It’s another pattern repeat!  But with a twist.  Last time I sewed the Cashmerette Cedar dolman top I sewed it in a woven fabric, with faced round neckline and faced ties.

This time around I sewed it in a knit, with narrow hemmed edges, and a v-neckline. None of these changes were difficult to do, and have given the pattern quite a different look to last time.

The fabric is a poly/lycra knit from The Cloth Shop, Ivanhoe, and has a lovely hand to it, as well as some excellent colours in the print. I really do enjoy the challenge of sewing garments from remnant pieces! I folded back the front pattern piece at the centre front neckline until it formed a good angle for the V-neckline, then cut it out. I used the same assembly technique for the neckline as I use when sewing the Style Arc Abigail top. It’s easy to get a good finish when there’s a centre front seam!

In essence, construction starts with the shoulder seams.  Then apply a narrow strip (about an inch) of the self fabric along the entire neckline, right sides together.  I stretch it every so slightly, keeping the strip taught as it is applied.  Then turn it to the inside, and topstitch it in place.  On the wrong side trim the strip close to the stitching.  Of course, I do press after every seam that I sew – it really helps to get a good finish.  Then sew the centre front seam, with either lots of pins at the centre front of the V to keep it in place, or after basting.  Then continue with the rest of construction.

From the pattern website: The Cedar Dolman Top is a casual, dolman sleeve top suitable for drapey wovens or knits, with a relaxed fit and an optional pretty knotted detail. Great for beginners, this pattern is as easy to sew as it is to wear. From yoga to brunch, the Cedar has you covered! RECOMMENDED FABRIC:  Midweight jersey or technical fabric with good drape (can be stretch, but not required) or a lightweight woven such as lawn, silk, or rayon. Light weight fusible knit interfacing.

I sewed size 12 C/D.  Narrow turning and hemming the lower hem and tie edges seems to have worked out okay, although it does mean that the wrong side of the fabric can show on the ties.  I didn’t have enough fabric to cut the facings.  This has proven itself to be a terrific work top for a variety of climates.  I definitely recommend the pattern.