Showcasing some of Riley Blake Design's new Designer Apparel fabric this week! It's 100% Rayon Challis (pronounced "shall-e") by Mimi G Style for RBD, and I think my new blouse turned out really fun!
This fabric feels so soft, is lightweight, drapes beautifully, and for a silky-slick fabric, it was decent to sew. Before I started, I looked online for practical tips for sewing with Challis. It's recommended to pre-wash before sewing, then hang to dry, but I went ahead and dried it in the dryer before I cut it out. I know myself. *Ü*
I lowered the heat on the iron and tried to be careful not to press folds where I didn't want them, as it seems to hold a press, probably until the next washing. It responded well to starch too, the clear kind. I used super-fine glass-head pins - lots of them, which was also helpful. I broke out the serger, which I haven't used for ages, and which really helped tame the edges when it came time to hem. I even used the arm of my sewing machine to edge-stitch the bands around the sleeve.
Kwik Sew pattern 3601 was a great pattern to use - simple lines, easy "inside-out" facings, and was a nice way to try out this specialty fabric! Sometimes in my quilting frenzy, I forget how enjoyable it is to make garments for myself.
Check out some practical tips for sewing with Challis HERE. Mimi G Rayon Challis is available now at local and online quilt shops.
A Groovy Grandma huh? I remember making tunics when I was younger. what's old is new again. Wish I'd had room to bring my Serger on the Mission. I could have used it for several projects. Classic Challis in Black & White.
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