Are you ready for some fun?  With this top, I know I am.  This print is so playful that it is hard not to be happy when wearing it.  The fabric is a Floral and Polka Dot Double Brushed Poly.  There isn’t much left, so grab some before it is gone.

For this top, I used one of my favorite TNT patterns, the Dixie DIY – Summer Concert Tee.  This pattern came out a few years ago, but it is still in regular rotation in my sewing room.  I love the hi-lo hem and the overall flow of the top.  The only alteration I made was to add 4″ to the length and eliminate the sleeve bands.  The additional length makes it great to wear with jeans like I did for these pictures, it also works well with leggings or shorts.

I just want to state for the record that I am addicted to double brushed poly!  What exactly is DBP and how does it get so soft? It is a 4-way stretch fabric that is a blend of mostly polyester with a bit of spandex for stretch and recovery.  The knitted fabric is then sent through a process called brushing where it is mechanically combed twice to break up the fibers giving it that smooth soft feel.  Single brushed poly is also a thing and it is only combed once.

Double brushed poly was made popular a few years ago by a certain apparel MLM company with “buttery soft” leggings.  Even though I have never bought any of said leggings I can see why they are so popular.  This fabric really is buttery soft and super comfortable to wear.  Not only that but because it is a polyester/spandex blend it does not shrink and has amazing colorfastness!  I pre-washed my fabric with several other pieces that were in a variety of colors.  I washed them in warm water and tumble dried them just like I would with the finished garments.  After one full wash cycle, the fabrics came out looking just as amazing as before I tossed them in.

DBP’s tend to come in a wide variety of fun prints. That is why I love them.  Lots of novelty prints, like the cactus print I used for this dress, then there are the cats that Gillian used, and there are unicorns!  Unicorns!! If novelty prints aren’t your thing, don’t worry, Cali also stocks a great selection of florals, stripes, and solids for all your double brushed poly needs.

While the wide variety of print options makes me happy, I think what makes me happiest is the body of the fabric.  It is super drapey with lots of movement.  It works well for fitted garments like leggings but also looks great as loose and flowy tops.

With all the great print options in the Cali Fabrics shop, which is your favorite?  What would you make with it?