I pattern tested the recently released Allium Dolman by Sew Like My Mom. This top and dress pattern is easy to sew and flatters a variety of shapes and sizes.
It features a hemmed short or long sleeve dolman and scoop neck. The curved style line just above the bust is perfect for color blocking. The bodice is straight or gathered and has the option for pockets. The pattern ranges from ladies' sizes XXS to 3XL.
Melissa drafts for 5'3" to 5'7" in height. The instructions tell you how to adjust your pattern for more or less length. The designer wants to make sure you busty gals don't end up in a size too big, so for this one you choose your size based on your high bust measurement.
This pattern is perfect for knits that have 30% stretch or more. I know I have a few knits with less than 50% stretch that sit in my stash for a loooong time. (I hate that! Gotta keep 'em movin!) Melissa recommends using a fabric that has more structure for the yoke, such as cotton/lycra. I used a heathered cotton/lycra from Purpleseamstress.
That being said, you can use a knit for the bodice that has less than 30% or cut the bodice out in a woven fabric that has some drape, like a rayon challis. I purchased this pineapple fabric last year, not realizing it had barely any stretch. I didn't have anything to pair it with (I had purchased a yellow knit to go with it, but when it arrived it was not pineapple yellow, it was Batman yellow, grrr!) so I eventually went with the dark green as a contrast.
I was worried about the green, but I'm actually really digging it! I think though, because of the pineapples and the length, that it's going to be a nightgown. What do you think?
Check out the pattern listing for more tester photos! A few of the testers used a fun floral for the yoke and a solid for the bodice.
This pattern has great, detailed instructions. The construction is simple enough that I could recommend it to you sewists who are brand-new to sewing with knits. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!