Cashmerette Ellis Skirt

Mashup of the Springfield top and an OOP dress pattern

I purchased the Ellis skirt when it came out and I was super excited to sew this up.  I don’t have any denim skirts in my closet, handmade by me or RTW so this was fun.  I actually don’t have much denim and I’m not sure why not, I just don’t sew it up much.  Actually, you can read about my “just do it” campaign for Sew Brave Sewcialists theme month over on the Sewcialists blog.  I went into why I haven’t sewn much denim LOL!

I really like this skirt, I like both views for the skirt a lot.  I like the different pockets, lengths, different pelvis pattern pieces for apple shape or pear shapes and the instructions, the instructions are really good.  They went the extra mile and gave you instructions for using one machine in the event you don’t have a serger and another machine machine for topstitching.  I used this alternative construction method and I liked it.  I felt like each group of construction steps was a good stopping point as I did this a little at a time.  I used some gingham for my waistband facing and pockets and I’m pleased overall with the skirt.  I would recommend this skirt as it is an iconic denim skirt!

The only adjustments I made was adding a half inch to the front pattern piece only for my athletic thigh.  This is a pretty common adjustment for me when making straight skirts.  My personal skirt block has this built in so I don’t have to adjust for my butt or my thigh!  I used a stretch denim fabric and blue thread for topstitching.  I made a size 18 waist and a size 20 hip, and I added a just in case seam allowance for fitting.

When I make this again, I’ll go down to a 16 at the waist by taking in the back darts a little more and taking a little off the side seams grading to nothing at high hip.  Actually, I’m currently working on my second skirt, and this time, I set up the serger and back up machine so I can topstitch in a contrasting thread.  I’m thinking if I should embroider a design on the back pockets, hummm.  I shortened the skirt an inch for my second version and thinking if I want the split in the front or not…

I was a little burned out from making the prom dress so I’m feeling up to finishing the second skirt this weekend, but there’s no rush!  I had a few issues last weekend that may or may not have involved fray check spilling on a project and a project that was thrown in the garbage can as a result of frustration LOL (triple eye roll), but this is a new week and I’m ready to sew!!!  Do you have any tips on denim pocket embroidery/designs?