The best thing that happened during this self-quarantine is it forced me to work with what I already had in my sewing room. I'm not just referring to my fabric stash, either. I had to use my notions and patterns, as well. There was no going to the store to purchase elastic or buttons that I already had at home because I wasn't going to the store to buy fabric. It also eliminated my habit of browsing through patterns when they were on sale and going home with yet another pattern that will collect dust.

So begins the story of how I ended up with this beauty. DIBY Club gifted this pattern to me in exchange for my review, and I’m going to keep it real with you, I was unsure about this one. But one thing you all should know about me is that I'm willing to give new designs a try because even if it doesn't work, I usually learn something new from the sewing experience. But this pattern did not disappoint! And now I regret having doubts because it led to me not sewing the optional pocket add on, and I just keep thinking about how amazing it would've been with them. Tsk tsk tsk.

If you want to see this dress in motion check out the short video clip on my Facebook or Instagram account.

Now for the review. I made the dress in a poly satin purchased from The Fabric Store. I bought this a few years ago when their LA location was still open. I also purchased a beautiful brocade during that shopping trip that I have yet to sew. I love everything about this fabric, and it's one of the reasons I waited so long to use it. The print is beautiful, the drape is spot on, and the fabric feels fantastic against my skin.

The Sojourner Bias Dress is a semi-formal dress with flutter sleeves, a gathered skirt cut on the bias, a lined bodice. You have two options for the waist area; you can gather the skirt and finish with an invisible zipper in the side seam or you can gather and finish with elastic. I went with elastic because I didn't have an invisible zipper in my notion box that matched the fabric. My skirt is the hi-low cut and I went with the scoop neckline. I cut a size 6 for the bust and graded to a 4 at the waist. I finished the hem with a rolled hem using my serger, but you can also do the rolled hem technique using a rolled hem foot if you don’t have a serger. I have already detailed why I like DIBY Club patterns here and that applies to this pattern as well. Next time I make this dress you better believe I plan to add the pockets and I also want to try the side zipper closure.

The dress is paired with my favorite summer sandals ( I now own three pairs), Michael Kors T-Strap Berkley Sandal. Until next time creative people.