Friday Pattern Company Saguaro Set

I have made about four Saguaro sets so I think I have a good idea about how easy this pattern is to sew. It takes about 2.5 hours for the top and 3 hours for the bottom for me making it my go-to for a co-ord. This pattern isn't for everyone, however, since the top is cut so low you'll probably need to adjust it if you want to be more modest. But that's an easy alteration since the pattern is just a straight line.

Also, if you're making the top in linen I suggest cutting the top ties on the bias to make them lay better. It made a big difference for me!

I also like mixing and matching the saguaro top with different bottoms like the pomona pants (in the pic) and the peppermint pocket skirt. For more pics check out my instagram: @made_by_madeleine.claire

I have been eyeing up the Saguaro set for some time but was hesitant about purchasing because of the shortness of the top. I finally went for it and made the adjustments necessary to fit my requirements. I lengthened the top and also followed a blog post over on Friday Pattern Company's site which explains how to extend the crossover for more coverage. This was actually a toile using some fabric I wasn't keen on but now it's made up I really like how it look. More details are on my blog post: https://wordpress.com/post/jennylovestosew.wordpress.com/2105

It took me a few months to finish this set with the lovely excuse that holidays got in the way, and I did just manage to finish it hours before a trip to Barcelona. It’s not the kind of thing I would usually go for and I hesitated because of the midriff but it barely shows and feels so chic to wear. 

I didn’t add the ties to the top as the overlap seemed OK but it does gape a little when I’m sitting down. I’d think of using some breast tape to help keep it secure. If making it again, I might increase the overlap as described in their post here:

https://fridaypatterncompany.com/pages/saguaro-fit

The trousers have been worn with many other things and are a firm wardrobe staple.

I used linen from Merchant & Mills 185 range in Calamine:

https://merchantandmills.com/store/cloth/sustainable/linen-sustainable/calamine/

My fitting for the top:

Based on the size chart, for the top I was S for bust, M for waist but I graded out to M for the shoulders as I have quite wide shoulders and a larger upper than full bust measurement. 

I ended up with a lot of excess fabric around the back so I pinched a large amount out of the shoulder (5cm on each of the front and back), going to nothing at the neck. I took an even 5cm from the tip of the shoulder down the sleeve. This made for an odd shaped pattern piece but looked absolutely fine on the garment. I made a separate blog post that details my adjustments for the top and photos of my toiles:

https://www.mingmakes.com/post/fitting-the-saguaro-set-top

My fitting for the trousers:

For the trousers, I matched M for the hips, but then graded to S down the legs as I found them a bit voluminous. 

I used the Palmer/Pletsch tissue-fitting method which worked quite well for these since it was the first time I’d fitted trousers, and of course there was good leeway in the loose fit. 

I added 3.5cm to the length as I preferred them full length rather than skimming the ankle.

Full details of how I fit the trousers in another blog post here:

https://www.mingmakes.com/post/fitting-the-saguaro-set-trousers-pants

If making it again I might:

- Leave a wider opening to insert the waistband elastic. They suggest leaving a 5cm opening but I found I was stretching the fabric at the opening, since the elastic is 5cm wide and so fairly stiff.

- Add stay tape to the wrap section of the top to help prevent it stretching since it is on the bias.

- Reinforce the pocket openings with interfacing as they get used A LOT!

- Reinforce the crotch with a double layer of stitching

I’d consider making another set in a more drapey fabric for a different look, but I can also see myself making another pair of linen trousers as they are super comfy and stylish.

This is a fabulous set to wear, and I think makes me look taller (I’m 5’4”) because of the proportions of the cropped top and long trousers. It is begging to be worn on holiday! I have a more detailed review of the top:

https://www.mingmakes.com/post/saguaro-set-top

and the trousers:

https://www.mingmakes.com/post/saguaro-set-trousers-pants

and each links into the fitting posts mentioned above.

I love the idea of a jumpsuit look without the jumpsuit faff. And it does just that!

I made it up according to my measurements- different size top and bottom. I made my usual adjustments to front and back crotch length. I could have taken even more off front crotch length. It’s huge!

the top was trickier to fit on me. I lengthened it but ended up taking most off. I didn’t fancy the ties so tapered the front piece to make it more of overlap and less revealing. Not sure how well it’s worked.

Its a new style for me. I’m not sure how comfortable all that gathering and elastic are around my middle. Perhaps my fabric was a tad thick? I wore it all day yesterday and felt I was constantly adjusting bits.

I used a wonderful loose weave linen from Maculloch and Wallis. It has weight and drape. The trousers feel great and have a wonderful swish! I’m less sure about the top

it is a quick and easy set to make. Probably works betters in cotton lawn or floppy viscose.

Time will tell how much I reach for it to wear. I’m not as pleased with it as I thought I would be given how many others love it! Hey ho. Still it’s fun trying new styles!!