Dive into Dolmans Week One-P4P Pumpkin Spice

I’ve got big things coming your way! Today is the first day on our Dive into Dolmans Blog Tour!  I’m thrilled to join along with some amazing bloggers to help you sort through the dozens of dolman pdf’s out there.

Each week, the four main bloggers- Sewing By Ti, Made by Melli, Creative Counselor, and myself, will sew up and review one of the many dolman patterns out there on the market.  We have some fantastic guest bloggers that will be joining in the fun too.  The greatest part is that you will get to see these patterns on real women with all kinds of different body types.  Are you an hourglass?  Katie from Creative Counselor is your gal.  Ti is representing all the inverted triangles out there.  All you apples can look to cute Mellisa and I’m here to help out all the rectangles.

My first review is of the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Dolman (or PSD for short) from Patterns for Pirates.  The PSD is a loose fitting top with fitted sleeves and multiple hem options.  The pattern features no trim pages and the layers option that makes assembly a breeze.

Sizes	XXS-3X
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	19/no
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	Yes
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	Small
Options chosen	Long Sleeve, banded hem
Fabric Requirement for your size	1 5/8 yards
Measurement Chart	Bust, Waist, Hips
Cutting Instructions	No
Pattern Printing Layout	No
Cutting Layout	No
Suggested Fabrics	knit with at least 20% stretch, drapier knits recommended
Layer Printing Option	Yes
Neck Line Options	No but neckband options
Sleeve Options	Short, 3/4, long
Hem Options	Straight, curved, small banded and tall banded hem
Color Blocking	No
Seam Allowance	1/2″
Hem Allowance	1/2″
Separate add-on pack	No
Fit	Loose
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Photos

I’ve made my share of dolmans before but never a pattern with ‘batwings’.  I really like the fit of this top.  I’m very small up top and the extra fullness there is great. I really like the looseness over my belly area.  I like that I can pull the band down to wear with leggings or push it up to add a little fullness there too.  There are two bottom band options- a short waistband (7″ tall) and a tall waistband (ranges between 15″-20″ depending on size).  My band is 12″ only because I was short on fabric for the tall waistband.

The seam where the long sleeve attaches to the body hits just above my elbow.  This pattern has optional short sleeves with bands and 3/4 sleeves also. Elbow patches are a fun little pattern detail you can add too.

I chose to do the t-shirt neckband option but there is a turned facing choice too.

My fabric for this top came from a Girl Charlee knitfix.  It’s super drapey and worked perfect for this pattern.  I think the more flowy the better when it comes to this tee.

It came together so quickly- you know how I love my naptime sews.  I think that’s true of most dolmans and why they are such a favorite among sewers- we all love our almost instant gratification.

Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour today-

Sewing By Ti is sewing up the Sew Much Ado Seafarer top.  This pattern was one of my very first pdf’s and first ever knit sew.  It’s perfect for beginners and so cute too!

Creative Counselor whipped up The Tee by Cake Patterns.  The best part is it’s FREE!

Made By Melli made the newest dolman by P4P, the Sweet Tee.  It’s super popular right now so I need to check it out too!

Guest blogger: Rebel and Malice is joining us to review the Jalie Dolman.

I can’t wait to see what they’ve sewn up too!  Stay tuned each Thursday for more dolman love and reviews!