Sponsor Spotlight | Cashmerette Patterns introduces the Chilton Trench Coat

We are so excited to have Cashmerette Patterns returning to sponsor Indie Pattern Month again! Jenny Rushmore identified a serious hole in the sewing pattern market & stepped up to correct it with a whole line of versatile, intelligently-drafted patterns designed specifically for curvy women. Her most recent release is the Chilton Trench Coat, in keeping with her commitment to design classic wardrobe staples that work in almost any sewist’s closet. Ciara caught up with Jenny to learn more about the newest release & what the future may hold for Cashmerette Patterns.

First, can you tell us a bit about your style and range of patterns, for people who may not have seen your brand before?

Cashmerette Patterns are designed to help curvy women feel fabulous – we believe in changing clothes and mindsets, rather than being told we should change our bodies. The patterns are modern and elegant, and always created with curvy figures in mind, whether that’s our unique C – H cup bust sizing, built-in adjustments like a sway-back and forward shoulder, or the curve-friendly style lines we are dedicated to. For too long, curvy women were neglected by the sewing pattern industry, so we’re here to correct the balance!

We’d love to hear more about the Chilton Trench Coat pattern. Tell us more! What inspired you to create the Chilton Trench?

Coats are my favourite thing to sew, so I always knew a coat pattern would be in the plan for Cashmerette! Trench coats are such a classic and good for so many climates, but I always struggled to find a curve-friendly single-breasted design, whether in stores, or in sewing patterns. So, I decided to make one. Crucially, I didn’t want to short-change curvy women with a “basic” design, so I made sure that the trench includes all the classic styling, from a cape and epaulettes, to a chest shield and full lining.

It’s such a lovely style, and has some great details, such as epaulettes, & those pocket flaps! How hard is it to make?

The Chilton Trench Coat is actually deceptively easy to make – it’s just got a lot of steps because of all the features. It does feature a bagged lining using industrial techniques, so it’s good to have a little experience under your belt, but we always make sure to have very comprehensive and fully illustrated instructions, so if you’re an advanced beginner or intermediate sewist, you won’t have any problems.

There are some gorgeous versions floating around on the internet. Can you share some of your favorites?

I love Mary Jane’s bright lime version – so refreshing and vibrant! And Sara used a beautiful pastel blue that goes so well with her coloring.

How about your own wardrobe — how many Chilton trench coats do you have? Which are your favorite to wear?

Right now I have three Chiltons in my wardrobe – an early tan twill prototype which I’ve been relying on for well over a year, the beautiful tan cashmere version that’s featured on the cover, and a gorgeous navy blue herringbone number made with designer water-proof backed cashmere and wool.

Thanks so much, Jenny! I’m really looking forward to seeing more versions of the Chilton Trench Coat appearing online as the weather cools down here in the Northern Hemisphere. As a curvy woman myself who loves to sew coats–we need more interesting, challenging, well-designed coat patterns! Don’t forget, Monthly Stitch-ers–one lucky winner of the Around the World challenge will win a Cashmerette PDF pattern of their choice! Good luck!

Want to learn more about Jenny and Cashmerette? Check out her previous IPM sponsor interview here. Also, take a look at some of the awesome Cashmerette pattern creations from our members here.