FS Malena shirt made with FS Angora Midweight Signature Finish linen

If you’ve been following me for even a short amount of time you’ll know that I’m a shirt making fanatic! I’ve made so, so many button ups over the years, and I’m always on the hunt for classic shirts with unique twists and details. View C of the Malena pattern fits the bill so perfectly that I can’t believe I haven’t made one earlier!

FS Malena shirt made with FS Angora Midweight Signature Finish linen

It’s a classic button up shirt with beautiful tucks along the waist, fisheye darts in the back, and staggered tucks on the sleeves. As a huge fan of the billowy-top-fitted-waist silhouette I love the shape that this pattern creates on the body. Compared to one of my other favourites, the Zina Shirt, it’s a more voluminous fit at the bust area, but the waist is definitely more fitted on Malena.

FS Malena shirt made with FS Angora Midweight Signature Finish linen

It’s a deceptively quick and easy sew, especially if you’re already familiar with some basic shirt making techniques. The tucks and darts effortlessly create a lot of shape in the shirt with minimal pattern pieces, so once you sew those up it’s just a matter of assembling the bodice and the sleeves. There are no yokes, sleeve plackets, or buttoned cuffs – which means that the whole thing comes together really fast. The instructions are crystal clear as usual, and they would be the perfect companion even if this is your first shirt.

FS Malena shirt made with FS Angora Midweight Signature Finish linen

I made a size 2 (for reference, my full bust is 76 cm / 30” and my high bust is 78 cm / 31”) with no modifications apart from shortening the collar by 2 cm (3/4”) and shortening the collar stand by 1 cm (3/8″). I initially sewed the collar as it is in the pattern, but upon trying it on I found that it was way too big and dramatic on my smaller frame. I’m so glad that I took the time to shorten it and resew it, because now it doesn’t steal any attention away from the beautiful waist tucks!

FS Malena shirt made with FS Angora Midweight Signature Finish linen

FS Malena shirt made with FS Angora Midweight Signature Finish linen

I decided to sew it in the perfect butter yellow toned cream, the Angora Midweight Linen. It has the warmest, glowiest tone to it without being too saturated. A perfect warm toned neutral to wear in these fall days to match with beautiful autumn sunlight! I paired it with my go to buttons – the reverse side of mother of pearl buttons – but I picked out the more yellow toned ones out of my stash to match the shirt. I love how well they go together!

FS Malena shirt made with FS Angora Midweight Signature Finish linen

Another added bonus is that the tucks and the darts dramatically reduce the volume at the waist, making it super easy to tuck the shirt into trousers – which is usually the bane of my existence with billowy shirts like this! I have a feeling this will fast become a wardrobe staple for me. I’m also excited to experiment with making it in a brighter colour and styling it untucked for a more statement top – which I don’t really have in my wardrobe. Maybe a tomato red, or a striped version to accentuate the tucks? *dives into fabric stash*