I get cranky if I can’t manage at least two
projects from a length of fabric, even if I start with less than the first pattern calls for. It’s
silly, but each time I get away with it, I get more and more determined to continue the trend.
After cutting out my latest Britex Project, I had some leftovers – not enough for another dress, but enough to feel silly folding it up and putting
it away to languish in a drawer. And since Spring weather is somewhat unpredictable, a coverup of
some kind seemed like a good idea. Cardigans are lovely, but sometimes a girl needs something different.
I started with Butterick 4927. I know I have another capelet pattern
somewhere that is not double breasted, but this was the first one I found. After coming across various examples of vintage patterns that utilize dress strap buttons as anchor points, I decided that I just had to have one!
I love the shawl collar look of this design,
so I set out to make my own.
To help me
figure out how to modify the collar, I pulled out the facing from Simplicity 3224, matched the inner corners up and gave
myself plenty of fold over collar to play with. I trimmed the collar down and rounded the front edges of one side before duplicating the look on the other.
Finishing the edges were the next puzzle to solve. I liked the idea of binding them, but the
fabric was way too thick and I did not have a suitable alternate on hand. I pinned on a bit of the natural colored
underlining as a contrast, but did not like the look of it. In the end, I just stitched two complete capelets right sides together, leaving a few inches open at the center back to turn everything right side out.
After playing around with the fabric, I quickly realized that
buttonholes were probably not a great idea.
I could reinforce a bound buttonhole with silk organza, but even so, was
worried about the raveling.
A front closure was certainly a possibility, but not my
preference. In the end, I used those
buttons as anchor points. but in a different manner. With a loop of
elastic attached to the inside of the cape, I can move around without worrying
that the capelet is going to fall off my shoulders. Not the most beautiful solution, but it
works!
[The fabric for this project was received in exchange for my
contributions as a Britex Guest Blogger.]
Gorgeous idea! X
ReplyDeleteso lovely and fresh for summer,you have a lot of idea!X
ReplyDeleteI like to make things out of leftovers as well - this cape is gorgeous and just right for the dress.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea (and the fabric is amazing, too)! Capes are one of my current obsessions, and yours is a beautiful inspiration. Can't wait to see the whole shebang put together!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for leftover yardage! It looks lovely :)
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteHow pretty!! I can totally see you that little capelet! It's all very ladies-who-lunch elegant ;o)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I'm such huge fan of vintage wraps. I made one by Schiaparelli last year and want to get going on a Claire McCardell design soon. They're perfect for spring.
ReplyDeleteLove it! The capelet really completes the look in a way that a cardigan just couldn't! I so often find that the leftover project is the one that turns out the best.
ReplyDeleteThe capelet is beautiful. I think its a great idea to try and get another project out of a length of fabric.
ReplyDeleteStellar idea!!! I love this design, very much including the pretty pink buttons you use.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Just beautiful. I love the elegance of a capelet + dress. Sometimes the best ideas stem from trying to solve a problem like using up extra yardage!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely. Love the elastic loops. What a good solution.
ReplyDeleteoh my this is stunning... say your completed version on pattern review
ReplyDelete