September 4, 2023

“Sewing The Curve”: Introducing the Elmley Dress


With this final “Sewing the Curve” pattern reveal, I’m leveling up your skills AND your wardrobe. I’d like for you to meet the Elmley Dress!


Jump to other posts in this series:


In “Sewing the Curve” I cover everything from the very basics through to the five core skills of sewing, and then, how to actually sew your first garments with the help of 6 brand new Cashmerette patterns, including the Elmley Dress. All the patterns included in “Sewing the Curve” are available in a printed packet at the back of the book as well as digital PDF patterns that you can download and print at home or send to a copyshop to print for you.

“Sewing the Curve” is now available!

Meet the Elmley Dress

This curve-friendly sheath dress is a wardrobe staple that you can take from the office to any special occasion in one fell swoop. Not only that, but the Elmley will take your sewing skills to new heights. You’ll learn how to fully line a dress, insert an invisible zipper, and sew fisheye darts for shaping. Lining a garment helps it to drape more nicely on the body, gives a clean finish around the neckline, and helps it to last longer, so this is a great skill to have.

If you didn’t already know, I love giving you options when it comes to my patterns. So View A has a classic sleeveless sheath silhouette, while View B has flutter sleeves for added fun. Sew the Elmley in wool suiting or cotton poplin for office attire; alternatively, get ready for your next special occasion by making it in brocade or jacquard fabric.

The Elmely is designed for light- to mid-weight woven fabric such as wool suiting, cotton poplin, linen, or jacquard. The lining should be made from lightweight fabric such as Bemberg lining.

Here are the fabric requirements for the main fabric of the Elmely (in yards):

12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
45″ wide fabric View A 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 3 1/8 3 1/8 3 1/8 3 1/8 3 1/4 3 1/4 3 1/4 3 1/4
View B 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 3 3/8 3 3/8 3 3/8 3 3/8 3 1/2 3 1/2 3 1/2 3 1/2
55 “wide fabric View A 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4
View B 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 3 1/4 3 1/4 3 1/4 3 1/4 3 1/2 3 1/2 3 1/2 3 1/2

And here are the fabric requirements for the lining (in yards):

12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
45″ wide fabric All Views 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4
55″ wide fabric All Views 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 5/8 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4 2 3/4

This dress ensures that you’ll easily be the best dressed of anybody in the room. And you can feel proud and confident that you made it yourself!

Make sure to get your copy of “Sewing the Curve”!

Photo credit: Linda Campos

3 thoughts on ““Sewing The Curve”: Introducing the Elmley Dress

  1. Mrs Joyce Eustace says:

    I live in the UK am 82 years old have sewed since I was 15, as I have spread and drooped whilst ageing it is many years since I have made any garments I have been happy with that have ended up in the bin, that is until I found you I have your 1st book and am waiting to receive this one which I ordered as soon as you advertised it (Amazon) Is it a sign that you have a t shirt pattern similar to my surname (Eustace) can’t wait for this book to arrive on my door mat. Keep them coming.

  2. Gen says:

    Hello Team! Does the Elmley dress work with sleeves from any other Cashmerette patterns? I’d like a short sleeve, but don’t think I have enough fabric for the flutter sleeve. Thank you!

    1. It is not designed to, I’m afraid, although you could try grafting on a different armscye and sleeve from another pattern

Let me know what you think!