Sunday, August 31, 2014

Easiest Tee Yet

In my last-minute sewing frenzy before we left for Oregon, I pulled out my September, 2011 issue of BurdaStyle and traced out tee #108, the dolman sleeve tee. Burda calls these kimono sleeves, but they look like dolmans to me.

Front view
I had a nice piece of cotton jersey with a large print that I got at Backstitch in Nevada City. I thought this pattern would be just the ticket - no darts or pesky sleeves to set in to break up those giant flowers. Plus, you couldn't ask for a quicker sew. Two pattern pieces: a back and a front, both cut on the fold, and a neckband. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am; you're done.

Back view
I like to have a few light, loose, long sleeve tees around for summer wear. Even with liberal applications of sun screen I start to burn pretty quick.

Burda describes the top as slightly fitted, which is right on the money. It has enough shaping so that it feels loose but not baggy. The dolman sleeves help with the breezy feel, and I don't think they're too extreme. I lived through the 80's so I've seen some dolmans that would make your hair curl.

Sleeves hoiked up
Next time I think I'll make the sleeves just a tad longer and narrow them at the cuff just a bit. I often shove long sleeves up to my elbows when I'm doing dishes and what not. These sleeves are loose enough so that they creep back down on me before I'm ready.

For such a simple pattern, I like the way this turned out. I have some striped jersey that I'm eyeing up for version #2.

I ended up cutting the top about 3 inches shorter than Burda suggested. I wanted it to hit at my high hip, which feels long enough to tuck in but short enough so that it doesn't look too tunic-y when un-tucked. Not that I have anything against a good tunic! In a heavier knit this pattern would make a great one. Note to self: winter is coming.

My pattern review is on PatternReview.com here.

13 comments:

  1. That's a beautiful blue, Nancy. Good choice on the pattern, too, not breaking up any of those wonderful flowers. It looks very comfy and I bet it traveled well.

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    1. Thanks! It did travel well - even after 5 days in a hot suitcase I shook out the wrinkles and it didn't took too bad.

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  2. Great top. I used this pattern very successfully too. For the same reasons you note! It's a keeper

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    1. Maybe I can track you down on PatternReview.com. I'd love to see your versions.

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  3. Lovely print. You can't beat a quick make. Looks good on you

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  4. Very nice versions! I've had a good run with that pattern too...

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    1. Gosh, I'll have to troll your blog to see if I can find pictures. I'd love to see what you did.

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  5. Perfect pattern match to fabric! Love everything about your cute new top. Looks great with your skirt.

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    1. Thank you! Wish I had an asymetrical striped skirt like yours. I have my eye out for fabric to copy you!

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  6. Lovely top - I agree with you about the length - good to be able to wear it out as well, more versatile .

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    1. Thank you! As a short brick shaped person, I'm leary of tops that are too long. I've been seeing such nice tunic-length tops around that I might need to give one a whirl though.

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