Made By A Fabricista: Ready for Sun-Drenched Days with Rayon Challis Separates

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