HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
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You survived another year, and I made a new dress to celebrate!
One of the things I look for when shopping online are fabrics that will work well together, and I had no doubts about these off-white and navy Celtic inspired stretch cotton poplins. from Mood Fabrics.
Cotton poplin with the addition of spandex is a dream come true for casual Summer sewing! Crisp, lightweight and minimal wrinkling – what more can I want?
Using my own pattern I sewed the bodice with the navy background poplin saving the reverse fabric for the collar, placket and lower band.
I generally make lower bands similar to a double folded bias tape equally encasing the lower edge on the front and back, but I was short on fabric and was forced to be creative. After cutting a four inch band and folding under 1/2 inch, I stitched the right side of the facing to the wrong side of the dress and flipped it to the right side of the dress.
The technique resulted in a nice finish to the inside of the dress. I finished the band by topstitching the band’s upper edge.
The busy design was perfect for the 16″ back darts I used to get the fitted back I was seeking, (not available in RTW! The fitted back is strictly a benefit of sewing 
).
The darts completely disappeared into the print.
Due to the poplin’s crisp nature, the collar is standing at attention with only a lightweight tricot interfacing (also applied to the placket).
But best of all, thanks to the added spandex, the dress did not need a zipper!
Not only should cotton poplins be preshrunk but I noticed the fabric retracts very slightly after cutting. I recommend cutting along the outer edge of the cutting line or marking your seam lines in case of a small retraction.
Both of the cotton poplins are still available, however Mood also offers a large selection of stretch poplins, including Liberty of London designs. Check them out HERE!
And with that, I believe it’s time to celebrate! So here’s to great fabrics, especially Mood Fabrics, here’s to fun Summer sewing and most importantly, here’s to our great nation, the United States of America!
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday 
