Winter Cape in Gray Wool Cashmere - McCalls M5913

Well my first attempt at clothing from a commercial pattern is complete! A winter cape coat.

Gray Cape Coat


I adore capes, I already have 2 ready-to-wear versions bought a couple of years ago. I love the way you can wear them over chunky winter jumpers and batwing sleeves without crushing your armpits. I really don't need another one, but I saw this cape on Ebay a few months ago and was outbid (grrr!) ....







so I went on the hunt for a pattern that could replicate it, and I think the end result was fairly close?


McCalls M5913

cape coat back


McCalls M5913 is an unlined cape described as quick & easy, and yes it would have been even for a beginner like me, only I decided I wanted a lining....which raised the bar somewhat. I mean, who wears a scratchy winter wool coat without a lining?




I chose a wool/cashmere blend fabric in grey tweed, with a heavy polyester lining fabric, I used black wool flannel for the facings and belt as I wanted 'flashes' of black as a contrast.


winter coat fabric


The pattern pieces are quite large so it would have been easier to cut out on the floor rather than my dining table. As this was my first attempt at a commercial pattern I had to contend with all the pattern markings, which was time consuming as I marked them all on the right 'and' wrong sides of the fabric, probably excessive but I wasn't sure which side I should be marking (anybody know please?)

pattern pieces pinned to fabric

For the lining I cut the front and back pattern pieces, minus the front facings. I joined the lining to the facings and then followed the instructions as normal. I turned the coat hem up once and the lining hem once and sewed both together. Matching the belt openings in the fabric and lining was the trickiest part.




I used self covered buttons which were really easy to make and slightly moved the button placings to my preference.




I like the way the back looks almost like a peplum style jacket, and the belt stops the cape looking shapeless.

McCalls M5913 back


Although the pattern is described as a coat I don't think it's warm enough for a Yorkshire winter (parky brrrr!) it's more of a jacket really so I would only wear this cape on mild days or if I was shopping indoors, but I love the end result especially the lining. Can you tell I'm pleased with it....?

Comments

I would be very pleased as well. I absolutely LOVE this, it's gorgeous. Well done you for completing it.
Emma xxx
Wag Doll said…
Thanks so much Emma! I was v nervous about starting it but once I got going there was no stopping me :-) x
Liz Burton said…
It looks so amazing, I'm not surprised you're proud. Mind you, you look pretty amazing too!

Let me know when you start taking commissions *cough*
Wag Doll said…
Thanks Misslizzie (you'll be making your own soon :-) !)
emma said…
Looks great, can't believe it's a first attempt! I think you should mark the wrong side of the fabric (that's what I always do, but I could be wrong!)
Anonymous said…
Looks awesome! I've thought about making this one too, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
It does look incredibly like the one you missed on ebay.
It's gorgeous and you look fabulous in it (although with your great figure and looks you'd look fantastic in anything).
Wag Doll said…
Thanx Emma for the pattern marking advice and fab comment.
Countrygirlcouture, would love to see your version!
Little Blue Mouse thanks for your lovely comments (I was gutted when I was outbid on the ebay one...and the seed was sewn so to speak lol!)
Sara said…
Your cape looks fantastic, probably better quality than anything you can buy in the high street. Very impressive
wow it looks fab!!! well done you :D xx
Wag Doll said…
Thanks Sara & Abatha! x
Anonymous said…
Blimey that looks great! You are one talented sausage - and rather good looking too ;)
Wag Doll said…
Haha thanks lovely, and not so bad yourself Mamma!
Punky Prep said…
I LOVE the buttons and also how it ties into a bow in the front. Yours looks way better than the McCalls picture. You improved their pattern just by fabric and button choice. Its always good to know you are better than the pros! :)
Sonia said…
Love it! It looks great on you! X
RobertUK said…
Awesome job Bridgit! Well done! :)
Maria said…
Love the result! This will be my project too soon. I'm glad it turned so well! Well done!
Anonymous said…
Hi Bridgit, I love your blog and would love to discuss a possible project with you. Could you email me at hello@threadheadmag.com so we can chat?
All the best,
Jenny
Punky Prep said…
Just wanted to let you know I featured this on my site today :)
www.craftingrebellion.com
Wag Doll said…
Thanks crafting rebellion, love all your finds this week! x
Wag Doll said…
Thanks Sweet Williams, my first blogging award!
Keren Duchan said…
It's gorgeous! Well done! It looks like it is structured very well and the details and finishing are top notch. Thanks for commenting on my blog BTW!
Kathy said…
hi bridget:

I THOUGHT I POSTED MY COMMENT LAST WEEK. WHEN YOU DIDN'T REPLY, I CHECKED YOUR BLOG AND LO AND BEHOLD IT WAS NOT THERE. SO HERE I AM AGAIN....YOU LOOK SO CHIC IN YOUR GREY CAPE. GREAT FABRIC CHOICE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, GREAT PATTERN! LOL. WE WOULD LOVE TO POST IT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: Fb.mccallpattern.com WITH A LINK TO YOUR BLOG. MAY WE? PLEASE EMAIL ME AT valeryp@mccallpattern.com. THANKS.
Wag Doll said…
Thanks Kathy! How strange I didn't get your email the first time round. I'll send you a reply x
Nina said…
I saw your pics on FB and had to come over to read up on it. The cape is gorgeous.

As for markings, usually marks go on the wrong side of the fabric. However, things like button/pocket placement or some roll lines are most useful on the front (especially when lining and facing is involved). I usually mark those with thread tacks so I don't have to worry about chalk residue.
Wag Doll said…
As thanks Miss Nina! I haven't had a chance to check out FB yet, excited to see what McCalls have said. Thanks for the pattern marking info too x
Maritza said…
I want to do it!!!!! I loved it....greeting from Chile.
Sonia said…
just seen the pattern for this cape thinking of makeing it as its a bit different, is it quite easy or not also do you still wear yours. Yours has turned out really nice and i sew your review on pattern review.
Wag Doll said…
Yes it's very easy - it was the first commercial pattern I attempted and it went fine. I also added a lining (go me!) as the pattern is unlined (which is a bit odd for a wool cape?). I haven't worn it over the summer but will def be wearing it now autumn is on the way. Good luck with it :-) xx
Sonia said…
thanks for replying will order the patten now, I was going to try and do a coat which I have never done before but think I may try and make the cape first. Like you I think I will be putting a lining in. Just need to find some nice fabric.

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