much Ado is so quick and easy and I have a million in my closet.

It’s a slim fitting dolman with just the right arm curve, in my opinion. There are options for bands or hems and also a pocket piece. I love to change up the band widths for different looks too.

It makes a great basic top and looks totally different depending on fabric choice.

This is my favorite and it’s done in a poly jersey knit. You can check out Ti’s full review here. I think it’s great to see it on a different body type too and hers looks awesome.

Another favorite dolman pattern is the Day Tripper Top from Shwin Designs.

You can get full reviews of this pattern at Lulu and Celeste and Made By Melli.

I love all the options with this one- short sleeve, long sleeves, different hem lengths and curves, and POCKETS! The pockets are the best!!!

I love this cozy reverse french terry version. The pockets make it perfect paired with leggings.

I love the longer length to keep my toosh covered and comfortable.

It’s a looser fit than the Seafarer and I love the slouchiness of it. Bonus- it can be made in a woven too!

Aren’t dolmans just a thing of beauty? So quick and so cute!

I can’t leave out the fabulous Love Notions La Bella Donna (affl. link) that I reviewed here. It’s full of options too and looks great on every body. It’s got a longer dolman sleeve that creates a flattering silhouette. With tunic and regular length and multiple sleeve options, it’s a super versatile pattern to have.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a full round-up and links to see what my co-bloggers picked as their favorites too! Thanks for joining in on the super fun tour!

Dive into Dolmans- Itch to Stitch Carey

Another Thursday, another dolman. Do you have a favorite yet? You can see my other reviews here, here, and here.

This week I have Itch to Stitch’s Carey Top and a coupon code at the end. Here’s all the details before I tell you what I think:

Sizes	00-20 (waist sizes 25 3/8″- 40 1/2″)
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	18 pages/yes
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	Yes
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	4
Options chosen	I made it as is but had to piece my back.
Fabric Requirement for your size	1 5/8 yd
Measurement Chart	waist, hip
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	Yes
Suggested Fabrics	Knit or Woven with drape at least 54″ wide
Layer Printing Option	Yes
Neck Line Options	Round neckline
Sleeve Options	Drawstring gathered sleeves
Hem Options	High/low shirttail hem
Color Blocking	Contrast panel in sleeve
Seam Allowance	3/8″
Hem Allowance	3/8″ bottom, 3/4″ sleeve
Separate add-on pack	No
Fit	Loose and flowy
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Drawing

I was drawn to the fun drawstring details of this pattern. It truly sets it a part from all the other dolmans out there.

I absolutely love this top. In all honesty I was dreading making yet another dolman but I love that this is so unique and unlike anything I have in my closet already.

I struggled with fabric choice because this pattern is written for woven or knit so the possibilities were endless. I settled on my go-to stripe/floral combo. The stripe is from LA and the floral is from Jo-Ann. I picked up pre-made drawstring at Jo-Ann but the tutorial goes into how to make your own too.

I had to eek out this top in the stripe and have a seam down the back because of it. I’m so happy with my fabric choice though and glad I got creative to make it work. The top goes together fairly quickly and the tutorial is so clear and easy to follow. I did add 1.5″ at the lengthen/shorten line since I am 5’7″ and most of my length is in my torso. I love that it covers my bum now too. I always like the sides of my shirttail hems to hit mid-hip so I know I won’t be tugging at it all day.

I love that it’s a bit dressier than my other tops but still comfy and casual. This will get so much wear and I’m already planning my next version in a lovely rayon challis.

I really love the fit and that it’s loose where I need it to be (it totally hides my ‘I-ate-poutine-for-lunch-belly’ :)). I definitely need a handful of these tops in my wardrobe!

Kennis at Itch to Stitch was so generous and is offering readers a 20% discount on the Carey Top through Sunday, April 24th with the code ‘carey20’. I highly recommend you hoping over and picking up your own copy!

As always, my co-bloggers have some great reviews for you too so make sure you click on through:

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

Made by Melli – Shwin Day Tripper

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

See you next week with one more dolman review!

Dive into Dolmans- Hey June Aurora

Hallelujah! It’s Thursday again- that means we’re one day away from the weekend AND I’ve got another dolman for you. Whoop, whoop!

This week I’m sharing a pattern by one of my favorite designers, Adrianna from Hey June Handmade. I had never made her Aurora Top and this was the perfect opportunity. Make sure you read to the end for an awesome coupon code for this pattern too!

Here’s all the nitty gritty-

Sizes	XS-XXL (bust sizes 32″-42″)
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	15 pages per version/yes
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	No rectangle pieces
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	Small
Options chosen	View A
Fabric Requirement for your size	2 yards (I used less than 1.5)
Measurement Chart	bust, waist, hip
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	Yes
Suggested Fabrics	knits with at least 30% stretch
Layer Printing Option	Yes
Neck Line Options	No
Sleeve Options	No
Hem Options	No
Color Blocking	Yes
Seam Allowance	1/4″
Hem Allowance	1/2″
Separate add-on pack	No
Fit	Slouchy with fitted long sleeve
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Drawings

If you’ve never used a Hey June pattern before the tutorials are always so clear and really some of the best I’ve ever used. This pattern was no exception.

The pattern is another basic dolman- long sleeves, curved hem and a facing neckline.

I’m usually not a fan of facings on a tee but this one really works well.

The long sleeve piece hits me 3″ above my elbow.

I also really like the curve of the underarm- not too wide.

I used this rayon spandex knit from Joann’s. Honestly, it’s a little wild for me but when I saw the new tie dye selection I was mesmerized. So cool but a little out there for me.

I’ve got a pair of Sloan Leggings that will go with this that I’ll share with you soon. I feel like I can be a little bit crazier with my workout clothes than I can with my everyday wardrobe so I think this tee will fit in perfectly there.

I’ve left this unhemmed for now. I’m debating adding a band to keep it in place if I’m wearing it primarily to workout in. I think this pattern, while basic, leads itself to easy hacks like bands, short sleeves, adding a neckband instead of facing, etc.

This pattern has a fun side inset option too that I didn’t use. The colorblocking options with that are so cool and flattering.

This pattern can be made up in a variety of knits like my slinky rayon version or a cozy french terry top. Adrianna has done it again- another winning pattern to add to my Hey June wardrobe. She has generously offered 25% the Aurora pattern until April 28th with the code ‘AuroraLove’. Hurry on over and pick up your copy!

Check out the other posts this week too:

Diving Into Dolmans Week 3

Guest Bloggers: Sew Far North

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Dive into Dolmans-EYMM Kymy

It’s Thursday! That means I’ve got another dolman coming your way! Didn’t you love seeing everyone’s last week?!! This week promises to be just as good so make sure you click on over…

Sewing By Ti
Creative Counselor
Made By Melli

Guest bloggers: Rebel and Malice
Adventures with Bubba and Bug

I’m super excited to bring you another new to me pattern- EYMM Kymy’s Dolman Top.

It’s a super basic dolman and I did the most basic version of it. Here’s all the glorious details:

Sizes	XS-5X
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	a million 😉 actually there are three styles and each style prints between 18-24 pages making 66 pages total- no copy shop version
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	Yes
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	Small with Medium length
Options chosen	View B
Fabric Requirement for your size	1 yard
Measurement Chart	chest, waist, hip, shoulder to hip
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	No
Suggested Fabrics	Knits with 25% or more stretch
Layer Printing Option	No
Neck Line Options	No but there are tips to alter it
Sleeve Options	No
Hem Options	Hi-lo, band, tunic, basic
Color Blocking	no
Seam Allowance	3/8″
Hem Allowance	1/2″
Separate add-on pack	no
Fit	Very loose and slightly more fitted at waist
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Photographs

Not mentioned in the table above is the fact that this pattern comes with an option to ruche the side seam- a great maternity option or just to help camouflage a bit of belly. I didn’t pick that option but loved the ones in the listing.

I used this cotton/lycra from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (my go-to for almost all my solid knits). Cotton lycra is recommended in the pattern but I think it would look better in something with a bit more drape.

My biggest issue is with the sleeve in this knit. It’s got a bit too much body, making the sleeve gape. I think I’d need to wear a tank under to feel like I wasn’t flashing the world every time I raised my arms.

The neck is a wide boat neck and she does give directions on how to bring it in a touch. I may have to do that on my next one. Yep, I do think I’d make this again. It’s a fun silhouette and I’d love to try the side ruching on my next one, probably in something a little flowier. It’s such a quick sew and makes a great basic top. The size range of this pattern is pretty incredible too. It’s suggested to go up or down a size depending on the look you want. In different fabrics, sizes, and bottom hem options you could fill your closet with these and no one would know they all came from the same pattern.

I’m really loving the dolman’s ability to add a little volume up top and also help define my waist. Maybe dolman’s are a rectangles best friend 😉

Katie reviewed the Kymy here and I’m loving her version too! It’s great to see the same pattern on different bodies!

And here’s a little sneak peek at tomorrow’s post. I’m happy to be joining in another EYMM blog tour, this time featuring the Capsule Skirt. See you then…

Tag: Dive into Dolmans