Back in March I sewed the Cashmerette Ellis skirt.  I generally only wear skirts that have an elasticised waist, and this one doesn’t, but because it is a Cashmerette pattern I thought that it was worth a try.

And you know what? It’s been a success! The joy of Cashmerette bottom half patterns is that she drafts a version for an ‘apple’ shape as well as a ‘pear’ shape. No, we are not fruit, but most people understand those terms now. I’ve always had a proportionately large waist in comparison to my hips, and a belly, even when I was slim. We apples are often under-represented in sewing patterns (we’re definitely under-represented in ready to wear). We’re not a majority shape, although our numbers do increase in the post-menopausal population. This means that I always appreciate it when I find patterns that take my shape into consideration.

That said, I really wasn’t sure what size to sew at first. My measurements put me at size 12 hips and 16 waist. In the end I decided that rather than grading from one size to the other I would ‘split the difference’ and sew straight size 14 in the apple fit. I have to say, the fit looks pretty good to me!

The black stretch denim was possibly from Rathdowne Fabrics. Topstitching was done with a triple stitch using regular thread in olive green. Banging in the rivets was rather fun too! The pocket and fly construction method worked really nicely – I followed the instructions closely. It interests me how many variations there are on how to do this well.

From the pattern website: Classic denim gets an update with the Ellis Skirt! Designed for stretch wovens, this skirt pattern promises a flawless fit with two pelvis options (apple or pear), a shaped yoke, fitted waistband, and tailored back darts. View A is an iconic jean skirt, featuring a knee-length hem, front slit, rivets, belt loops, and rounded 5-pocket design, while View B is a flirty mini-skirt with clever diagonal pockets and topstitching detail. RECOMMENDED FABRIC: Main: Mid- to heavy-weight stretch woven fabrics such as denim (10 – 12 oz), corduroy, or canvas, with at least 15% stretch across the grain. Lining: non-stretch cotton. 

I sewed view A, the classic jean skirt, but at the length of view B, the mini skirt.  I’m only 158cm tall, and I think that this was a great finished length on me at just above the knee.  I have some yellow denim in stash that might become the mini version of the skirt with the angled front pockets and square back pockets.

The tee that I’m wearing in these photos is also from a Cashmerette pattern, the Concord tee. I sewed size 12 C/D bust, graded to 14 waist, graded back to 12 hips. This is the banded short sleeve version, with the scoop neck. The fabric is cotton/spandex from Clear It. I did pay attention when cutting out to avoid having a large dark medallion on each boob. Now, you all know that I will never wear this tee tucked in like it is in these photos; but this is the best way to show you all the waist detailing of the skirt. I am definitely an untucked person.

This skirt has proven itself to be very comfortable to wear, and importantly it stays up on my relatively hipless shape without completely strangling my mid-section. That’s a definite win for me!