CHARLIE Blouse made with FS AGAVE Midweight Linen
Back in November, I stumbled upon the FS Charlie Pattern set while searching for a high-waisted pant pattern. I was instantly drawn to these classic designs. I started by making the Charlie Pants in NATURAL Linen in the fall with the intention of eventually sewing a couple matching blouses. Last weekend, I completed my first one, a Charlie Blouse in mid-weight Agave linen.
CHARLIE Blouse made with FS AGAVE Midweight Linen
The top features a mandarin collar, faux front placket, and a couple different sleeve options. I wanted something light for summertime, so I chose the short sleeve kimono style. I had never sewn a front placket like this one, so it took reading through the instructions a couple times to get it right. Thankfully, FS patterns always come with a detailed instruction booklet taking you step-by-step through the sewing process. It also includes diagrams for clarification. The shoulder seams are finished with French seams – my personal favorite. Make sure to trim the seam allowance on this seam so that the raw edge is completely enclosed and not sticking out from the finished side of the garment.
CHARLIE Blouse made with FS AGAVE Midweight Linen
Like most FS patterns, the Charlie blouse has plenty of ease included, so I recommend choosing your normal size for this pattern. I made my standard size 2 and it has a slightly oversized feel. If you’re looking for a flowy top for summertime, this is a good option. I’m excited to dress it up with the matching Charlie pant or dress it down with white denim. I can already see this blouse joining me on many lake days as a swimsuit cover up as well. The “Agave” color is a beautiful mix of green and blue, very similar to Lagoon. Both remind me of Lake Michigan in high summer. It pairs beautifully with my cognac leather bags. What’s not to love, right?
CHARLIE Blouse made with FS AGAVE Midweight Linen
Although the blouse took a little longer than I initially expected, I think it’s an easy pattern to follow and suitable for beginners. It’s a timeless style with little details to add some interest. I’m already considering another one in a creamy off-white linen. For the next one, I’m thinking about eliminating the mandarin collar and completing the neckline with bias binding instead. This will be a simple change and one I can do without adjusting the pattern.
Overall, I’m really happy with how this project turned out. Have you tried the Charlie blouse yet? Hope you all enjoy this pattern set as much as I have!
Happy sewing,
Morgann
4 Comments
Gorgeous! The Agave color and simplicity of the Charlie style are just luscious together. Thank you for the review! I’ll have to try them both!
Small world…I found your A Well Worn Story site via Bright Hearth, and when I clicked through to your journal, instantly recognized you as a kindred spirit on yet another level—sewing, and with linen no less! I first ordered from Fabrics-store.com in 2006 when crafting authentic linen Jamestown costumes for my whole family for the 400th anniversary, and have since purchased from here numerous times since.
I made this blouse with long sleeves in abyss and love it. It’s longer than I like, but that’s easily changed. I usually tuck it in. Now that I’ve seen this blouse with short sleeves I’m going to make this for sure, and make it shorter as well. I have linen fabric that I’ve purchased over the last couple of months without a pattern in mind so I think I know what I’ll use it for. Abyss is a beautiful color too.
Gorgeous pattern, but the agave color is particularly sublime. Kind of cruel to showcase it when you no longer stock that color!
I recommend trying Lagoon. It’s a very similar color!