PATTERN REVIEW: Charlie Midi Dress in Midweight Linen
FS CHARLIE Dress Made With FS TURQUOISE Midweight Linen
This dress is the second piece of clothing I’ve sewed since forever so I was excited and nervous to try it. The first garment I made many years ago didn’t go very well and made me afraid to take the risk again. This time I decided to embrace the challenge with the CHARLIE midi dress pattern, and I’m glad that I did!
The CHARLIE pattern arrived packaged in a sturdy cardboard tube, accompanied by a luxurious instructions book, full of clear explanations and beautiful illustrations that I felt were a great help to embark on this sewing adventure.
The linen I used has a beautiful TURQUOISE shade that really shines in the light, and has a great balance that feels neither sheer or heavy. It’s also very soft and easy to work with.
FS CHARLIE Dress Made With FS TURQUOISE Midweight Linen
I followed the illustrated step-by-step instructions, always impressed by the detail and clarity of the explanations. The dream of a beginner wanting a challenging pattern. The mistakes I made (and unmade) along the way were entirely my responsibility, either because I didn’t read the instructions well or because I was distracted. But I learned how to make a French seam, and a round collar that I’m very proud of!
I made some small changes to the pattern, such as removing the collar button, shortening the dress in length, and making the belt a little wider. The topstitching is not as straight as I would like, but the pleasure of wearing a garment made by me overcomes these small frustrations.
I like to wear loose dresses so despite my measurements being between size 8 and 10, I chose size 10, and I don’t regret it.
The end result is very elegant, despite the occasional less straight seam, and at the same time spacious and comfortable. Perfect for a practical princess! The fabric is very comfortable, and I can’t overstate the unique color of this Turquoise linen. Summer here I come!
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10 Comments
Susan Dibartolo
Beautiful work & that color is gorgeous on you! Thanks for sharing. You have inspired me to open the pattern & give it a go!
Candy Avila
Absolutely stunning – the color is fabulous and the dress looks perfect on you!! I have the pattern too and will definitely have to try it out.
Elsa Boucinha
Thank you Candy! It’s a wonderful pattern, I think you will love it!
Sherry Berbit
Beautiful job! I doubt I would have had the courage to make this dress for my second sewing project- well done! And it looks terrific on you.
Just a heads up – they make feet to enable you to do just about perfect top stitching, I use them constantly and my topstitching has gone from tolerable to terrific.
Michelle Shaffer
This is why I love this blog. I am a self taught sewer with many years of experience. I did not know there was a foot for topstitching. Thank you.
Candace Strong
I too am between sizes 8 and 10 and would like to suggest that Fabrics-Store start to “overlap” their pattern sizing, maybe 2-12, 8-18 and 16-24. This is especially important if the pattern includes both top and pants. I’m sure I’m not the only person that would find this helpful.
Candace Strong
Actually I should correct this to say that I am not exactly between sizes, that would be easily fixed. Rather, I am a 10 on top and an 6-8 on the bottom. I really shouldn’t have to buy two copies of the pattern!
Lauren Linen
Hello Candace,
Thank you for your feedback here. I am the patterns and sewing consultant with Fabrics-Store and I can help you select your best size and make fit and adjustment suggestions for you to help you make up the Charlie using one pattern size range.
Rita DuPont
Agree!
Elsa Boucinha
A foot for topstitching!
I didn’t even think about it but I will definitely look for one now. Thanks!