A Thirty Year Old Holyoke

After seeing some of the other versions of this skirt, I really wanted one of those soft swingy ones. So I pulled out a challis and cut out another Holyoke skirt...however, this post isn't about that skirt because it's only halfway done.

While I was looking for a nice soft rayon challis to make version two, my hand touched the fabric I used for what's technically my third Holyoke. This fabric has a back story...

I purchased this fabric in 1989 from Cloth World, the precursor to JoAnns. I remember the exact day...not because something spectacular happened but more because I was a really pregnant woman roaming around Cloth World buying fabric with my lunch money because I was miserable. I was pregnant with my third daughter, huge and ready to be done, but with several more months to go. 

At that time, I did buy fabric for future projects but not projects that would be years in the making. I didn't have that kind of money...not with two little girls and one on the way. But I loved this fabric and two other pieces like it. They made me feel good in a way that not much did at the time. So I bought them. 

I don't even think they manufacture this type of fabric anymore. It's a linen-like fabric that's probably more poly than linen and it was made to look like linen but not wrinkle like it. I made quite a few garments from this type of fabric back in the day. This is truly deep stash sewing!

I made one change to this Holyoke.  Instead of inseam pockets I decided to try and make some pockets that were placed on the outside of the skirt ~ sewn between the seams of the skirt.

This pocket was inspired by a skirt I saw on JJill's site. I liked it and realized it was an easy change to make to my pattern.  

Here's my pattern piece ~

The finished pocket is kind of deep and wide. After I made it I wasn't sure it actually worked. It wasn't until the skirt was photographed and my daughter raved about the pockets that I thought okay, I can live with them.

1. As you can see I made the pattern piece by putting the side front and center front skirt pieces together.  
2. Then I traced a piece that filled the space from side to side. 
3. My pattern piece is 8" long with a 1/2" turn at the top and at the bottom - so 7" finished. 
4. Wide enough to jam my hands or stuff into.
5. I also placed the pockets further down than the inseam pocket because I wanted to slide my hands down into them.

It was simple to do and added no extra time to the construction of the skirt. Otherwise the skirt construction was exactly the same as the first one.

My buttons are from deep stash too. Buttons I've had since that same daughter was 9. So except for the new pattern, all of the pieces of the skirt have been marinating in my collection waiting for their time to be used.

A Few Pictures ~

I love that I'm fulfilling one of my 2019 goals - to sew several garments using deep stash fabrics/notions from the collection. This skirt is made from fabric that is as deep stash as it gets!

My third and final Holyoke will be finished and probably make it to the blog before the month is over. That will most likely be my last one for the season. I have so many things on my to-sew list that I really want to get made!

...as always more later!

Cashmerette's Holyoke Skirt

Y'all when Jenny sent the email out to test this garment I jumped on it!  For two reasons - one I want a great new sundress and two I've been longing for a longer length button front skirt.

Pattern Description:
View A - Maxi length dress, princess seamed bodice and skirt, elastic back waist, bra-friendly straps
View B - Maxi length, princess seam seamed skirt, elastic back waist

This is my test version but there are two more skirts laid out on the cutting table waiting to be made.

However, let me back up and talk about making this skirt...this skirt that will become a staple in my wardrobe...

Supplies ~
Midweight stripe denim from Chic Fabrics
10 1/2" gold buttons from button notion collection - deep stash
Interfacing from Steinlauf & Stoeller

Construction ~
I briefly read the instructions and then went for it. BUT and let me stress this, I chose a midweight denim where every other picture I've seen of this skirt has been from a flowy rayon type of fabric. Can we say going my own way yet again! *LOL*

Oh wait, I just read the back of the pattern again and it does say that you can use firmer fabrics for a more structured result.  Okay I'm not cray-cray! *LOL* Also, I know how well loved pockets are in the sewing community but I'm still on the fence about inseam pockets so I left them out of this version.

The other thing to note is that I had some challenges with inserting the elastic in the back casing but I'm chalking that up to operator error. Cause it's one of the features of this skirt I love the most. I machine stitched my hem adding two rows of stitching to give it some firmness...and it was done!

This skirt is an easy sew and a wonderful spring/summer/fall addition to your wardrobe.

So some pictures ~

Conclusion ~
A good pattern to me is one where I see a bunch of possibilities for future sews. This one had my creative sewing brain working in overdrive. Expect to see more of these skirts and maybe a maxi dress or two. 

If you're a Cashmerette fan and haven't picked up this pattern yet (either paper or PDF version - I LOVE saying that!) please run don't walk and order a copy.  You won't be sorry!

...as always more later!