What do you know about challis?

[temom]

When I was at Joann Fabric on Halloween, I stumbled across a white challis in the red tag section. It said to wash warm and hang to dry. I was thinking it would make a nice blouse, so I bought a piece.
What would happen if it went into the dryer? I saw some on sale at one of the online places, but they mostly say dry clean. Do you think the dry clean challis would be washable?
What do you know about this fabric? Is it easy to sew? I'm clueless, so please educate me.
Thanks

[HeyJudee]

Waaaayyyyyy back in the 80's when I used to sew my own clothes, I often bought challis to make dresses. I always washed and dried by machine and it was a beautiful fabric. But that was back in the "olden" days...LOL. If you want to try some, then I'd definitely prewash and dry by machine to see how it turns out before cutting out your pattern.
Here's a link about challis that I found that may help...http://www.ehow.com/info_10045458_challis-fabric.html

[DorothyL]

I've always machine washed and dried it too.

[MartySews2]

I always washed and dried my challis skirts for work and most of the time, they needed very little pressing. I did it even when the tag said to dry clean only. With dry cleaning being $5+ per item, it is out of my budget even when I worked full-time. I think that it will make a beautiful blouse for you, Theresa.
Marty

[LeapFrog Libby]

I love the softness and drapeability of Challis. I have always washed and dried in the machines.. I have a challis scarf that is about 15 years old that I wear because I love the print. It has been washed and dried so many times.. Still looks great..

[kaitlinnegan]

Definitely prewash. It shrinks a lot, but it is washable.

[temom]

Thanks, everyone. I will toss it in the washer again, but this time put it in the dryer and see how it goes.