Pattern Review: Riva Short Set in Earthy Terra Midweight Linen

FS Riva Shorts made with FS TERRA FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen

Recently I saw a beautiful, and perfect, pair of shorts that Claire made. Perfect defined as: what I have looked for in a short/pant but haven’t found yet. (Remember- I have been on the hunt for the perfect trouser pattern, and shorts make the cut since it’s basically the important part of the trouser.) Turns out, Claire made the Riva Shorts.

FS Riva Shorts made with FS TERRA FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen

FS Riva Shorts made with FS TERRA FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen

I am going to cut to the chase and say what we are all thinking: The Riva Pattern is pricey. Double, even triple, the price of most patterns on the market.

So. Tell me. What do you find valuable in a sewing pattern? Is it the instructions? Instruction diagrams? Do you prefer a PDF document or a large format print? What is the price that you are willing to pay for a trouser pattern? What about a button-up shirt? What about those combined?

When it comes to cost, what I am willing to pay “depends”. It depends heavily on my preference, time, current budget, even social media hype (guilty that I have paid extra $ for trending patterns!). The list goes on.

FS Riva Shorts made with FS TERRA FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen

The Riva Collection is worth the price- and that is not just me saying that because I am writing this. Not only is the quality of the instructions and pattern drafting top notch, but you also get more than your average indie pattern- from colored instruction booklets, to colored A0 pattern, AND the licence to use the pattern for profit if you so choose.

To prove to you that I am not overly positive, I will flat out tell you the Riva Shirt is not my style. I found the curved, drop shoulder seam sits oddly on my body and the length is far too long. See- I don’t always have good things to say.

FS Riva Shorts and Shirt made with FS TERRA FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen

The Shorts view, however, is *chef’s kiss*. I cut out my preferred size based on the finished garment measurements (I always prefer less ease), and the entire process from cutting to sewing was seamless. (Like my bad pun?) The precision and thought behind each step, construction process, and finishes of the Riva really show the years of garment drafting and experience behind the pattern.

FS Riva Shorts and Shirt made with FS TERRA FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen

My favorite aspects of the bottoms are the sewn down front pleats, zipper construction (one of the EASIEST zippers I have installed!!), and the notch detail in the back waistband. I even kept the two back welt pockets with internal buttons. I have never sewn welt pockets in trousers before, and the instructions were clear and made the process easily achievable. I made no modifications to the shorts and the fit and feel of the linen is amazing for the hotter summer months here in Los Angeles. And of course, I rounded out the set using my scraps to make the “it-girl” pattern of the summer, using the bralette tutorial from @__stitchbith__ (via Instagram).

FS Riva Shorts and Shirt made with FS TERRA FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen

I am excited to play with this pattern to add to my fall wardrobe. Fabrics Store- any thought on separating the top and bottom and selling us a la carte patterns? Hehe.