Sew Comfortable: DIBY Club's Rosa Tulip Dress

Last month I sent all of the PDF patterns that I wanted to work on for Spring to PDF plotting for print. Of course, there was no way to predict that we would be where we are, but I hate taping PDF patterns together, so needless to say, I am grateful that I got all of my printing out of the way in February. Given what's going on, most of my online orders take two to three additional days to be delivered, and that doesn't even include process time. The Rosa Tulip dress pattern was among the many patterns I had printed last month, and I sat down a couple of days ago to sew it up.

Before I begin my review, I want to disclose that DIBY Club gifted this pattern to me in exchange for my review. The Rosa Tulip dress has multiple pattern options for the neckline, sleeve length, and skirt length. I made the knee length version with a crew neckline and short sleeve. I cut the size 6 and graded to an 8 at the hip. The fabric is double brushed poly knit from JoAnn. There were several things that I liked about the pattern and a few things I disliked. Since the dislike list is short, I will start with it first. I was not a fan of the gathering. I found that gathering on this double brushed poly knit was far more tedious than I expected. It took a lot more time because the thread would not pull through easily. I also do not like how the elastic is attached to the waistband. I prefer elastic encasing. I've made several dresses with elastic waistbands, and I find that elastic is more comfortable placed between the fabric. I like several things about the pattern. First, the instructions are jammed pack with helpful tips, which I think is great if you are new sewist or new to sewing knit. I also love how the instructions are blocked and include an illustration of which pattern pieces you will be using for each section. I sew in blocks, meaning I may sew the upper bodice on day 1 and sew the skirt on day 2, so I really like that writing frame.

I also like that pattern included additional important measurement points, such as the high bust and full hip. This was a two-day project for me. On Day 1, I cut all pieces for the project, and on Day 2, I sewed it. It took me about 5 hours to complete it. My favorite thing about this dress is that I am basically wearing secret pajamas. It looks fitted because of the elastic waistline, but it's not a skin-tight fit. Combine it with a double brush knit, and you are basically wearing fashionable pajamas to work. I, like so many others, am working remotely, so I appreciate more now than ever being able to dress comfortably and still look cute for these virtual meetings.