Brooke wearing the LILY Blouse with IL019 Red Ochre Mid Weight 100% linen

Not only does the Fabrics Store have the best linen for the best price out there, but now they’ve got me hooked on their patterns too. If you haven’t tried one, trust me – start with the LILY pattern.

The LILY pattern has four options for multiple different looks. I’ve chosen to do the top and skirt, but you have the option to also do a dress or a tunic! Can’t beat all those choices in one pattern. Plus, each choice pairs perfectly with the other, making this pattern a winner in my mind.

I’m a sucker for sets, so of course, I immediately decided I was going to sew the top and skirt in matching linen. I chose the IL019 Red Ochre Mid Weight linen as I generally gravitate towards neutrals, but this pattern was screaming color to me. Plus, these pieces are timeless and can be paired with almost anything in my wardrobe.

If you haven’t pulled the trigger on a FS pattern yet, it is more than worth it. The pattern comes rolled up in a cardboard tube with an in depth instructions booklet printed in color. If you feel like being fancy, you can even hang your cut out pattern by the pattern hook they provide. I decided to roll mine back up after use and stored it in the cardboard tube it arrives in.

Brooke wearing the LILY Blouse with IL019 Red Ochre Mid Weight 100% linen

The instructions are clear and easy to understand. Everything from fabric cutting tips to the step-by-step guide was perfectly demonstrated in the detailed graphics. I didn’t need to make any alterations because the design is a looser fit so sizing is a bit easier to decide on. The size I chose worked perfectly for my body and if I decide I want to have a slimmer fit, I’ll choose to do one size smaller for my next version. I used some vintage 70’s buttons from my stash that I had thrifted a while back – they were the perfect orange, like they were waiting for this exact top!

I’m the kind of seamstress who likes to sew on the fly! I enjoy making decisions about the finished garment while I’m sewing and don’t usually make a muslin beforehand. Sometimes it can get me into trouble, but not this time! The pattern calls for two buttons on the sleeves, but I decided to only do one button at the end of the sleeve cuffs as I liked the full length and I prefer my sleeves to be open when folded up. Next time I sew this top or dress, I will definitely choose to use either a much thinner interfacing or maybe no interfacing at all! I’m not a huge fan of crisp details and I found that the interfacing I chose was a bit too thick and rigid for my liking.

The LILY pattern turned out to be one of my favorites and I would highly recommend it. I love that there are so many options you can mix and match with your other makes so easily. I’m definitely planning on making the dress, the tunic and at least one more top in a few different linen color ways.