I’m really loving the entire summer line from Raspberry Creek!  I was able to sew up some of this pretty Sand Stripe in rayon challis and it was an absolute dream.

Pattern wise, I used the Chalk and Notch Fringe Dress, with a small modification to ensure it was maternity-friendly:

• Removed 1.5″ from the bodice length and added it to the skirt length

That’s it!  I didn’t make any adjustments to the front length to accommodate the bump beyond that, because the skirt is gathered significantly enough and I think the curved hem balances things out.  I also wanted to be able to wear this post-maternity (it’s nursing friendly!).  I saw the maternity idea on Lara Handmade and decided to give it a try.  It worked out really well!  I think it should fit for the remainder of the summer.

This sand stripe design is just so unique and summery!  It definitely has a “sandy” appearance to it, which makes it a little different and gives the print a nice texture.  The wavey lines are so beachy.  Colors are vibrant and fun; just what a summer dress needs.  Now I need a beach and some water!

The RCF CLUB rayon challis is actually pretty easy to work with.  I didn’t have much shifting or warping, which is always nice.  It’s the perfect weight too and drapes beautifully.

I made view A of the Fringe Dress.  In my muslin version, I accidentally made the sleeves a little differently, which I ended up actually preferring to these, which is what is written in the pattern.  They drape a little low for my taste, so I may end up cuffing them up a bit and tacking them down.  Either way, it’s not a huge deal.

The neckline is finished with a facing, which I appreciate because it’s not as annoying as binding and it lays flat pretty easily.  The waist ties are optional, and at first I didn’t make them on my muslin.  But I decided I like a little more definition than I did pre-maternity, so I added them in the front darts.  Much better and it also looks a little more polished too, in my opinion.

I’ll be back soon with my muslin as well, because I’m obsessed with this pattern and it turned out to be definitely more than wearable!  Gotta love that, especially when the pattern is maternity friendly but not necessarily overly “BABY!”.  Definitely more my style.

Elisabeth