Filling the gaps with the Dublin Dolman

I've been using a lot of prints in my sewing for me and recently even pushing my comfort zone to using prints for trousers as well.  It's been great for my wardrobe in livening and brightening it all up but it created a problem I'd never had before when on several occasions now I realised I was pretty bad at print matching and didn't have many plain coloured or simple styled tops to pair with them and give me multiple ways of wearing each.  

So I'm working on a bit of a 'basics' project to fill the gaps whilst keeping a capsule idea in mind.  Looking at my wardrobe, most of my clothes are in the pink to purple colour range so I need to look at co-ordinating and contrasting colours which fit with those so that each 'basic' I make can be teamed with as many things I've already made as possible.  

With that in mind, I went looking for patterns full of options, patterns which I could make lots from but all be different and very quickly came across the Dublin Dolman pattern by New Horizons. Literally PACKED with options, it was the perfect start!

As with other patterns full of options, the first part of choosing which options to make can take the longest and this was no exception! I mean there is so many options I've brought in the graphic from the website shop listing or I'd fill the entire post just describing them! 

Like all New Horizons patterns, the pattern prints as no trim pages, has layers so you can print only the sizes you need and has fully illustrated instructions.  Cut charts, page print charts and tips for sewing with knits are also included so it's definitely suitable for adventurous beginners upwards.  

I specifically wanted my first Dublin Dolman to go with my new Portlander shorts as I've been desperately struggling matching up tops in my wardrobe to these whilst also being versatile for the rest of my wardrobe.  

Although the Portlanders I made are patterned, their design is beautifully simple so I felt the top I pair with them could be a little more detailed in design which drew me to the gathered V neck option.  I found some drapey lemon rayon lycra in my stash which would suit the gathers in the neckline and also matched in pretty well to the yellow in the shorts and so, I had my plan.

I made the XS with the shorter band hem and hemmed sleeves and I'd sewn it up within an hour! I'm positive that the choosing and deciding on styles took longer than the actual sewing! 

I really love the loose airy feel to this top.  The front gathering is also feminine and flattering too. It's a perfect capsule piece for me as it will look great with jeans or trousers as well as with skirts and shorts like these and both the top and shorts in these photos could be made in a couple of hours combined!

I've ordered some more solid colour rayon lycra now to make some more in different colours and then I need to decide which Dublin Dolman option to try next! Which is your favourite?!

You can get the Dublin Dolman pattern HERE, the Portlander Shorts Pattern HERE and the rayon jersey fabric I used HERE!


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