The Cape

The cape is done.

I’m happy with it.

I’m happy it’s complete.

I hate dealing with slick linings!

I’m beginning to hate sewing with BLACK.

I don’t plan to make another cape…….ever, Ever, EVER



This is for my dear SIL. She has wanted a hooded cape for at least 2 years now. I’m happy I did it for her, but I don’t plan to go through that exercise again. Too much fabric, too heavy, too everything for my taste.

The fabric is black wool with a touch of lycra that I purchased at the 65% off sale from TrimFabric. The fabric is very nice and a great hand for a cape. I lined it with black pongee from J’s (using a 50% off coupon). I used Pam’s of Off the Cuff method for pretreating/shrinking wool fabric using wet towels and the clothes dryer. Thank you, Pam.

I used the vintage 70’s pattern that I mentioned in this post.

I had made a muslin, and she asked for a bit more shoulder room. This pattern came in individual sizing in SM, MED, LG, XL. I had the size MED and the size LG – which was the size I used. I added at the side seams approximately 5/8”, and I reduced the back seam to 3/8”. I constructed the lining with these changes. She tried on the lining and pronounced it “comfortable.”

Then on to cutting the wool. The wool was very nice to sew, and took a very nice press. The pattern used frogs as closures. I’m not a fan of frogs. I used barrel buttons instead. These were in my button stash, and I think they were rather perfect for this cape. I used black pony elastics as the loops. The blacks were a perfect match, too! Oh, and I sewed a large hook/eye at the very top of the neckline to really secure the cape at the neckline.

I think she will be happy with it. She is always appreciative of the things I’ve created for her.

The End (of the cape).

PS:  I know I still owe you a photo of me wearing the Peggy Sager's swing dress....I just haven't taken it yet.