swingy capes and wide brimmed hats

Photos by Neil!

Navy Military Cape - Pre to Post Modern

Vintage Felted Wool Hat, Blue Ribbon, Plaid Shorts - Thrifted

Peter Pan Collar Blouse - American Apparel

Studded Suede Clogs - Urban Outfitters

I'm getting out all of my winter-y impulses before I dive head first into spring style.. which, after all, can't be too far away.. I went all day today without a coat and felt completely comfortable.

(I'm full of it. It's only January. But it's really hard to stay focused on cold weather when all you want to do is sew cotton crop tops and chiffon skirts.)

But in the spirit of giving winter its due, I recently purchased a great wool cape from Pre to Post Modern in Nashville. The offer was way too good to pass up. Ever since I saw my friend wear a military navy cape with gold buttons earlier in the fall, I've been on a pseudo-subconscious hunt for one of my own.. and I found it!

The felted wool hat is a thrifted find (that I shared with you last week) from the 1950s. I removed a gaudy flower with studded rhinestones and it became a simple wide-brimmed hat with black grosgrain ribbon.. a dream for me, especially considering how close I was to spending 50 dollars on a new one from ASOS.

Really loving on this Spring 2011 trends film that Topshop just posted.

sewing saturday! working on a camel wool cape

Sewing Saturday! This week, I worked on my camel wool cape with plaid wool lining. I finished the front and back darts, as well as the arm holes - a part of the project that was very new to me.

First, the front darts. I marked the two matching darts, sewed the two dotted lines together, then trimmed them with pinking shears and pressed them open.

Then, I began the arm openings. I marked the stitching lines on the front of the cape and stitched around it to reinforce the opening.

When I originally cut the fabric, I was required to cut four small rectangles (welts) out. They are to be used for the arm holes. I ironed them shut halfway, lengthwise, with right sides out. I then marked them according to the pattern.

I sewed the folded welts to the arm opening stitching on the outside front of the cape, making sure to match the marked lines and dots to the stitching lines and ends. Once I was finished, I cut the arm openings down the middle with diagonal lines to each corner. Then, I folded the welts inward to the inside of the cape.

I pressed the arm openings, then stitched along the top and bottom edges of the openings. That's how to create arm holes!

I also had time to finish up a couple of small darts in the cape back, as well.

For next week, I'll be putting the entire cape together. There's a Christmas festival in downtown Franklin that I'd love to wear this cape to, as my winter coat I've been wearing lately is not as warm as I originally thought. Maybe two layers of wool will be enough? Speaking of, I'm excited to line my first sewing project.

Shop update tomorrow.. hope everyone had a great weekend!

sewing saturday.. creating a camel wool cape!

I've never been this excited about a sewing project! Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be making a tan wool cape with peter pan collar and matching plaid wool lining! What do you guys think?

The pattern is from the 1970's, complete with some pretty painful styling on the front. It didn't really catch my attention until I started imagining it in wool and plaid.. and then when I spotted this Karen Millen cape, I knew I had to make one for myself.

Also, I've never messed around with interfacing or lining (or peter pan collars, for that matter), and this pattern calls for both. It'll be a challenge, but I'm sure it's worth it.

Supplies you'll need for this project.. a bit over two yards of tan wool, two yards of matching plaid wool for the lining, 1/2 yard of medium weight interfacing for the collar, two matching buttons, and then the usual - pinking shears, pins, sharp sewing scissors, measuring tape, matching thread, and an iron.

First, I prepared the pattern pieces by trimming and ironing them out.

Then, I prepared the fabric by ironing it out. I followed the cutting layout and pinned the pattern pieces to their proper places.

I pinned the under collar and neck tab to the facing, then cut out all of the pieces.

Yay! That's all for this week. I guess cutting, pinning, and ironing takes a bit longer when you add lining and interfacing to the mix? Hope all is well with you guys!