This month’s Cashmerette Club patterns are the Rockwell Dress and the Caroll Shrug, created in collaboration with Julie Eilber and inspired by renowned fashion designer Claire McCardell’s designs from the late 1940s. Here are five makers’ takes on the patterns to get you inspired to sew your own.
This month’s two-for-one combo adds a bit of glam to your wardrobe. The Rockwell Dress is a vintage-inspired dress featuring a tightly gathered neckline with front tie and slit and is gathered under the bust with a waist tie that wraps around the torso. Pair your Rockwell with the classy Caroll Shrug and you’re ready for a night out—or wear it with any top or dress for warmth or visual interest.
This is a past Cashmerette Club pattern, which you can download instantly today as a Cashmerette Club member on our yearly All Access level! To learn more and sign up, click here.
The holiday season is coming so let’s get ready for the festivities. Here are some marvelous makes for inspiration!
Trine’s Rockwell Dress and Caroll Shrug
Trine made her Rockwell Dress in a dark khaki woven viscose fabric that she complemented with a cream colored knit Caroll Shrug to keep warm in the chilly Norway air.
Trine made her Rockwell Dress in a size 3 and her Caroll Shrug in a size B. Her measurements are 38.5” high bust, 44” full bust, 36” waist, and 48” hips.
Trine shares this about her Rockwell Dress:
“I really enjoyed sewing it, and I especially enjoyed the history lessons along the way and learning about 1940s sewing techniques and finishes! Wearing the Rockwell feels very swishy, it’s flowy with lovely movement in the skirt, and I feel like I look the part of a Greek Goddess. Also, the pockets are perfection! So deep!”
Trine shares this about her Caroll Shrug:
“It’s super cosy to wear! Lovely to throw on over dresses when chilly, and it was a breeze to sew! Came together super quickly! I went with the unlined one, though, but that was just such a quick, easy and satisfying sew.”
Check out more of what Trine is making over on Instagram at @sewingtrin.
Sierra’s Rockwell Dress and Caroll Shrug
Sierra made a vintage-inspired little black dress in a rayon crepe. She topped it off with a Caroll Shrug in a floral rayon voile for a pop of color.
Sierra made her Rockwell Dress in a size 5 and her Caroll Shrug in a size C. Her measurements are 50.5” high bust, 56” full bust, 46” waist, and 56” hips.
Sierra shared this about her Rockwell:
“I had no idea how much I would like this dress. The line drawing looked cute, but I wasn’t sure it was my style. Once I put it on I knew I’d have to make it again. I enjoyed sewing this dress and the instructions were clear.”
Follow along on Sierra’s sewing journey on her blog and on Instagram at @sierraburrell.
Sarah’s Rockwell Dress and Caroll Shrug
Sarah made her Rockwell Dress and Caroll Shrug in a matching olive green stretch velvet. This moody vintage look is perfect for the holidays and makes great mix and match separates.
Sarah made her Rockwell Dress in a size 3 and her Caroll Shrug in a size B. Her measurements are 43” high bust, 49” full bust, 41.4” waist, and a 50.5” hips.
Sarah shared this about her Rockwell Dress:
“It was an easy sew—I was a bit nervous because some of the construction techniques were new to me, but it came together quickly, and things that I was concerned would be tricky or confusing when reading through the instructions made sense once I was handling the pattern pieces. It was a great confidence-building make, and I’m already dreaming up ways to hack the pattern to get different looks from it!”
Here’s what Sarah shared this about her Caroll Shrug:
“The Caroll came together really quickly– like, way more quickly than I anticipated, even though I made the lined version. It’s a really versatile, timeless piece that I can see working in many fabrics and with a ton of different outfits!”
See more of Sarah’s fabulous vintage looks over on her website or on Instagram at @misskitschstitch.
Rebecca’s Rockwell Dress and Caroll Shrug
Rebecca selected an autumnal maroon rayon challis for her Rockwell Dress. She completed the look with a cozy black shrug with a hint of sparkle to add shine to her wardrobe.
Rebecca made the Rockwell Dress in a size 2 and her Caroll Shrug in a size A. Her measurements are 34.5” high bust, 38.5” full bust, 31” waist, and 39” hips.
Here’s what Rebecca had to say about the Rockwell Dress:
“The instructions were easy to follow. Definitely try on as you go to check fit. I liked this silhouette a lot more than I thought. I feel very fancy wearing it! It’s a lot of fabric, but I love the ease of it. I also appreciated the fun facts about Claire McCardell.”
Here’s what Rebecca shared about the Caroll Shrug:
“The Caroll Shrug was an easy sew with only one pattern piece! It was very flexible with what fabric types a sewist can use so I chose a sweater knit and lined it. It is perfect for throwing on over the Rockwell Dress, but also can be worn more casually. I’d love to try it in different fabrics to get different style shrugs.”
You can follow Rebecca on Instagram at @beccs.dressed.
Gemma’s Rockwell Dress and Caroll Shrug
Gemma made her glam Rockwell Dress out of a lovely viscose challis modern animal print. She paired her dress with a black velvet lycra Caroll Shrug,
Gemma made the Rockwell Dress in a size 4 and her Caroll Shrug in a size B. Her measurements are 43″ high bust, 51″ full bust, 48″ waist, and 61″ hip.
Gemma shared this about her Rockwell Dress:
“I really enjoyed making this pattern. There weren’t a lot of pieces but it was still challenging enough to be interesting with the vintage finishing techniques.”
Gemma shared this about her Caroll Shrug:
“It’s very simple and quick! This looks fab with my Rockwell Dress and will be perfect with lots of my other dresses too.”
Check out Gemma’s sewing adventures on Instagram at @made_by_velvety_cleopatra.
Join the Club to get both the Rockwell Dress and the Caroll Shrug!
Want to create your own festive look? Join Cashmerette Club today to get the Rockwell Dress, Caroll Shrug, plus many other patterns, fitting masterclasses, exclusive discounts, and more.