Sol made with FS All-purpose Dusty Lotus FS Signature Finish

With some warm-weather travel upcoming, I’ve been thinking about sets that can mix and match easily. Sets offer versatility while keeping packing light. A monochromatic outfit will also look effortlessly put together and elegant.

The Fabric Store Sol pattern is beautiful, including pants, a “cardigan,” and a tunic. I was immediately drawn to the sophisticated collar and cuffs on the tunic and cardigan. I chose a signature finish, medium-weight linen in Dusty Lotus. This moody grey/green will integrate well into my wardrobe.

Sol made with FS All-purpose Dusty Lotus FS Signature Finish

The pattern came beautifully packaged in a storage tube. It included a full-color instruction booklet and even a pattern hook! While I’ve often admired some of the patterns available from Fabric Store, I hesitated to invest because they can be perceived as more expensive than other pattern designers. However, when I thought about it, the cost was equivalent to buying any independently designed PDF pattern and sending 2-3 large-format pages to the copy shop.

Sol made with FS All-purpose Dusty Lotus FS Signature Finish

I made the open-fronted cardigan and pants in a straight size 12. I took considerable length from the pants (I’m short!), intending to finish at an ankle crop length.

The instructions did not disappoint. They were straightforward to follow and walked me beautifully through an invisible zipper which I had not previously had much experience sewing.

Sol made with FS All-purpose Dusty Lotus FS Signature Finish

Everything turned out just as expected. While at first, I was skeptical of a pant with no pockets, in the end, I love how flattering these are. Also, I wear pants under dresses and longer tunic-style shirts, so the clean lines make these perfect for layering.

I did cheat myself on some collar placket interfacing. If I made this top again, I would interface both sides of the fabric as instructed to avoid some pulling along the detail stitching. I also did a button on the pant instead of a metal hook because I prefer the security of a button and buttonhole. I left the buttons off the cardigan to maintain the clean lines.

Sol made with FS All-purpose Dusty Lotus FS Signature Finish

I had over a yard left of the fabric (maybe due to not making the included belt?). Still, because I adjust for being short, I frequently find that patterns overestimate how much fabric I need. It was a pleasant surprise because I had plenty to make other items to complete this set. I made the ubiquitous Ogden Cami, and these three pieces will be significant travel workhorses. The cami and pants together give me a faux jumpsuit effect, which I love.

Sol made with FS All-purpose Dusty Lotus FS Signature Finish

Overall, Sol was a pleasure to sew. I wouldn’t hesitate to invest in a Fabric Store pattern – it’s a luxury sewing experience with timeless designs you’ll return to again and again.