Today kicks off the Cleo Summer Showcase, and I’m excited about this one because I feel this pattern and style is for anyone and everyone!  Cleo is a great staple skirt pattern (and pretty quick sew) from our sewing guru, Rae.

You can read all about Cleo here, but to sum it up for you, this gathered skirt features a flat-front waistband, elastic at the back, pockets, optional contrast ham band, and two lengths.

Wait, did someone say pockets?

Moms need pockets.  Kids need moms to have pockets.  Because candy wrappers, hair ties, old band-aids, pebbles, matchbox cars, dirty/lucky pennies, rotten acorns….

The fabric I used is from Anna Maria Horner’s Loominous collection, which features yarn-dyed cotton in really beautiful colorways.  Super light and airy, this stuff is.  Perfect for a Summertime skirt.  I chose to make mine in the longer length, and I’m very pleased… oh, and I did add a couple of extra inches to accommodate for my height.

Changing your Cleo up from casual to fancy is as simple as fabric choice. Rae has so many different versions on her blog that you’ve got to check out:  Gingham (my fave!), a beautiful Cleo made in Liberty, and a green maxi she made years ago before Cleo was a thing.

I had the sweetest photo assistant, and I can’t resist giving him some face time here on the old blog.  Love that boy.

Thanks Rae, for inviting me along.  I’m already dreaming up some cooler weather Cleos!

You can follow along the Cleo Summer Showcase all week. Take a look at this line-up, find your inspiration, and grab your copy of the Cleo skirt!

-Erin