Hello Sewing Friends! Summer has arrived bringing sunshine and hot, humid weather. Where I live there are days when the heat is downright oppressive, but I still want to look stylish.
That’s why I choose to use rayon challis to sew myself a few summer pieces. It’s lightweight and breathable with a lovely drape, making it a great choice for flowing, loose, unstructured garments that are comfortable to wear in warm weather.
I sewed a top as well as a matching set consisting of a top and wide-leg pants.
For my top, I chose the Style Arc Selina Top sewn out of a dusty cherry blossom print rayon challis.
I did make a few minor changes to the pattern. I added a small dart, lowered the neckline making it a scoop neck, increased the narrow ruffles by 3/4”, and added an additional 2” to the back gathered section. The extra fullness in the back really showcases the drape of this fabric.
By the way, I ordered matching thread along with my fabric. I love that Fabric Mart offers that service as I have to do the majority of my fabric and notions shopping online due to limited availability locally.
Once my Selina Top was completed, I sent a photo of it to my daughter, who liked it as much as I did. Guess who now owns this top. Yep, my daughter.
For my matching set, I picked a primarily pink floral rayon challis. I’m glad I ordered coordinating thread as I would have used pink thread, but Fabric Mart sent orange thread, and it was perfect!
The top and pants are from the April 2016 issue of Burda Style magazine, top #114 and pants #106.
As I sewed, my mind wandered to visions of me wearing my matching set – or faux jumpsuit - to dinner with friends, strolling through the Farmer’s Market, or enjoying a free concert at the park.
With the last seam stitched and pressed, I quickly donned my new creation and turned to my full-length mirror. Only to realize it appeared that I had sewn myself a pair of extremely cute summer pajamas.
And I love it! With costume jewelry, a pair of cute sandals, and a hat, I’m ready for my trip to the local winery or an afternoon tea with my girlfriends.
Look at the cute detail on the back of the top.
Now excuse me while I go shop the rayon challis fabrics to sew myself another Selina Top to replace the one my daughter now owns.
Until next time, Happy Sewing!
SHARON | @thesharonsews
Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories CHALLIS.
Your new pieces are perfect for hot weather, and they are very flattering too. Easy to see why you want to replace your gifted top!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Grand job. Rayon challis is my favorite fabric.
ReplyDeleteI love this top. Pink is my go to color and she did a wonderful job with this!
ReplyDeleteNice. Challis is great for hot days.
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