In my spare time for the past 7 years I have mostly been making costumes for amateur theatre. As there were no scheduled productions for 2022 I really wanted to devote the whole year to sewing myself a new wardrobe. I wanted to use colours and styles that I liked and not be forced to choose from ‘Ready To Wear’ or big name pattern brands whose idea of ‘Curve’ fashion options never really fit that well. I like the colours I like, which are not always the current trend. I wanted a wardrobe of staples and fashion garments to mix and match together.
I have seen a lot of “Pattern Clubs” online before but none were right for me and my curves. I was always concerned that the patterns would be generic and boring and certainly not designed with a full bust in mind. I had been sewing with Cashmerette patterns since February 2020 when I made the Chilton Trenchcoat so I jumped at the chance to subscribe when the Cashmerette Club was launched in February 2022.
The Kimball Bomber Jacket really sold it for me, this was a style I was desperate to make and had just been looking at other possible patterns to try with the addition of an FBA using Jenny’s tutorial. I loved it so much I made 2! The first one was in patchworked organza (see above) and the second was in sequins and I added a lining, too.
Having a new pattern every month has really enthused me to sew more, be creative and focus on getting a good fit. I love the idea that I am making garments that will last in my wardrobe because I know I will actually wear them.
From the year’s worth of fantastic Cashmerette Club patterns I have made 8 garments using 5 of the patterns. I am not one to stick to the recommended fabric and like to sometimes change the pattern adding seams or details that make it unique. The Club patterns are a great canvas for interpretation, for someone like me they offer the the bones of a well designed garment I can manipulate into something unique.
For reference, my sizing is below, and I’m 49.
Bust 188cm -122cm depending on the bra – G cup.
waist 97cm standing 100cm seated
hips 116cm standing 120cm seated
Samantha’s Cashmerette Club makes
My absolute favourite make is the organza patchwork Kimball Bomber. I made this to wear to an opening night gala in Queensland Australia where it is very humid. You can see more photos, see the matching bag I made, and read more about how I made it here!
My second favourite is the Lygon robe, which since making in November, I have worn around the house for most of the summer in Australia. It’s made from bamboo floral stretch fabric with a contrast trim.
The orange and pink floral bengaline Ashwood Pants have only been in my wardrobe for a couple of weeks but I wear them to work all the time because they are very comfy and get lots of compliments. I made this pair at 3/4 length, in bengaline, and added a basket weave hem detail.
I also made another pair of Ashwoods, using the straight leg hack from Cashmerette, and doing a color-block in stretch velvet.
To make a full tracksuit, I then made a Stanton Hoodie to match, using the Stanton Hoodie Expansion Pack from the club (which is an alternative collar so you can remove the hood), and using the Kimball Bomber Jacket pockets.
Here is the Alton Blouse that I made from a cotton:
I then made another Alton, but hacked it to have a waistband…
And then I made Calder Pants (Cashmerette, but not a club pattern) to match, making a faux jumpsuit:
Beyond the patterns
In addition the monthly patterns, the Clubhouse forum has been a great place to see what other club members are making, I can ask questions and get advice from fellow sewists who are using the same patterns. The Completed Makes thread shows me how different fabrics and prints look and how others have changed the pattern to suit their needs and creativity.
Having a fixed goal really helped me stay on track throughout the year so I also joined in every contest that Sewing.patternreview (a global online sewing forum) ran during 2022. Once or twice a month a new contest was launched with a theme of a specific garment or technique. I entered garments into 17 contests, most of which were Cashmerette patterns because I knew I could trust the fit to be consistent allowing me to focus on the design and construction.
I also enjoyed making some non-club patterns from Cashmerette, like my most recent patchwork Roseclair Dress!
You can see more of what I have made at spopecreations.blogspot.com
This is a great post. Thanks for posting. I love all of your makes. The look of a one piece jumpsuit without all of the jumpsuit issues had me very intrigued. I love Jenny’s patterns and the fit I get with them and have put off joining another club group but I may have just been pushed over the edge! Thanks.
So happy to find a new publication on this website! You have worked a lot and your sewing are amazing! Well done!
This was amazing, makes me want to do more. Everything you said ref Big 4 and RTW resonated.
I however am an older dumpy curvy person but still your makes give me hope.
I love seeing all of your makes each month. So creative and so inspiring!
Wow, what fantastic makes and a great story, so inspiring.