The DIA Sweater and Tunic by Misusu Patterns

Hi! Today I'm sharing my DIA sweaters by Elles of Misusu Patterns. I can't remember when I first stumbled upon the DIA sweater pattern but at the time it only came in small child sizes. I loved the pieced diamond and was so sad it didn't come in my size or my oldest's size. Fast forward several months and Elles announced she was expanding to larger children's sizes and women's sizes! I couldn't apply fast enough even though I was already involved with other pattern tests and blog posts and have a massive list of items I want to sew. (Tell me I'm not alone!). I was elated to be picked to test!!

The lovely DIA sweater and tunic pattern releases on Friday, November 16th. (I will update and post a direct link here when it's live!)

This was my first Misusu pattern. I was impressed with the thoroughness of the instructions and professional finishing techniques. I love the attention Elles gives to drafting and the patterns include text and computerized diagrams of how to lengthen/shorten/blend/perform an FBA. The pattern pieces themselves include seam allowances and notches to line everything up properly. The women's pattern comes in sizes AA-JJ and the children's pattern comes in sizes 80-168 and include body measurements and finished garment measurements in metric (centimeters) and imperial (inches). The patterns can be printed in layers. The women's includes a straight hemmed sweater, a high low sweater, and tunic length as well as multiple sleeve lengths. The children's includes the straight hemmed sweater, high low sweater, and tunic with multiple sleeve lengths and a puffed sleeve option. There is a basic front option, a pieced diamond option, and a solid diamond option which is great for precious scraps or certain prints/designs that you might not want to break up.

I chose to sew the high low sweater and long sleeve for all of us. I really enjoyed piecing the diamonds together and the logical way the front piece of the sweater is pieced together. I haven't really done piecing before and I was surprised how much I liked it! The fabric I used for all of these (except the white tester) is a fleece backed athletic fabric from the Loungeletics line at Joanns. I was disappointed to learn it is no longer available because I really wanted a grey and a blue DIA.

This white version is sewn in sweatshirting, leftover from Lisbon's Halloween costume. I used ribbing for the bands, which I hadn't ever done before. It was super easy and result is nice. If I could find more ribbing that coordinated with fabric I would probably use it more often! I loved that there are separate neckband pieces for ribbing vs other knits. There are separate pattern pieces for the different hem bands too! I accidentally used the wrong one for this white basic front sweater but it doesn't really show in pics. I sewed size EE. I am between sizes EE and FF. I think the fit on this is just right! I love the high low and I have styled it with leggings (like in these pics), and a pencil skirt, and jeans. It's a super versatile piece in my wardrobe.













This purple version is a size FF and the bottom band width has been changed to be slightly smaller in the final version of the pattern. I feel like this is a little too big on me (especially the back) but it's perfectly comfy and great for Thanksgiving and lounging and layering over clothes. The next one I sew will likely be an EE with an FBA.



















Ansley picked the fabric colors and layout for hers. I think she was also wishing I had more of the grey and blue in The Stash. This is test version 1 and a size 146. She is a little short for the drafted height but I didn't realize it until I tried it on her. Oops. Her chest is a tiny bit small for size 146 but her waist and hips are right at size 146. I don't think it looks too big on her but I had to ask her to stop hiding her hands in the cuffs when we took these pictures.









Lisbon's is test version 2 and, if I'm not mistaken, is pretty much the final version. (*during testing it's expected that there will be slight tweaks to the fit or instructions as testers sew up their versions and as the designer gets to see what it looks like on different bodies. I like to make it clear which versions I share though and if they differ from the final versions of the patterns so customers know what to expect). I sewed a size 116 for her and she is pretty much between size 110 and 116. I think hers is perfect! It fits well and she loves it!











And we took lots of silly pictures!





























































I want to sew the non pieced diamond in flip sequins next for the girls. I've never sewn sequins before so this will be interesting! Which one will you sew first?

Thanks for stopping by!