New Pattern Release: Vivace Dolman

Pattern Stats: Vivace Dolman

Pattern designer: Love Notions Patterns

Pattern level: 2/10

Time start to finish: 1.5-2 hours

Suggested fabrics: drapy wovens such as rayon challis or light to medium weight knits such as bamboo, rib knit, jersey, rayon spandex

My fabrics: Teal cheetah rib knit from Mily Mae Fabrics; Navy Dusty Rose Plaid jersey knit from Pretty Posh Prints

Options: Shirt, tunic or dress length; Woven or Knit pattern pieces; FBA pattern pieces

File Types Available: US Paper, A4, A0 and projector 

Price: $12 regular price* Use code 'KatieK10' on any Love Notions purchase for an additional 10% off, including sale pricing.

I'm loving the fun designs that pattern designers have started to come up with set their patterns apart. Tami from Love Notions is one designer that I feel always has creative ideas. Her latest release, the Vivace Dolman doesn't disappoint!

The Vivace is classic style dolman with a unique v-neckline from an off-set pleat. The pleat creates extra ease at the bust to add a fun drape that I've never seen before. The options have been kept simple with this pattern with standard short sleeve cuffs and three length choices: shirt, tunic or dress. I think my favorite part though is that this can be made from either woven or knit fabrics! The pattern includes separate pattern pieces for each fabric type as well as FBA pattern pieces. 

For testing, I made the knit version in tunic length for both of my makes. I'm also working on a woven shirt length in rayon challis for a Minerva blogpost coming soon. For sizing, when between sizes on this top, size down. I measure between a small and medium for my bust and chose to make a small. Normally I would grade out for my waist but found that wasn't necessary with the Vivace. 

The cutting and construction of Vivace is pretty simple. One benefit to a dolman style top or dress is that it doesn't require sewing a sleeve. Instead, there are a front and back piece, cuffs and the neckline pieces. You will also need interfacing for the neckline lining. For the knit version I used Pellon Easy-Knit while for the woven top I'm working on I'm using shape flex. I found the most difficult part of this pattern was attaching the unique v-neckline especially with the plaid. I would recommend basting it on so you can check how it lines up. 

My first Vivace was made from a jersey plaid I picked up from Pretty Posh Fabrics several years ago. I didn't realize at the time I was adding a bit more difficulty since I needed to ensure my plaid was straight not only on the bodice pieces but also the neckline. It all worked out in the end but keep that in mind with plaids and stripes or using any directional fabric. Since I was working with a short cut of fabric, I used navy DBP for the cuffs on this one.  

My next Vivace was made with my favorite fabric lately, rib knit! I love that rib knit has drape and a medium weight, isn't sheer and is easy to work with. This one is the teal cheetah from Mily Mae Fabrics. Now I sewed this specific fabric into another top a couple months ago but I'm one to not waste fabric. I don't see any issue with making multiple items from the same fabric as long as they are for different seasons. The other top is a long sleeve, more wintery item while this is short sleeves and great for spring. 

For styling the Vivace, I've chosen to wear it with my Sabrina Slims in jegging knit. It can easily be belted at the waist to give more shape or left unbelted for a looser drape. I by no means found this to be too loose or tent-like. 

With my rib knit Vivace, I paired it with basic black leggings. Let me be real here, I love tunic length tops because I wear leggings almost everyday. 

The Vivace Dolman is $12 for regular pricing. If you are reading this January 28, 2022 it's $5 today only. That's a steal! Also, don't forget to use 'KATIEK10' for an extra 10% off. 

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