Made By A Fabricista: My New Rayon Challis Makes

Hi all! I absolutely love lemon print fabrics, especially large lemon prints.  Even though I slightly feel like I’m sewing out of season, I’m excited that I was able to make a dress with this rayon challis lemon print. 

This month’s blog post features two sewing makes that were made with rayon challis fabrics. In a recent blog post, I’ve mentioned that cotton fabrics are my favorite type of fabrics to sew; however, I love a good rayon challis fabric as well. This month I decided to take a break from cotton fabrics and make a few garments with these two rayon challis fabrics that were sponsored by Fabric Mart. Both of these fabrics were easy to sew and did not disappoint! 

First, I made this gorgeous lemon print dress with the Simplicity S9014 pattern. This was a relatively easy pattern, for beginners and advanced beginners, that features an elasticated waist, pockets, tie belt and sleeve and skirt length options. There’s also a cuff pattern for the longer sleeve option. I decided to make the variation with the maxi skirt and long billow sleeves with cuffs, since I had 3.75 yards of this fabric. I made my standard adjustments that I usually make for commercial patterns, which includes a forward shoulder and bicep adjustment. I also added a snap closer to the front neckline near the cleavage to ensure that the garment remains closed. However, I didn’t really have any issues with the garment opening. 

Although no other adjustments or alterations were made, I would like to shorten the waist and sleeve length by an inch if I make this pattern in the future. My favorite details for this pattern are the gathered sleeves with cuffs, and the flat collar band. It is an ideal and flattering dress pattern that has much to offer. 

This is such a great pattern for fabrics with large prints because there aren’t many details on the bodice and skirt. I just love how this pattern showcases the lemon print. As expected, the fabric was slightly slippery while sewing. So I had to take my time and sew carefully to avoid skipped stitches and such. This 57” wide black lemon print fabric have a soft hand and a fluid drape. It is also light weight, which makes this a perfect dress for spring and early summer. 

In addition to making a beautiful spring/summer dress, I made a two piece matching set with this off-white and black floral rayon challis. The blouse was made using the Butterick B6814 pattern, which features a flounce on the neckline and 3/4 length sleeves. I’m in love with this playful neck flounce, and the fabric’s soft and fluid drape is flattering. I paired this blouse with a matching maxi skirt that I’ve made. I love how these two garments look like a dress when worn together. That’s the beauty of making matching sets. 

Lastly, I made the skirt with the Butterick B6749 This pattern includes several views of a skirt with length variations. Initially, I wanted to make a gathered tiered skirt, and that’s what I thought I was making when I chose this pattern. But the skirt pattern pieces weren’t wide enough to create many gathers on the middle and lower tiers. However, there is quite a bit of gathers on the top of the skirt at the waistband. Mostly, you are easing the fabric of the middle and lower skirt pieces; there are no gathers on the middle and lower sections. So I wouldn’t recommend this pattern to you if you’re looking to make a gathered tiered skirt. However, the pattern is a great choice for color blocking. The pattern comes with a waistband piece that is designed for an elastic waistband. I omitted the original waistband pattern and used a flat front waistband pattern for the front of the skirt, and a waistband pattern designed for an elasticated back. I like the look of a flat front waistband. 

I had fun making these garments! I hope you enjoyed this month’s blog post. Thanks for stopping by and ready the post. I can’t wait to share my last blog post of the year. Stay tuned! It’s going to be a good one! Happy sewing! 

TEAMEAKA | @crumpetsteaandsewing

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Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following category: CHALLIS.