Same Pattern, Different Bodies: Cashmerette Ellis Skirt

The Ellis Skirt pattern from Cashmerette was released a couple of months ago and it is a real wardrobe workhorse. Its designed as a classic jean skirt, but there are so many opportunities to customize it with different fabrics, lengths, pocket combinations, and topstitching choices that we think you could get away with multiple version of this in your closet without anyone wondering why you were wearing the same skirt every day. You can see that all of our versions are quite different!

Of course, this pattern comes in Cashmerette’s great size range AND it has two fit options just like her Ames Jeans: Apple or Pear pelvis shape. If you are thinking about sewing jeans, this is a great warmup project as you can practice topstitching details and you will learn how to insert a fly, but you won’t have the hassle of pants fitting.

Megan

Your Measurements: Bust: 45″, Waist 41″, Hip 52″

Body Shape: Representing team pear!

Pattern size used: 22 pear fit, as measured. This is the tester version, minor changes were made to the final pattern.

Alterations: As this was a tester version, I made very few changes. I used the view A design but the length of view B because I wanted something to wear over leggings. I found the tester version to be really short and just took a minimal hem. I’ve been told that the final pattern was lengthened 1.5″, which should be just about the perfect length, IMO.

Fabric:  Cone Mills Denim from Threadbare Fabrics (I don’t think they have the exact same fabric anymore, but its in the 11 oz, stretch denim range) and a hardware kit from the same place. I highly recommend both!

Fit: I chose the pear version in size 22 and am pretty happy with the fit. There is one little bit of bubbling above my butt which you can see in the back view photos, but it sounds like this has been dealt with in the final pattern, which I haven’t tried yet. This pattern has both a yoke and darts for extra shaping.

Changes for future versions: I really love everything about this skirt, but I will cut the final version of the pattern next time to get rid of that little fit issue in the back that I mentioned above.

Final Thoughts: I super duper love this pattern and I wear the skirt all the time, as you can tell by the fact that I couldn’t manage to get pictures without it being wrinkled from a day or two of wear. I wore it a ton over the winter because it gives the casual look of jeans for those of us that can’t figure out how to wear boots with actual jeans. I would love a longer version for the summer, but I know I’m going to also make another short version in a stretch twill just as soon as I find the time.

Kristina

Your Measurements: Bust –44″/112cm, Bra Size – 16DD, Waist – 38-40″/99 cm. Hips – 48-50″/124cm , Height – 5’6″/166 cm

Body Shape: Pear from the front, but more apple from the side at the moment, (I’m a Cider /Perry mix…)

Pattern size used: I usually cut a Size 18 in Cashmerette, but I’ve put on a couple of kg recently, and am a wee bit “puffy” (all the sharing at the CSC!), so I cut a size 20 Pear. To be honest because of my fabric choice, I should probably have stuck with an 18 waist & graded to the 20 hip. I shall know for next time.

Alterations: None! I made this skirt straight out of the packet, I have made Cashmerette patterns before so I know they tend to work for me. However the pattern is designed for fairly robust woven fabrics, denim, corduroy etc, I used a slightly lighter weight cotton sateen, which provided great stretch through the hips, but possibly a little too much at the waist, which is a bit loose. I used the same fabric for the waistband, rather than using a non-stretch woven as I thought a waistband with a bit of stretch would be more comfortable. Next time I will use a more stable fabric as a waistband facing. I made a mash up of versions, the pockets of View B, but the length of View A. I omitted the belt loops, and back pockets, this is already a busy fabric, I didn’t think it needed back pockets. I also used plain black cotton for the top stitching.

Fabric: A cotton sateen, which had enough weight to hold the shape of the skirt, while still giving a decent amount of stretch. I originally planned to use some black denim from my stash, but for once sense prevailed & I made a test version using a cheaper fabric. I’m really pleased I did, not just to nail any fit issues, but I think the cotton sateen has made the skirt a bit dressier, I would happily wear this to work with boots & a nice sweater, equally its perfect for the weekend with sneakers and a tee. The pocket lining is a lush green linen left over from another project.

Fit: As above, I need to tweak the waist measurement to get a slightly snugger fit, but otherwise happy, it’s a really comfortable skirt!

Changes for future versions: I still intend to make a denim version, but I’ve just got my hands on some amazing stretch corduroy in a divine mustard floral (or as my husband described it “just a hint of Nana’s curtains!”), it would be perfect for another “work/weekend” appropriate Ellis. Given how slowly I sew (and how much unpicking I inevitably do!) a piece that works for week day & weekend is ideal for me.

Final Thoughts I’m actually really pleased with this one, I love all the denim and corduroy versions I’ve seen, happily it can also be dressed up. As usual, great instructions, and I also used Jenny’s Jeans making workshop, which was really helpful for the waistband & zip insertion (it’s been yonks since I tackled jeans making). Now, for some corduroy…