I absolutely loved sewing the Holyoke Maxi Dress! From start to finish, this pattern was a joy to work with. The instructions are clear and beginner-friendly, and the construction is straightforward with smart design details—like princess seams and an elastic back—that make fitting easy and comfortable without sacrificing style.

The final result is stunning—flattering, flowy, and so wearable. I’ve already made two and am currently cutting my third one! Every time I wear a Holyoke, I get a ton of compliments. It’s one of those dresses that makes you feel confident and put together with minimal effort.

If you're looking for a satisfying project with a high-impact finish, I can’t recommend the Holyoke enough. It’s become a staple in my handmade wardrobe.

I really love this dress from the making of it to wearing it. I followed the detailed toiling instructions which was great even for a person who has toiled before. The fit is great. I followed the suggestion from the sizing calculator which made it so much easier. I have made the size 10 bodice, C cup, graded to size 14 waist and graded back to 8 hips. Fabric is a poplin which makes the best summer dress. Can highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great maxi dress.

I made the Holyoke for my daughter with only her measurements. The completed garment fits her perfectly. The only change that I made was to put the right front over the left front instead of the pattern directions for left over right.
I used a large pucker seersucker which looks perfect in the finished dress. It swishes wonderfully - however you can't press it. I simply pressed the seams on the inside inside the seam allowance.

I absolutely love the fit of this dress which is amazing for big boobs! The amazing fit, the elastic waitband and the long flowy skirt also make it very comfortable and easy to wear in any situation. It is quite a long project but still easy for someone willing to take the time.

This is the best fitting Princess seam dress pattern that I have ever sewn. It fits so perfectly and I can see myself making this dress over and over again. I paired the skirt with the Hampden bodic. I’m these photos but they fit similarly,

I was able to make a beautiful Holyoke dress for my daughter using just her measurements! She was thrilled because the dress has so much style (unlike the dresses she had been trying on in stores). The neckline is particularly flattering. She received lots of compliments when she wore it.
My daughter is not the easiest person to fit (43.5, 42, 44) and the dress is quite fitted on top. I took a chance sewing it even though she lives far away, and even though I’m not that experienced, knowing the Cashmerette patterns have an excellent reputation for being well drafted.
My daughter loved the idea that the buttons down the front could be sewn closed, so there would be no gaping. Thinking it through, we decided to eliminate the buttons altogether as the dress was for a wedding and we thought it might make the dress more formal, also it would save time. I would like to try a buttoned version in the future, though!
I used the given finished measurements to help me decide what sizes to use. I knew the pattern was drafted for someone 5’6”, so I took out 2” tried it up to me and then shortened it even more to make it more midi length, just at the narrowest part of the ankle…also I was a little short on fabric to be honest! The shorter length ended up flattering for someone not too tall. I decided to make an 18 G/H for the bodice. The directions on how to grade patterns were very helpful. I made sure to make the adjustments at the side seams, so the princess seams would line up with the pleats below the waist. I graded to a 20 at the side, plus 1/2 inch, then to a 22 at the waist and back to 20 for the hips. In the end, the bust was a tiny bit big (my daughter said, “If I put this on on a store, I would be happy with the fit. It’s fine.”) I think my mistake was doubting the measurements…eye balling the pattern and fitting the G/H up to me, I thought it would be better. E/F probably have been fine. After sewing, I tried it on. It was big on me (I’m a bit smaller) I double checked the finished garment measurements and took a chance and took in the side seams so they just fit my daughter’s measurements. The adjustment at the side seam was easy to do so, I thought she could reverse it if necessary. There was no need as it turned out.
The fabric my daughter chose was a polished viscose. I underlined all of the bodice pieces with a nice quality, light, iron on interfacing, as I felt the extra structure would help to support the lovely neckline, princess seams and straps. This also made it a pleasure to sew! The skirt was left as is and was fun to twirl around in when the dress was worn.

I love this dress so much. The cup sizing makes it so easy to fit. It truly skims my figure on top, them flares out so gracefully below the waist. I love how the fitted bodice makes me stand up straight and walk with my shoulders back, which only enhances the fit more. The straps are wide enough to cover my bra straps, although I did add keepers to stop the bra straps from sliding. The dress straps weren't going anywhere. Wore this all day to a convention, and hated to take it off at the end of the day. We have a cruise planned for next February, and this is already on the packing list. I can't imagine a place that I couldn't wear it.
Also did view B, and now I have the perfect all occasion maxi.

I don't think I've ever had a dress fit as well as this one and with only a few tiny tweaks! It's drafted perfectly so it goes together beautifully and is so floaty and light but with full bust coverage. I made the 14 G/H and it fits true to size. Love it!!

My first Cashmerette pattern but won’t be my last. The pattern is well engineered, my first muslin was too large at the front so I went down a size but kept the original cup sizing, and that fit perfectly. I also shortened it to knee length as I’ll get more wear out of it.

It took a while to make but the instructions were excellent and the online tutorial was a great help too. The result was well worth taking it slowly. I’ve just bought a lovely bird of paradise patterned viscose linen to make a second dress.

I love this dress
I never thought I could wear a sundress with h cup chest - but this fits superbly
I have made five so far in both long and short lengths
- very happy

I bought the kit in blue but bought the fabric for my muslin from a big fabric store. The pattern has lots of pieces to keep track of but is easy to follow. It’s an outstanding dress for summer. Love it!!

There are lots of pieces to this pattern, but definitely worth the cutting! The fit is perfect through the bodice. The skirt flows so nicely! Thinking of making just the skirt version as well.

I made the Holyoake Dress and was impressed that it fit wonderfully. The first one is so swishy and looks fantastic, skimming the body as opposed to clinging. I haven't given it 5 stars because of several little niggles I had with the instructions. Such as, when cutting out pattern pieces, it just says "cut 2" and doesn't mention whether they should be mirrored or not. And when finishing, there is no indication as to how far from the edge the topstitching of the placket should be. Despite that, they are small niggles, and I'd happily recommend this pattern to anyone.

Wonderful construction, different cup sizes to get a perfect fit, clear and helpful instructions as well as a sew-along on the website. Simply an incredible pattern.

I have made two dresses after a wearable toile top with peplum. The design is excellent, the top fits very well, with bra straps covered and straps that don't fall down. It is extremely comfortable and not constricted in away yet everything is safe and secure, even when leaning over!

Dress washes and irons very well important in a cotton summer dress.

The pattern and sew along were very clear as were the instructions for FBA in Ahead of the curve and tutorial on website. First time for me with princess seams, what a revelation! I can't believe the difference a well fitting dress makes.

The size calculator was a real bonus.

A very versatile design that can be dressed up I all manner of ways. I think I will make more of these!

Holyoke was an absolute pleasure to make. Not the easiest pattern I have made, but the instructions and online sew along made it feel easy. I am so happy with the finished dress I plan on making it again and again.
Take your time with some of the trickier parts, especially the curved seams to ensure a clean line, but it is worth the extra effort.
I love that the pattern comes in different bust sizes, it was so easy to adjust the pattern for a fantastic fit.

Having a baby and a toddler around, it was really helpful to have a pattern that I could sew quickly, without major alterations. As a nursing mother, I appreciate the big cups in small sizes and the possibility to make a functional button placket.

As a new sewist, I found this pattern very clear, easy to follow and helpful in construction!
Plus, my skills aren't really up to scaling patterns yet, so finding something in my size: 10 out of 10!

I love the Holyoke dress! It's so feminine and easy to wear. The princess seams make it beautifully fitted, while the elastic back waist makes it easy to pull on. I've already made 4 Holyokes, and have more planned!

I decided to use a fabric in my stash to make my Holyoke. I had to figure out some of the instructions and changed some of them, but I ended with a cool dress and believe me, I really needed it! This year has been super hot and I have eaten a lot of popcicles! I like my light weight dress and am glad it turned out so fun to wear! I love buttons and was excited to find some that matched my fabric!

So far I've only made the skirt but I love it! Can't wait to make the dress version for spring. The only thing is, during construction, I wondered if I should be doing a few extra steps, i.e. understitching the pockets and waistband facing. But that's just me being a bit of a perfectionist and sometimes those steps don't make a noticeable difference. Love all my Cashmerette patterns. Thanks Jenny and team :)

I made a knee-length version in a flowered cotton poplin and it's the perfect summer going-to-dinner dress. I followed the Cashmerette Size Calculator and the fit is perfect the first time. It's exactly the summer dressI was looking for!

I have made this a couple of times now and find i get lots of compliments whenever i wear it! I very flattering pattern especially for those with a mum tum, some struggle with the construction, it felt alien to completely build the front and then the back rather than the top and then bottom but it works and I am really pleased with it. I will be making more.