I made a dolman sleeve top (that actually looks good)!

Man I wish I'd made a pattern. I love it! After about 15 failed projects in a row I can't tell you how good it feels to get 2 wins within 24 hours of each other! I've had a version of this top in my head ever since I scored this fabric at the Northshore Senior Center rummage sale in 2010. I knew what I wanted to make, but wasn't ready to cut into it at 8 months pregnant. I've thought about the fabric on and off for the last year and today, I finally decided to just go for it. I've known for a couple months I wanted to do a dolman sleeve because they are so trendy at the moment but also because it's so easy. Less actual sewing is always a good thing. Case in point, exhibit A below.

 
I took some measurements. I wrote down some numbers. I did some pinning, some folding, some re-measuring and had an inner dialogue that went something like "Hey self! Are you sure this is the right way to do this, remember what happened last time we tried to make grown up clothes without a pattern?" and finally some cutting. Its a pretty basic shape. I had enough scraps left over to make hems for the bottom and both sleeves but in the end I decided to leave the bottom be. I just folded over a quarter inch and sewed. I didn't even pin or measure it. Shhhhh. I added a super simple, 2 inch hem to each sleeve. I think it finishes the top off nicely and gives a simple but fun contrast with the stripes going different directions.

I'm super pleased with how it came out. I think the silhouette is flattering and best of all, I don't think it looks home sewn. I really need some comfortable tops that aren't old navy tank tops or tshirts that say things like "That's quacktastic". I've been spending a bit too much time in yoga pants of late. Momma needs to class it up a notch. Like, jeans... at least a couple days a week. Maybe 2. Yeah 2 days is a good start.