10.05.2008

Elementary my dear.

I'm so freaking excited about this cape. Now, back story. When I told my boyfriend I was making a cape, he thought I meant a cape a la dracula, imagine how disappointed he was when he saw the cape I actually made. A cape more suited for Sherlock Holmes than blood-sucking-half humans. Ug, did I already mention how much I love this cape jacket.

Presenting Burda 08/07 #111, Size 38

capefront
(please excuse the wrinkles)

Fabric: Burgundy Melton wool and 100% cotton plaid lining from Wazoodle.

Pattern Alterations: I cut a size 38 for the cape and upper chest area but I made the bodice and the cape longer by 3" which required making the bottom circumference 8" larger to accommodate the hips. I really liked the original design but I've noticed that I really have to watch the length of my jackets. My hip to waist ratio makes the in between length, which is where this jacket originally fell, awkward and unflattering on me. I also added 2 more buttons because of the added length and I omitted the belt. I was going for more of a loose hang. Oh, ya and I omitted the epaulettes.

capebwoftechdrawing

Techniques: This was my first time making single welt pockets, lining a jacket, heck this was my first time making a jacket. I really couldn't have done any of it without the tutorials that Tany posted in these entries. Please go there if you are looking to make this jacket. I also found these reviews over at Patternreview very helpful.


capewelt

capeback


Now, I do have one doubt. Do the buttons work? I spent so long looking for buttons and at first I thought the black didn't work but then the more I look at it the more I feel they sort of do. What do you think? Suggestions?

Thanks!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ack, I love it! & I love the color you used, so feminine and unexpected. Just wonderful!

Christina said...

This is just awesome. The Burberry-esque lining is perfect. Hmm. Now you've got me thinking about this pattern.

The black buttons definitely work. And nice job on the welt pockets!

annaminiac said...

Beautiful job on the pockets. I like the buttons - I don't think you can really go wrong with black and they're simple, so they don't take away from the interesting silhouette of the jacket/cape.

Meg said...

I think you've put it all together very nicely and it looks très RTW. My 15-year-old daughter has good advice for me when I reach this pause-and-reflect stage of a pattern: "Just walk away, Mom, before you start adding and changing things and mucking it all up."

Leslie said...

Looks FABULOUS! Love the lining, buttons, pockets, color, and the style is great on you. Yay!

Anonymous said...

OMG my heart just skipped a beat!! I LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE it!! THat red and the plaid are freaking fabulous!! I HAVE to make this jacket/cape!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this! It's so adorable and perfect colors/lining pattern... Looks amazing! xo!

LauraLo said...

Wow, it looks great and very well-done! I love the combo of fabric, very Sherlock Holmes but in a fashion way! Bravo!

Frau Vau said...

this is very stylish, and the black buttons look perfect - though i could imagine some fabric-covered buttons... maybe covered with the lining fabric, which would be fun.
but for the classy and stylish look, i definitely would keep the black ones! :)

Anonymous said...

LOVE the cape. My daughters are cape crazy. They want me to sew full length capes for our annual "Nutcracker" girls night at the ballet! I think the buttons are fab, they bring out the black in the plaid. Good job.

Tany said...

It looks perfect to me! Well done!

Summerset said...

Fabulous! The black buttons are just right to tie the lining to the wool. Great job!

toy said...

this is just so cute on you and I love the lining

Colette said...

How the heck did I miss this great post??

I absolutely love this cape. I'm on the look out for this issue - the burberry lining is fab and the black buttons are perfect.

love your pattern reviews.

Anonymous said...

So cool and different! The black buttons definitely work for me.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I love it ! I totaly felt in love with it. I need it ! Where can I find the pattern ?

Anonymous said...

This looks great! I'm so intrigued. Any advice on finding this pattern?