Hello Sewing Friends,
I hope you are all well and enjoying the warming temperatures as we head into Spring. Today, I am sharing my review of the Dionne Duster Pattern by Sew Altered Style. I created this pattern as part of the #Bhmpatterndesigners Instagram challenge hosted by SewNaturalDane and Keira of Island Sewcialist. This is a comfortable cardigan and duster pattern named after famed singer Dionne Warwick. I enjoyed sewing this lightweight cardigan as another entry for the challenge.
Pattern Overview
The suggested fabrics are sweater knits, double knits, French terry, cotton jersey, rayon jersey, Tencel jersey, Merino jersey and rib knit.
There are two views of this pattern. A princess seamed duster view with as well as a traditional cardigan view with an optional button placket. There are also length options (cropped, waist, long & duster) for both views and cup options for A/B or C/D bust cups. Additionally, there are cut lines and armband pieces to make each version sleeveless.
Sizing
This pattern is available is sizes 00-30 with the following body measurement ranges:
Full Bust: 31 inches to 57 inches, Waist: 24 inches to 49 inches & Hips: 34 inches to 59 Inches.
Pattern Pieces
View A has the following pattern pieces:
Front, Center (cut twice), Front Side (cut twice), Back (cut on the fold), Front Band (cut twice), Slant Pockets (2 pocket & 2 lining), Sleeves (cut twice), Cuffs (cut twice) and Arm Bands for sleeveless option.
View B has the following pattern pieces: Front (cut twice), Back (cut on the fold), Sleeves (cut twice), Cuffs (cut twice) & Armbands for the sleeveless version as well. Be sure to check out Tea of CrumpetTeandSewings video on this second view on her YouTube channel.
Fabric
The fabric requirements vary by size from 1 7/8 yards for smaller sizes at cropped lengths, to 4 yards in larger sizes for the duster. I used a cotton jersey print from Melanted Fabrics called MiMi G Knit Animal Red. Its fabric content is ninety-five percent cotton and five percent spandex.
Sewing Process and Pattern Adjustments
I decided to sew the long view instead of the duster view because I had three yards of this print and I knew I wanted to make a top with the remaining fabric at some point in the future. I sewed a size 10 in the C/D cup for my 36-inch bust. My body measurements generally have me between a B and a C cup, so I went with this C/D option to ensure that I had more room, but I think I would have been fine sewing up the A/B cup pieces.
I shortened the bodice pieces by 1.25 inches and the sleeves by one inch to account for my height. I also set in the sleeves instead of sewing them in flat per the directions. I find it easier to add sleeves this way when the sleeve hem has gathers. I also sewed the center back of the collar band to the center back seam before I sewed down the rest of the band to the front center piece. This ensured that the center back seam didn’t shift while sewing.
The directions were clear and detailed with explanations on how to adjust the bust line, additional full bust changes and how to shorten and lengthen the pattern for your personal measurements. An advanced beginner or intermediate sewer could sew this pattern easily and quickly because of the pattern’s attention to detail.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed participating in this years #Bhmpatterndesigners Challenge and I am so glad I made this pattern. I know I’ll get a lot of wear out it during the warmer months and I know this pattern will look even better in a heavier sweater knit for Fall. For more details and twirls of me wearing this pattern. Check out my YouTube pattern review: Sew Altered Style Dionne Duster
For more information on the #bhmpatterndesgners challenge, check out the SewNatural Dane website. There are still some coupon codes available from several of the amazing sponsors as well as BHPattern Designer Fabrics (affiliate link) available for purchase through the end of February 28, 2021. You can see how the orange and pink print sewed up in my Sew Explicit Patterns Daisy Dress Blog post. I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone’s makes this year and I hope you all had a chance to get your entries in for the challenge. It’s been an amazing month celebrating Black History in the creative community.
Until Next Time,
Happy Sewing,
Crystal
I'd love to know what you think!