This was written by Angela from Sake Puppets for the Miss Matatabi Maker series.

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Hello Miss Matatabi friends!

Recently, I’ve really been into rayon. Sounds strange, but rayon is sort of a mystery fabric. Sometimes considered a natural fiber, sometimes considered synthetic, it amazingly picks up the good properties of both. Rayon is made fromcellulose, usually from wood pulp, and then is chemically treated. It has the hand of a natural fiber but the drape and durability of a synthetic. Brilliant!

With the summer months fast approaching I decided to start on my warm-weather wardrobe, dresses suitable for sweat-soaking champagne brunches. A friend gifted me the Sewaholic Lonsdale pattern and so I was on the lookout for cotton with suitable drape. This butterfly print cotton rayon blend was just the thing. I love the cool colors, and the print is interesting and geometric yet feminine.

After washing, the fabric became even softer. It feels broken in, like a favorite summer dress that has already seen many mimosas. It flows, drapes, and is super soft, but while sewing acted like a cotton and didn’t slip a bit.

The Lonsdale dress is a great pattern, and I finished most of the cutting and construction in a day. Because I have made other Sewaholic patterns, I was confident in the sizing and made view A in a straight size 6. I’m 5’7″, and left the hem where she recommended. The bodice is self lined, and let me tell you ladies, this fabric feels delightful san brassiere. Oh la la, mes amies!

My only issue was with getting the dang thing on. With an invisible zipper, the straps adjust and tie in the back with a bow. When I begged for assistance, my husband went running for the hills, citing stress over a blog-bow faux pas, and so I ended up tying myself in with some yoga-magic moves. Hence, an ugly bow. Anyone else have the same problem?

Luckily, after a few mimosas everything looks a little blurry anyway.

Thank you Angela! Connect with Angela on her blog, instagram, facebook, pinterest.