Hey, Sewists! I have been a busy bee sewing away this month. I hope you have been sewing this month too. This time around I am sharing another new summer dress. Dresses are pretty much my summer uniform and this one fits in so well.
First, let me just talk about this fabric! I used the cactus print double brushed poly in navy. Unfortunately, this colorway is not available, but there are three others still left: black with green, off-white with green, and off-white with wine. I have been eyeing this print for over half a year and I finally got some. I suggest snatching some up quick before it is gone for good.
This is my first time sewing with double brushed poly too. It is the second piece I have purchased, but the first one I have sewn up. I am here to tell you it is everything everyone says about it! It really is so soft and drapey. It is like secret pajamas in the disguise of a summer dress. I was afraid that something this soft would catch on my undergarments causing some unsightly readjusting on my part, but it doesn’t! The fabric moves perfectly with me.
Not only is it super comfortable, it also sews up so easy. I used the new Coats and Clark Eloflex thread and it made it that much easier to sew. If you haven’t heard of Eloflex, it is a thread that provides a little bit of stretch once the seam is sewn. It is great for activewear. I used to be solely in the bulky nylon camp, but I think the Eloflex and bulky nylon together should take all the fear out of sewing knits.
For the pattern, I used Bella Sunshine Designs – Amelia Dress. I have a real love of the BSD patterns. I do pattern testing for Melissa because I love her patterns so much. Her plus-size fit is spot on and her styles are young and modern. This dress is no exception. It is the second time I have sewn up this pattern and it is just as perfect as the first one I made.
The V neck in the back is probably my favorite detail. I have been on a kick for the last year or two with back details. A low back is one of my favorites right now too. Also, it is hard to see from these pictures, but there is not one bit of topstitching on the bodice. BSD patterns typically don’t have topstitching. They are designed to give a clean finish to edges by using a lining.
I could not be more pleased with this dress if I tried. I get why there is so much love for double brushed poly right now. I am definitely going to be adding more to my stash to sew up this summer.
Have you tried using double brushed poly? What did you make with it?