FS Malena Dress made with FS Olive Green Midweight Linen

I have done several pattern reviews for Fabrics-Store and I can say they are some of my favorites. When I begin a new project, I like to do a generalized Pinterest search to get inspiration. It helps me to imagine how I am going to style a garment before beginning to sew. After doing the search this time, I was excited to get started.  There is lots of inspiration to be found on Pinterest of collared shirt dresses with interesting details. Most of them are out of material with a little drape and structure. It’s a perfect match for the Malena in a mid-weight linen.

For my fabric choice, I decided to stick to the olive green. I tend to stick to colors that make me feel comfortable when the style of pattern is a little different to what I would normally go for. I don’t normally go for dresses so staying in the comfort of color I like will make it easier for me to style the dress in the future. I chose to make a size 8. This is a size or two smaller than I measured at for my hips but wanted the skirt to have a little less volume. The pattern includes a great sizing chart and the finished garment measurements are good. I ended up with the fit being exactly what I wanted. Lets dive in.

Starting with slight modifications, I wanted to make the sleeves a little wider to be able to cuff them.  As you can see in the picture, I sliced the pattern piece down the middle and then spread the bottom approximately 2 inches. After that, I stuck to the pattern instructions. I was a little nervous about sewing the half button placket because I had never sewn one before.  I followed the step-by-step slowly and it ended up looking great if I do say so myself. The only thing that I added is a fray check.  I find that using fray check on spot where you cut close to the sew line is great. It keeps the cut clean and makes turning the placket or pocket seamless. The instructions in the pattern booklet were easy to follow and turned out great.  It makes me want to sew more half button plackets.

FS Malena Dress made with FS Olive Green Midweight Linen

To circle back, the pleating might seem intimidating but it’s not that difficult. The most tedious part in my opinion is transferring the markings from the pattern to the fabric. If you have tips, I would love to hear them. Overall sewing was quick. The pleats and the button plackets are technically the most challenging, but I believe in you! It is a pattern with maximum impact.

As I went to take the photos, I wanted to show the dress with all the beautiful details and simple silhouette. I can also see it styled with a turtleneck and boots.  All the layers, the length of the midi dress is perfect for transitional dressing.