You know, a year ago I hadn’t even heard of double brushed poly… but now I’m a convert! It’s a polyester knit (not unlike ITY in weight) that has been combed on each side to give it a soft, micro-fleece-esque texture. Like all polyester fabrics, it comes in an huge variety of colours and and prints, and Cali Fabrics carries a great supply, including dots, florals, solids and the cutest cactus print!
For this project, I chose a a large-scale floral print. I love this burgundy colour-way for fall, but it also comes in mustard and pale pink, if you prefer! I like prints that combine dark colours with a bit of white – I find it always suits me better.
You’ve actually seen this pattern from me before, when I made it last fall in a black and white melange knit. I wore that one so much I knew I needed another!
Tessuti’s Ilsa is a trapezoid shape, with narrow hips and sleeves, and a batwing effect over the torso. I love the combination of boxy and fitted. The front pattern piece wraps over the shoulders and becomes the yoke for the back. I wanted to highlight those seams in the busy print, so I coverstitched them in cream thread.
For this version, I added a wide hem-band to lengthen it into a tunic. It can also be pulled up above the hips and worn as a shirt!
Can we just talk about how cosy double brushed poly is? It’s perfect for the cool weather of fall. It’s not as warm as wool, but it *feels* much cosier than the cool touch of rayon. That said, Becca did some amazing projects in this fabric, so it’s clearly versatile!
I’ve got a few projects coming up where I explore the colours in Pantone 2017 colour palette for fall, starting with this great burgundy colour. Next up I’m adding in some pink, and then I’ll show you how I’ve refreshed my wardrobe with a mini-capsule in the Pantone colours! I hope you enjoy!
How do you update your wardrobe each season?
I absolutely love this fabric, Gillian, and the Isla top you made with it looks fabulous on you! Wow! Thanks for introducing us to this fabric. It looks perfect for the cooler weather and it is so pretty. I saw the other colors and patterns on Califabric’s website and I WANT THEM ALL! I wonder if this fabric is available at their brick-and-mortar store, Fabric Outlet? It is a favorite fabric store of mine (my latest post shows a dress I just made with Fabric Outlet gingham) and I’m planning on a trip there in a few weeks. I’ll definitely be looking to buy this double-brushed poly! Thank you so much for sharing your latest make with us! I love it!
I bet it is available in person – I’m so envious you get to go there in person! I’ve heard great things!
I love this fabric! I’m going to avoid shopping on the site because I always find things I want from Cali when I look and if you saw my stash, you’d think my house WAS a fabric store!
Um, that sounds pretty dreamy to me! 😉 I used to think I had a small stash, but 6 years later it’s definitely generous!
Hi. I like to make plans with colors and styles that come to mind. It’s funny but sometimes I see an idea I had on qvc or hsn!
Clearly you are cutting edge! 😉 Good for you – I think I only convince myself to like most trends about two years after they first become popular!
LOL
I’m glad someone made something in this fabric because I keep stalking it on Cali Fabrics! Your top came out great and the fall colors suit you well. 🙂
I love a bold, large floral! I was seriously tempted by the other colours too!
I *knew* it was you or Meg who had sewn a top similar to the Bethioua I’ve been eyeing hard (https://indiesew.com/products/elle-puls-bethioua#product), so thanks for solving my mini mystery. It’s the back yoke that’s calling to me. Except now you’ve given me another choice to ponder. Hahaha!
Love yours Gillian though I’m not quite ready for double brushed poly here in Tampa after 5 days with no power … finally back on as of yesterday.
Wow, 5 days? I would love to read a post about wht your experience of Irma was like – its the kind of thing that is hard to imagine! (And I say that having lived through lots of hurricanes in Japan – 9 my first month! – but none nearly as severe!)
Also, you just blew my mind – I’ve checked out the Bethioua in the past and liked it, but I never paid attention to the designer’s name… and now I realised she is one of the people helping out in the Sewcialists Facebook group!