December 11, 2023

Your Cashmerette Makes: Ardley, Fairfax & Elmley


It’s time to reveal more makes from my new book, “Sewing the Curve”!

My new book, “Sewing the Curve”, is the beginner’s guide to sewing that I wish I had when I was learning to sew. In the book, I take you from threading your machine to completing your first garment that fits and expresses your personal style. And it comes with 6 patterns in sizes 12–32 and cup sizes C–H, so you can practice and master new skills on patterns made for bodies just like yours.

There are so many ways to make these patterns your own, so I asked makers from the community to put their on spin on the patterns in my book. Let’s take a look and get inspired to sew!

Today we’re looking at the Ardley Pants, the Fairfax Jacket, and the Elmley Dress. Want to jump ahead? Click on the pattern name below:

(Want to see more makes? Check out this roundup for the Montvale, Randolph, and Eustis patterns from my book.)

Ardley Pants

Allison’s Ardley Pants

From lounging at home to chic office wear, the Ardley Pants has all your bases covered and provides the kind of versatility that Allison can really get behind. Sewn in a size 18 in a navy blue modal ponte jersey, she loves the sporty casual look that can also be dressed up with a blouse or blazer. Teamed up with her new Eustis Top, another Sewing the Curve pattern, she’s ready to tackle the day in the most stylish way possible.

Her measurements are 43” high bust, 48” full bust, 41” waist, and 48” hips.

Allison had this to say about her Ardley Pants:

“A simple sew that comes together really quickly.  I love how the instructions even tell you what stitch type, length and width to use. These are the comfiest trousers, something you can’t  wait to put on when you get home from work but also smart enough to wear out for a sporty casual look.”

Check out more of what Allison is making over on Instagram at @alli.sewn.

Shawnta’s Ardley Pants

Dress them up or dress them down, Shawnta’s Ardley Pants are office chic when paired with a smart white blouse and heels or casual with a t-shirt and tennis shoes. Versatility is a beautiful thing and so are Shawnta’s Ardleys sewn in a size 14 and constructed with a gray ponte.

Her measurements are 38” high bust, 44” full bust, 35” waist, and 46” hips.

Shawnta had this to say about her Ardley Pants:

“The Ardley Pants are an easy sew that are easy to dress up or dress down.”

See more of what Shawnta is sewing up on Instagram at @Divinerae.

Jenny’s Ardley Pants

Love is in the air when it comes to Jenny’s Ardley Pants. Not only are they pink perfection in a rosy stretch valour but we absolutely love the fit and the flair and the best part is…so does Jenny. New to yoga, she’s perfectly pleased to have her very own me-made yoga pants and has more ready to go on her sewing table.

Jenny sewed her Ardleys in a size 28 waist graded to 30 at the hip. Her measurements are 46” high bust, 48” full bust, 48” waist, and 60” hips.

Jenny shared this about her Ardley Pants:

“Omg. I really love these! I’ve just started yoga as a regular practice and planned to just buy my pants. I’m amazed at how easy these were to sew up—and have several more pairs planned. I’m definitely in love.”

Follow along with more of Jenny’s sewing adventures on Instagram at @Johassler.

Caroline B’s Ardley Pants

You might recognize Caroline’s Ardley Pants and Eustis Top combo from Your Cashmerette Makes: Sewing the Curve Part 1 where we highlighted her blue floral Eustis Top. We have to say, this Ardley and Eustis combo is top-notch. She sewed her Ardley Pants in a size 24 using a blue mid-weight knit that was not only a fun sew for Caroline but a stylish addition to her wardrobe. We love a winning combo!

Her measurements are 43” high bust, 46” full bust, 46” waist, and 50” hips.

Caroline shared this about her Ardley Pants:

“The detailed and step by step instructions made the Ardley Pants a joy to sew up.”

See more of what Caroline is sewing up on Instagram at @Caroline’s_Handmades and her YouTube Channel.

Sierra’s Ardley Pants

Brilliant color and brilliant fit, Sierra’s Ardley Pants are cozy showstoppers. Sewn in a size 26 using a vibrant salmon-colored cotton spandex French terry, these Ardleys will elevate any outfit whether it’s a dress up or a dress down kind of day.

Her measurements are 50.5” high bust, 56” full bust, 46” waist, and 56” hips.

Sierra had this to say about her Ardley Pants:

“This was a lovely pattern to sew. The instruction were clear and I love the finished garment. They are comfortable and stylish.”

Check out more of Sierra’s fabulous makes on Instagram at @sierraburrell and on her website www.seamslikesierra.com.

Fairfax Jacket

Jenny’s Fairfax Jacket

A quilted hexagon jacket, need we say more? Jenny’s epically detailed and one-of-a-kind Fairfax Jacket is getting compliments left and right and we can see why! Sewn using pre-quilted fabric with English paper pieced hexagons quilted onto the garment, it’s the fit and the details that truly sets this jacket apart.

Jenny sewed her Fairfax in a size 22 C/D graded to 28 waist and 30 hips. Her measurements are 46” high bust, 48” full bust, 48” waist, and 60” hips.

Jenny shared this about her Fairfax Jacket:

“This is a very simple jacket that makes a great canvas for quilted details. I loved the convenience of pre-quilted fabric combined with small quilted additions. I wore this for photos and someone stopped to say they loved it—and to ask how to get one of their own.”

Follow along with more of Jenny’s sewing adventures on Instagram at @Johassler.

Caroline J’s Fairfax Jacket

A quilted jacket but make it Florida-friendly. That is exactly what Caroline sewed up, but we’re also adding “brilliant” and “polished” to the list of adjectives.  Sewn in a size 16 EF using a queen size kantha bedspread perfect for a cooler evening but not too warm or bulky, this Fairfax is the epitome of a stylish and creative quilted jacket.

Her measurements are 41” high bust, 46” full bust, 38” waist, and 44” hips.

Caroline shared this about her Fairfax Jacket:

“As much as I want a ‘real’ quilted jacket, it is not great for Florida weather. But with this fabric, the jacket will be perfect for cooler evenings. I’ve lengthened the jacket by 4″. The construction was very easy and straightforward. I covered the seam with bias tape for a ‘seamless’ finish.”

Check out more of Caroline’s stunning makes on her website or on Instagram at @caroline.jg.

Amanda’s Fairfax Jacket

A modern art quilted jacket inspired by Mondrian marks the most artistic approach to the Fairfax Jacket and we can’t get enough! Amanda’s Fairfax sewn in a 16 G/H, is pieced together with pretty printed fabrics collected from her local quilt store and quilted using a combination of walking foot and free motion. The finished product is truly a masterpiece.

Her measurements are 41” high bust, 45” full bust, 37” waist, and 40” hips.

Amanda shares about her Fairfax Jacket:

I was inspired by Mondrian to make a modern art inspired quilted jacket. However, my local quilt store has a fantastic offering of pretty printed fabric, and I couldn’t resist mirroring the design to make it reversible.

I pieced together the fabric for each side a little larger than each pattern piece, sewed the bust darts, quilted all the pattern pieces with a combination of walking foot and free motion quilting, cut each pattern piece, and sewed the jacket pieces together. To make it reversible, I flat felled the seams.

It took a bit of extra effort, but I LOVE the result.”

Check out more of Amanda’s makes at @TrashPandaFashions.

Christiana’s Fairfax Jacket

A transitional garment that pops, Christiana’s Fairfax Jacket is truly one-of-a-kind! Sewn in a size 18 E/F and constructed from scrap quilt, she loves its penchant for modifications and how it can transition from one season to the next.

Her measurements are 43” high bust, 48.5” full bust, 40” waist, and 49” hips.

Here’s what Christiana had to say about her Fairfax Jacket:

“The Fairfax is a straightforward jacket pattern that gives a lot of options for modifications and scrap busting. Very comfortable, and a great seasonal transition garment!”

Check out more of Christiana’s makes at @Christianaopus.

Lynn’s Fairfax Jacket

A cropped creation of epic proportions, Lynn’s Fairfax Jacket features front ties for a windy day, a cropped bodice, and is the perfect transition piece from autumn to winter. Sewn with pre-quilted fabric in a size 16 G/H with a 1″ FBA, this quilted jacket is the perfect addition to any outfit from a wide-legged pant to a dress or skirt.

Her measurements are 41” high bust, 46” full bust, 40” waist, and 46” hips.

Lynn shared this about her Fairfax Jacket:

“I was so excited to sew Fairfax as a newbie to quilted fabric. This little jacket fits so much better than any of my ready-to-wear quilted garments, therefore it is much more comfortable to move around in. The little ties were essential for a windy day and I love how this cropped length works so well with wide-legged pants, dresses and skirts. It’s ideal for transitioning through autumn and sleek enough to wear under a coat in deep winter.”

See more of what Lynn is sewing up on Instagram at @lynnsewsnow.

Elmley Dress

Tegan’s Elmley Dress

When you already have another one cut out and ready to sew, you know the pattern is a keeper! Tegan’s Elmley Dress is sewn in a size 24 shoulders graded to a 30 G/H in the bust. She chose a poly/rayon/spandex stretch woven jacquard suiting and the lining is a poly/spandex stretch satin lining. She loves the polish, the versatility and the comfort of this curve-friendly sheath dress and we love that she loves it!

Her measurements are 48” high bust, 60” full bust, 50” waist, and 60” hips.

Tegan shares this about her Elmley Dress:

“I love how polished this is! It’s such a classic and versatile shape. All the darts and lining finishes and everything are well worth it, having a fully lined dress is so comfortable and it looks fantastic. I already have another one cut out and ready to sew!”

You can follow Tegan on Instagram at @tl_mathews.

Shawnta’s Elmley Dress

A simple yet stylish sheath dress was what Shawnta was hoping for and that’s what she got with the Elmley Dress. Sewn in a size 16 G/H in a patterned mid weight cotton blend, she’s now ready to rock her Elmley for a variety of occasions with or without a cardigan.

Her measurements are 38” high bust, 44” full bust, 35” waist, and 46” hips.

Shawnta had this to say about her Elmley Dress:

“I’ve been hoping that a simple sheath dress would be one of the patterns released and the Elmley does not disappoint.”

See more of what Shawnta is sewing up on Instagram at @Divinerae.

Sofia’s Elmley Dress

Sofia sewed her Elmley Dress sans lining to give it a more summery look and we’re loving the free-flowing vibe. Sewn in a size 14 G/H graded to a 12 in the hip, she chose a green and white patterned linen that further adds to the summery effect and she has since. received an array of compliments. We love when that happens!

Her measurements are 38” high bust, 43” full bust, 33” waist, and 42” hips.

Sofia had this to say about her Elmley Dress:

“I ended up hacking this pattern and making it without a lining. I felt like it gave it a summery look. I ended up using bias tape for the neckline and I’m so in love with the fit. Got compliments while wearing it!”

See more of what Sofia is sewing up on Instagram at @StitchesBySewfia.

Allison’s Elmley Dress

High-end is how Allison’s Elmley Dress looks and feels and there’s nothing we love hearing more. Sewn in a size 20 G/H in a viscose twill, Allison can’t get over the ease of the pattern and the fit of her Elmley. She describes her Elmley as feeling like silk to wear and says that it makes her feel amazing. This is absolutely music to our ears.

Her measurements are 43” high bust, 48” full bust, 41” waist, and 48” hips.

Here’s what Allison had to say about her Elmley Dress:

“The instructions were superb, as always with Cashmerette patterns, holding your hand through each step. The finished garment feels like a high end garment, beautifully well finished inside with a lining and invisible zip, which feels like silk to wear, fits my curves perfectly and makes me feel amazing.”

Check out more of what Allison is making over on Instagram at @alli.sewn.

Let’s start sewing!

Once you can sew, you can make a whole closet of clothes, in any style or fabric, to fit your body. From threading your machine to completing your first garment that fits and expresses your personal style, with my new book for beginners, Sewing the Curve”, you can create the wardrobe of your dreams.

2 thoughts on “Your Cashmerette Makes: Ardley, Fairfax & Elmley

  1. Debbie Harrison says:

    Love looking at the makes. I’ve got the book so now I have to get sewing. Motivation plus!! Thanks

  2. Lissy says:

    I’ve got the book and am just tracing off the Ardley pants, I love the Montvale Tunic, can’t wait to have a go at the dress.

Let me know what you think!