Charlie Blouse and Trousers made with FS Black FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen and FS Angora Softened Midweight Linen

I put the Charlie pattern on my list because it is a versatile little multi-season capsule wardrobe encompassed in one pattern collection! I’ve always wanted to experiment with a “me made” capsule wardrobe; so what better opportunity to try it out than one of the Fabric-Store pattern collections?

Before ordering the pattern, I knew that I fall exactly between size 16 and 18 in the FS sizing, and I usually go with the smaller size because I  prefer close-fitting garments, but for this, I decided to be on the safe side and choose the larger size…I have mixed feelings about that choice…

Let’s start with the sleeveless shirt: this was the pattern that caught my attention first, and the main reason I decided to go with the Charlie collection in the first place. I was hesitant, since oversized can make me look like a tent, however, I wanted to give it another go.

Charlie Blouse and Trousers made with FS Black FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen and FS Angora Softened Midweight Linen

It ended up being extra oversize in my case, since I chose the larger pattern, but I fell in love with it. I think because it is SO oversized, it drapes beautifully. It reminds me a lot of a “boyfriend” shirt, but with more elegant features. The all in one sleeve look and the placket details are just brilliant (I don’t love sewing buttons and buttonholes, so this is such a nice way to still have the detail in the front, but minus sewing and doing up annoying buttons)

The shirt is quite easy to sew in my opinion, especially for beginners or easily frustrated seamstresses like myself, but there is enough detail to be a nice challenge. No serger is needed for this pattern, and I absolutely love it, and would actually prefer most of my clothes to have finishes like it! It makes the shirt look and feel more expensive, and it’s a shame no one but me will ever see the inside (and you of course, if you end up making it 😉

I definitely see myself making the shirt in the smaller size just for fun, and to see what it looks like. I have a suspicion that I’d end up loving both, for different reasons. If you can’t tell, I think it’s going to become one of my staple sewing projects and staple shirts! And I actually enjoyed making the Charlie dress.

Charlie Blouse and Trousers made with FS Black FS Signature Finish Midweight Linen and FS Angora Softened Midweight Linen

Now onto the pants…

I needed to replace a pair of black polyester pants (yuck) and I thought it would be best to make the Charlie pants in black linen. However, I think because the Charlie pant is such a relaxed fit, the black hides the details amongst all the fabric. If I make them again, I think I’ll go with a smaller size, and a lighter colour.

The original idea was to make them in a natural linen colour, which I think would have been absolutely perfect! I am definitely going to wear these, regardless. They are just not as versatile to me as I had planned, but that is my mistake, not the pattern.

On the plus side, they are insanely comfortable and relatively easy to sew (for pants). The instructions are clear, with illustrations to guide you with each step. My advice would be to read the instructions carefully and you will be just fine. (I often give out this advice, but then don’t follow it myself and end up regretting each stitch I have to unpick…Sigh).

All in all, I love both of these garments, they are already incorporated into my daily wear (even before taking the photographs- risky I know, but I couldn’t help myself.)