Tessa's Everyday Dolman Top and Tunic by Simple Life Pattern Company
/Hey y’all! It’s Jackie. I’m excited to be back, this time to tell you about the Tessa Everyday Dolman Top & Tunic from Simple Life Pattern Company. Now, before we get to the pattern itself, I must confess that prior to sewing up the Tessa, I had never made a Simple Life Pattern Co. pattern. I’d bought several of them, but I had never gotten around to making them. Now that I have, we have a new designer to add to our family favorites list. A quick glimpse of the Simple Life Pattern Company website shows a variety of patterns from dresses for the girly girls to tops and bottoms for the days when our girls want separates. Miss 9 is very specific in her clothing preferences. She wants easy to wear, low frill, tops and pants. For her, it’s all about what’s easiest to run around in on the playground. Because, you know, play is serious business! At the same time, she wants to look pretty and cool. She especially loves tunics paired with pants or leggings. The Tessa meets all of her requirements.
Miss 9 requested a top identical to the pattern’s cover image, but what’s the fun in that? Instead, we rooted through my fabric stash until we found a pretty plaid lightweight shirting that had all of her favorite colors. In all seriousness, her favorite color is rainbow! And the best part about a plaid is that it matches just about anything. We picked out a bright aqua denim for a pair of Simple Life Emilya’s Skinny Pants to complete the look.
There are only three pattern pieces with the Tessa, which means it goes together super fast! Even with only three pieces, there are plenty of options to make the Tessa reflect your favorite girl’s style. We chose the high-low option. I have been drawn to the dolman style tops for a while now, both because of how easy they are to make and because they’re really cute when worn. From the first printed page to the last stitch, the Tessa took no more than a couple hours. The pattern pages require trimming, but I actually prefer trimmable pages. I’m an oddball like that. Once it was all taped up and ready to cut, I cut a size 7 with a size 8 length based on her measurements. I found the sizing to be just right. I liked that the neckline is faced, creating a quick and clean finish. And the notched neckline allows for easy dressing, though there is a button and loop closure at the back for extra ease.
The versatility of the Tessa is endless. In addition to today’s outfit, Miss 9 has requested a top length Tessa to go with a pair of mama made joggers. Her chosen fabrics are already laid out on my cutting table, just waiting for me. I also have some pretty white Swiss dot that wants to be a Tessa. And once pool season begins, we’ll make a tunic length Tessa as a swim coverup. It’s pretty clear that this pattern has Miss 9’s stamp of approval, and her Mama’s too.
Brooke made her Tessa's Dolmand Tunic as a swim cover up. Here's her version!
Hi everyone, it’s Brooke from Idlesunshine and I am so happy to be sharing my first ever sew from a Simple Life Pattern Company Pattern - the Tessa’s Everyday Dolman Top & Tunic! I know, what took me so long?
I chose to make the longer length tunic version which will be great in cooler weather paired with tights and jeans. Right now in Australia though, we are experiencing the hottest summer on record! So while this little tunic is mini skirt length, it is absolutely perfect as a swim suit cover on it’s own.
I had this gorgeous, light-weight japanese lawn in my stash and I knew it would be the perfect fabric for this tunic. It’s light and airy, without being see-through. The Tessa Dolman was so fast to run up, with just a front, back and facing pattern pieces, I will make more for sure! I think it will be great in knit too, as a straight top or in the high low hem which are both included options.
Today Kari reviews Pearl's Zipper Dress and Top by Simple Life Pattern Company. This final product looks like it would be a difficult sew but Kari found the tutorial made it easier. Lots of attention to detail in this sassy dress.