Mykonos set made with FS IL019 Desert Sand Softened, IL019 Apple Cinnamon Softened, IL019 Fungi Softened, IL019 Angora Softened Midweight Linen

If you know me or my sewing account at all, then you know I’m a solid supporter of a good button up. I actually found my holy grail of one in the Noa Shirt, one of Fabrics-Store’s many free patterns. I’m a long-time user of their pattern freebies; they were in fact all I used when I first started sewing because I was on such a tight budget. I’ve lost count of the number of Noas I’ve made over the years, with both long– and short-sleeve versions, dress hacks, and even an oversized flannel shacket. 

Mykonos set made with FS IL019 Desert Sand Softened, IL019 Apple Cinnamon Softened, IL019 Fungi Softened, IL019 Angora Softened Midweight Linen

Recently, Caitlin Snyder has been talking about dopamine sewing over on her instagram (and in a series on here!), which is inspired by dopamine dressing. This term was originally coined by fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen in 2020 when she was looking for ways to boost her mood during the pandemic because of well, obvious reasons. What resulted was a fashion movement that prioritized wearing whimsical and playful color combinations, patterns, textures, and silhouettes. 

Mykonos set made with FS IL019 Desert Sand Softened, IL019 Apple Cinnamon Softened, IL019 Fungi Softened, IL019 Angora Softened Midweight Linen

Now if I said anyone has ever called my style whimsical and playful, I’d be lying. I’m practical through and through. But I got to thinking about what my version of dopamine sewing would be, and then as luck would have it, I stumbled across the Mykonos pattern.

I was instantly enamored with the short-sleeved view of the button up. The plethora of pockets–four total–and unusual side piecing with so much color-blocking potential felt playful and practical. Does a shirt really need that many pockets? Maybe not. Does it make me feel like the coolest extra from The Big Lebowski during the bowling alley scene? Absolutely. And spoiler, now that I have a shirt with four pockets, I can confirm they’re all necessary. 

Mykonos set made with FS IL019 Desert Sand Softened, IL019 Apple Cinnamon Softened, IL019 Fungi Softened, IL019 Angora Softened Midweight Linen

Mykonos Shorts made with FS IL019 Desert Sand Softened Midweight Linen

I made Size 2 without any mods and I am smitten. The construction is certainly not for the faint of heart with its many steps and finicky chest pocket and collar insertion, but in the end, it comes together cleverly. Get ready for a lot of top-stitching. I used a combination of softened linen in muted colorways fungi, desert sand, angora, and apple cinnamon. Some neat features include the hidden inside chest pocket buttons, the clean curved front hem, and the triangular side panels.

Mykonos set made with FS IL019 Desert Sand Softened, IL019 Apple Cinnamon Softened, IL019 Fungi Softened, IL019 Angora Softened Midweight Linen

The Mykonos also comes with a pleated pants and shorts pattern. I wasn’t sold on the long, knee-length shorts, so I lopped off five inches of the hem and am much happier. I also chose to forego the back welt pockets, because I’ve just never quite liked how they look. I made a Size 2 here as well, but next time I’ll definitely add some width in the hips for more wiggle room. Thinking I’ll exaggerate the front pleating a bit more to accomplish this, and to really lean into the 80s Florida dad vibe that gives me that instant mood boost everyone’s talking about.

Mykonos set made with FS IL019 Desert Sand Softened, IL019 Apple Cinnamon Softened, IL019 Fungi Softened, IL019 Angora Softened Midweight Linen

Turns out it’s really fun to lean into your silly style cravings. Salmon pink shorts are not something I would have typically introduced into my wardrobe, but they pair delightfully with so many of my basics for weekend outings. I actually prefer the look of them more as they wrinkle and wear, making them easy to throw in a bag for a summer adventure. The top feels like a subtle statement piece that can just as easily be worn with slacks as a bathing suit.

And c’mon, those pockets.