Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Purple Dolman Top for a Retro Feel


This fun top was inspired by the fabric -- I got this soft double sided knit in a fabric swap at my Garment Guild in December. I've been wanting to make an 80s style dolman top ever since! I finally got around to it, and I really like it. I used McCalls 8024, View B -- that's the view with the longest length and sleeve cuffs. The shape is fantastic, just what I was looking for.


I didn't really make many adjustments to this at all. I didn't shorten the body or sleeve at all, the only thing I changed was to narrow the neckline at centre front and back by 1/4" each and shorten the neckband slightly to match. This one cut and sewed up very quickly and easily. 


The only real issue I have with it is that it is a bit staticky so sometimes clings to bits I'd prefer it didn't cling to ;) But I love how the soft knit drapes and how soft it is to wear.



I'm not a huge fan of polka dots, so used the striped side as my main fabric. But then I thought, why not use the dotted side as a contrast, so cut the neckband and cuffs the opposite way. I like it.  But stripes don't like to photograph too well so there are some funny distortions in these photos - and these are the best ones!


This was a fun one to make, and the pattern worked out very well with hardly any adjustments. The fit and natural ease in it are just right - not gigantic but nice and full. I have fulfilled my 80s dreams with this top, and it pairs so well with my thrifted beads! Super fun to make, and really comfy to wear - plus in a colour I love that doesn't show up in my closet enough. A win for sure. 



 

4 comments:

  1. love your creations and your descriptions....

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    1. Thanks so much! I really enjoy sharing my creations :)

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  2. Hi Melanie, It is a great top! I can remember wearing a purple knitted dolman top in the 80's and loving it. I think the use of that fabric, being double sided, is perfect. I wish I could find more (or any) double sided fabric, so versatile.
    .... Sara

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    1. This fabric was a wonderful find - I was delighted to swap for it :) This top is exactly what I was imagining and I'm so glad it lived up to the idea I had! Not always the case ;)

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