Sun Kissed Dolman Tee

Such a quick, easy, pretty top perfect for everyday wear. It uses less than a yard (for my size) of knit fabric and sews up from printing to finished in less than an hour! Perfect, perfect, perfect!!! 

The Pattern

This is the Sun Kissed Tee* from Peek-a-Boo Pattern shop* comes in sizes XXS-XXXL (30-50" bust) and there is also a matching girls version (3m-12 years) releasing very soon as well. there are 15 pages to print and assemble for the ladies pattern.  The pages aren't no trim but this enables less paper wastage. There isn't a layers function either but each sizes line is a different colour and the sizes are written every-so-often alongside the lines to make it possible to print in black & white.  There are just 3 patten pieces, needing one of each cut (front, back and neck binding) and 7 steps to the actual sewing!  The instructions include photos.  There are 2 length options and 2 options to binding the neckline too, visable and non visible. Between 3/4 yard (approx 70cm) and 2 1/4 yards (approx 2m) of knit fabric with minimum 30% stretch and some 1/4" elastic if doing the ruched version are needed for all the sizes.  

My Versions

I tested the XS ruched version with the visable neck binding. I made 2 of these during testing, I would have made more if I wasn't so poorly throughout! My first one was the orange and turquoise which is a cotton lycra and the second was the lace effect poly lycra mix.  They are both as per the pattern as I went back and made the adjustment from the revised pattern onto the first one.  I used less than 1 metre of fabric for each of these and still have enough left over to go with another project.  It was a very quick sew taking less than an hour from printing to finished for the first and about 30 minutes for the 2nd as no printing was needed.  It was so simple to sew that it really will become a staple in my spring/summer wardrobe. it wil also be called upon when I need a new top very quickly, I think it's the quickest top pattern for myself I own.

How does it fit?

This pattern is drafted to be snug fitting through bust waist and high hips, my measurements are spot on for the size I made and overall I think they fit great.  They both hang slightly differently and I think I prefer the lace one due to this, the cotton lycra seems to be a little thicker so not ruche quite as much and appear a little longer. There is also something going on between the bust and arm but only on the lace one so I have a feeling that this is a fabric specific problem rather than the pattern in general so I'll tweak around with different fabrics.  I also like the length for a tee but I am a fan of tunics so will have a play lengthening it as well in future.

Project cost

Cost based on 1 top only, prices in brackets have been converted to $ or £.

Full price pattern - (£7) $9.95
Fabric cost (for 1) - £3.99 ($5.68)
Notions - 50p (71cents)

Total cost - £11.49 ($16.35)

predicted cost for each further top using similar fabric- £4-£5!! ($5.69-$7.11) or using custom fabric - £15 ($21.34)

The pattern is on sale today (10th March) only with 15% off! 

The Verdict!

I really love how quick, easy and flattering these are and how little fabric my size uses.  I will be making lots more, adjusting length if made in fabric other than cotton lycra. ​

How to buy

Top Pattern - Sun Kissed Tee*
Maternity add-on - Sun Kissed Maternity Add-on Pack*

Matching Girls Pattern (I'll update with a link when released)

Jeans Pattern - as always, my favourite Birkin Flares!

Affiliate links included throughout this post marked with an asterisk '*' it costs you nothing extra but means I get a few cent's if you buy the pattern after clicking through.  I would love it if you could use them if this post has inspired you but feel free to navigate there yourself if you prefer! Thanks, Sarah