Cashmerette Ellis Skirt

I hope you are all as excited as I am for the latest pattern from Cashmerette! Ever since I tested this Ellis Skirt back in the fall, it has been worn at least twice per week. Its amazing how it seems goes with everything in my closet, its like jeans but more comfortable and easier to wear with boots. I can’t be the only one who can’t figure out how to wear pants with boots, can I? Anyways, it incorporated into my wardrobe so seamlessly that I even accidentally snuck it into a few blog posts.

As you can see, it was impossible to find a time to take photos when I hadn’t already been wearing the skirt for a day or two, so please excuse the wrinkles. Let’s just say it’s worn in. I was pleased to be able to use a remnant of my cone mills denim for this pattern, which was a bold move considering it was a tester, but it worked out great. In fact, if you are like me and your size means you have odd shaped remnants of denim left after sewing jeans, this pattern could be a great stash/remnant buster! You only need barely over a yard for the short version like I made, and the pieces are pretty small since the center front and center back are seamed.

Just like the Ames pattern, the Ellis Skirt comes with pear and apple pelvis shape options. 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.

I used the view A design but the length of view B because I wanted something that could layer well for the winter. I think the longer length will be cute for the spring or summer (just like how Meg is modeling it on the pattern cover). This is actually slighter longer than designed. I found the tester version to be really short and just took a minimal hem. I suggest checking the length before you cut your fabric. Fortunately for you, its included in the finished pattern measurements. Edited to add: I heard from Cashmerette that the final pattern was lengthened 1.5″, which should be just about the perfect length.

I skipped some of the topstitch detail on my version since this fabric was giving me fits. I haven’t had topstitching issues for SO LONG but something about this cone mills denim and my machine just don’t get along. I was having skipped stitches and having to rethread the machine constantly, which was making me insane. Typically a stretch needle and regular thread in the bobbin does the trick for me, but that wasn’t working here. All I can say is try every needle in your stash every time you try a new fabric and keep your fingers crossed that something will work! I think it ended up looking presentable, but it was very frustrating at the time.

I honestly can not wait to make this in a stretch twill, how cute is the red version on the pattern cover? I have couple of fabrics in the stash that will work, I just need to find time in sewing queue! Also, I wanted to note that I’m not sure if any changes were made between testing and the final product, so proceed with a bit of caution. I don’t think anything major was modified.

Just the Facts:

Pattern: Cashmerette Patterns Ellis Skirt

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

Size: 22 Pear Fit

Fabric/Notions: 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!

This pattern was provided to me in exchange for my pattern testing services.