June 29, 2020

The Holyoke Maxi Dress & Skirt, now in sizes 12-32


There’s nothing better than a chic and breezy sundress in summer, and the Holyoke Maxi Dress & Skirt is the perfect sundress for curves. This popular pattern is now available in sizes 12-32 and cup sizes C-H!

Say hello to zero bust gaping thanks to the Holyoke’s princess seams and faux placket (that’s right, no buttonholes to sew!), built-in comfort courtesy of the elasticated back waistband, and not a hint of bra because of the the carefully designed and placed straps. And who can forget pockets?! Since we first released the Holyoke last year, it has quickly become a summer classic for many curvy sewists.

The Holyoke Maxi Dress & Skirt is now available in sizes 12-32 and cup sizes C-H in PDF, and we will be updating the printed pattern as well as soon as we’re able. The Holyoke joins our growing list of patterns available up to size 32 including the Ipswich Swimsuit, Concord T-Shirt, Calder Pants & Shorts, Turner Dress, and others.

Friend and Cashmerette model Michelle is wearing a Holyoke Maxi Dress in a size 26 C/D graded to a 30 at the waist and hips. She measures 55” bust, 50” waist, and 60” hip, and she is 5’ 6”.

Already own the Holyoke Maxi Dress & Skirt? If you have previously purchased a PDF copy of the Holyoke directly from us, you’ll receive the updated pattern automatically in your inbox. If you purchased a printed copy directly from us, you can email us at hello@cashmerette.com with your order number and we’ll send you the updated PDF files.

If you purchased a printed or PDF copy from a different retailer, you can send us a photo of your receipt or proof of purchase to hello@cashmerette.com to receive the updated PDF files.

One of our lovely testers, Kenna, shared these photos of her beautiful Holyoke with us.

Kenna is wearing a Holyoke Maxi Dress in a size 28 C/D graded to a 32, with the side seams taken in a bit at the bust. Her measurements are 55.5″ bust, 52″ waist, and 62″ hip.

Ah, to be at the beach in a flowy sundress! What could be better in these times?

Here’s what customer Sandra had to say about the Holyoke:

The perfect sundress! I’ve wanted a well-fitting sundress in this style for ages, but hadn’t found the pattern quality I wanted in my size range, until the Holyoke came along. And I freaking love it! I made the maxi-dress – View A – full-length, but shortened two inches to compensate for my height of 5’4. It ended up being the perfect length, with a lovely swish! It’s a nicely detailed design, but the construction is straightforward, easy to follow, and not overly fiddly or fussy (winning!).

Read more customer reviews of the Holyoke here.

Sewing your first Holyoke?

We’ve got so many great resources to help you as you sew your first (or fifth) Holyoke dress or skirt:

Here’s how to choose your size in the Holyoke, and how to grade between sizes.

Get inspired with our sundress roundup from ready-to-wear fashion, our favorite fabric and button ideas, and Holyoke makes from the Cashmerette community!

Sew a Holyoke Maxi Dress along with us here, and a Holyoke Maxi Skirt here.

Want to check the fit of the bodice before sewing up an entire Holyoke? We’ve got a tutorial on how to sew a quick and dirty Holyoke muslin.

Put your own spin on the Holyoke with three hack ideas: a swingy above-the knee skirt, a knee-length dress with patch pockets, and a peplum top.

Ayelet is wearing a Holyoke Maxi Dress in a size 12 E/F cropped at the knee. Her measurements at the time this photo was taken were 41″ bust, 32″ waist, 42″ hip.

Save 15% on Holyoke fabric kits

Swooning over this gorgeous Lady McElroy floral cotton lawn Holyoke? We’ve got just a few of these kits remaining, so grab yours quickly before they’re all gone! Save 15% when you use code HOLYOKE15 at checkout. (Offer valid through Monday, July 6, 2020.)

Jenny is wearing a Holyoke Maxi Dress in a size 18 G/H. Her measurements at the time this photo was taken were 50″ bust, 40″ waist, 47″ hip.

We can’t wait to see your gorgeous Holyoke dresses and skirt! Make sure you use the hashtags #HolyokeDress and #HolyokeSkirt when sharing your makes on social media so that we can marvel at your beautifully floaty garments.

One thought on “The Holyoke Maxi Dress & Skirt, now in sizes 12-32

  1. What a perfect dress for summer! Love the fact that your patterns come in cup sizes. And thank you for all the extra tips on fitting it to me closer by grading between sizes. Much appreciated, as it stops me feeling that it is just me being a funny shape.

Let me know what you think!