Winter Cape in Gray Wool Cashmere - McCalls M5913
Well my first attempt at clothing from a commercial pattern is complete! A winter 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 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.
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?)
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.
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....?
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?
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.
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.
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....?
I would be very pleased as well. I absolutely LOVE this, it's gorgeous. Well done you for completing it.
ReplyDeleteEmma xxx
Thanks so much Emma! I was v nervous about starting it but once I got going there was no stopping me :-) x
ReplyDeleteIt looks so amazing, I'm not surprised you're proud. Mind you, you look pretty amazing too!
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you start taking commissions *cough*
Thanks Misslizzie (you'll be making your own soon :-) !)
ReplyDeleteLooks 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!)
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! I've thought about making this one too, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
ReplyDeleteIt does look incredibly like the one you missed on ebay.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous and you look fabulous in it (although with your great figure and looks you'd look fantastic in anything).
Thanx Emma for the pattern marking advice and fab comment.
ReplyDeleteCountrygirlcouture, 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!)
Your cape looks fantastic, probably better quality than anything you can buy in the high street. Very impressive
ReplyDeletewow it looks fab!!! well done you :D xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara & Abatha! x
ReplyDeleteBlimey that looks great! You are one talented sausage - and rather good looking too ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks lovely, and not so bad yourself Mamma!
ReplyDeleteI 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! :)
ReplyDeleteLove it! It looks great on you! X
ReplyDeleteAwesome job Bridgit! Well done! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the result! This will be my project too soon. I'm glad it turned so well! Well done!
ReplyDeleteHi 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?
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Jenny
Just wanted to let you know I featured this on my site today :)
ReplyDeletewww.craftingrebellion.com
Thanks crafting rebellion, love all your finds this week! x
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know I have awarded you the Liebster Blog Award. Hop over to my blog and take a look :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://sweet-williams.blogspot.com/
Thanks Sweet Williams, my first blogging award!
ReplyDeleteIt'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!
ReplyDeletehi bridget:
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Thanks Kathy! How strange I didn't get your email the first time round. I'll send you a reply x
ReplyDeleteI saw your pics on FB and had to come over to read up on it. The cape is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAs 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.
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
ReplyDeleteI want to do it!!!!! I loved it....greeting from Chile.
ReplyDeleteyou look pretty amazing!
ReplyDeletemarble top coffee table
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.
ReplyDeleteYes 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
Deletethanks 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.
ReplyDelete