Minerva continues to impress with another gorgeous addition to their exclusive fabric collection. Meet Orchid Spray—a beautifully soft viscose challis that blends a delicate abstract floral print with a warm, autumn-ready color palette. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has just the right drape for transitional garments.

To showcase this fabric’s elegant flow, I chose to sew the Juliette Top by Chut Charlotte, a newly released pattern that’s both fun and flexible in its design. Juliette features a slightly asymmetric silhouette and comes with several customisable elements—making it a great choice for sewists who enjoy playing with variations.

Pattern Details & Customizations

This pattern includes multiple sleeve styles (gathered, flared, or straight in different lengths), a choice of round or V-necklines, and the option to add a romantic bottom ruffle. There’s even a heart appliqué pattern piece included for extra charm.

I wanted to highlight the fluid movement of this challis, so I chose to add the ruffle. To complement the gathered detail, I hacked the sleeve to add subtle gathers at the shoulder, blending into a slim straight sleeve. I achieved this by cutting the sleeve one size up and gently gathering the fabric between the notches before attaching it—simple and effective.

For better balance on my frame, I also lengthened the bodice by 1.5″ so it would sit right at my natural waist.

The original pattern includes facings, a back placket, and a tie closure. I decided to simplify the construction for a more minimal finish. After confirming the neckline would comfortably fit over my head, I opted for a self-made bias binding to finish the neckline. Using the same fabric on the bias added a lovely matching detail without bulk—perfect for this soft, drapey material.

The sleeve cuffs are designed with an elastic casing, but the same casing width works wonderfully for bias binding too. This gave me the idea that the neckline could also be finished this way—and it worked beautifully. I could easily see this technique applied to a sleeveless version for spring or summer, making Juliette a great all-season wardrobe builder.

Style & Fabric Highlight

What I love most about the Orchid Spray fabric is its subtle sheen and rich autumn tones. It’s perfect for those in-between days when you want something breathable yet still warm enough to layer. The gathered ruffle looks especially beautiful peeking out from under a cropped jacket or longer coat—an effortless way to add texture and interest to your fall outfits.

This project was the perfect pairing of fabric and pattern: light, stylish, and endlessly versatile.

If you’re just getting started with garment sewing or exploring tools to support your projects, I recently shared a guide on how to choose the best Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine—it’s a helpful read if you’re considering an upgrade or buying your first machine.

If you’re looking for a chic transitional top to add to your handmade wardrobe, I highly recommend both the Juliette pattern and Minerva’s Orchid Spray viscose challis.

Because truly… There is Sew Much to Design.