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The Xanadu Dolman by Pickle Toes Patterns

I like sewing dolman style tops. They're fast, easy to put together, no inset sleeves to worry with. I have a secret though... I've never worn one with long sleeves. I have only used the "short sleeve" that is part of the main bodice pattern. So, I wasn't sure if I would like the "sleeves." Well, I saw the Pickle Toes Xanadu Dolman and all the options that it came with, and I was in love with the pattern. 😍 I had to have one! And since we are headed into fall, I knew that either 3/4 or long sleeves would be my friend. It was inevitable... I had to try it, and hopefully I would like it.



The Pattern: 

You can see the listing to purchase the pattern here. This is a beautiful dolman style top with many options you can choose from. The pattern includes a beautiful yoke with gathered neckline - so different from most of the other knit patterns you'll find. The options you can choose from when sewing this pattern are a regular straight hem (that has the option to be ruched with either elastic or a drawstring), a narrow band, or a wide band. You can choose either elbow length, 3/4 length, or long sleeves for this pattern. If you want long sleeves, you can even use the thumb hole option! Really, there are so many different ways to make this top... I'm sure you'll want more than one hanging in your closet!

My Top:

I bought about three yards of this double brushed poly on sale from Surge Fabrics. I really loved the colors. It is such a gorgeous print, and I've been saving it all summer waiting for the perfect pattern to come along. Through indecisiveness, I ended up hoarding pretty fabric, but recently I decided I'd rather wear it than see it folded. HA! So when I saw the Xanadu, I decided to just go for it! I had enough to cut two out, so I decided that my sister needed one too! We enjoy matching anyway, so why not?



I cut our tops out on the hem line, because I was really drawn to the drawstring. If you use the bands, you'll need a little more fabric, so you might not be able to get two from three yards, just a little warning. 😉

I initially wanted to make our tops long sleeved, and I did have enough fabric, but I made a mistake when cutting the sleeves, so we got 3/4 length instead. This is fine though, because we live in Louisiana, and when we get warm (and we will), we can push them up over our elbows more easily, right? 😜

The Details Make It!

It's the details on this pattern that really set it apart from the rest! I have other dolman patterns, but this one really stands out for a couple of reasons.

First, you have the neckline. This neckline really is a show-stopper. With a little gathering in the center front, and a yoke, it is not like any of the other PDF dolman style patterns I own. Most have simple neck bands, so with just a couple of extra steps, you've got a dressed up top!



The options for finishing the bottom of the top are amazing! There are instructions for the tie sides, elastic ruching, a simple hem, or a band. I chose the tie sides. I had a top with tie sides a LONG time ago, and loved it. So, I was really excited to see them on this. They were so easy to do too! I'm super happy with how the top turned out!



An Overview of the Pattern:


  •  simple hem, narrow band, wide band, elastic ruching, drawstring ruching
  • pretty yoke neckline
  • gathering in the center front neckline
  • several sleeve options
  • nice, comfortable fit
  • very flattering
So go on, check out this pattern for yourself! 



Thank you so much for reading this post!! I really enjoyed sewing this pattern, and hope you'll check it out as well!

Please note that I have included my affiliate link to this pattern. It doesn't cost you any extra to use it, but if you choose to purchase using it, I'll earn a small percentage of the sale 💗💗


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