Made By A Fabricista: Fall is here!

Fall is here, and I have been in a coat/cape mood lately! I have a few that I plan to make, however, this pattern was not in the plans. It was in my stash, but it wasn’t on my “must make” list. I wanted to make a coordinating set but I thought it might be a little too much with this print. Now, I absolutely love animal prints, don’t get me wrong. I am a sucker for them! When I saw this jacquard double knit I had to have it. Instead, I decided to make an easy, comfortable cape that I can wear casually or dressed up. This pattern and fabric were perfect!

The pattern I chose to make is McCall’s 8029. This cape has three designs that you can choose from. I chose to make view C. View C has a hood. All three views have a neck and front facing and a belt/tie. Now, if you are wanting to make a cape but would like something on the easy side, this is your cape! I didn’t realize just how easy this was prior to getting started. This cape has minimal sewing. It doesn’t even require a hem. Which, was good because my serger just happened to break down on me when I started sewing. However, I do prefer a more finished look, so I turned my neck and front facings (inside edges) under and sewed a simple single fold hem to avoid exposing the interfacing. As for interfacing, the neck and front facings are the only pieces interfaced. After sewing my neck and front facings on, I chose not to edgestitch around the hood and front opening. The pattern says to pin the hood and facing to the cape wrong sides together. Instead, I sewed them on right sides together. I then stitched 5/8 inch above the front, lower edges just across to the end of each front facing and trimmed close to the stitch line. I flipped the facing to the inside and just gave the whole hood and front opening a really good press. Same as you would do for a jacket or coat with a front facing. For the remainder of each front piece, I trimmed off 5/8 inch so it would be in line with the front facings.

The pattern instructions said to fold the belt wrong sides together and just edge stitch all around the edges of the belt. Since, I was going for a more finished look, I folded right sides together and left a small opening so I could turn the belt right side out and gave it a really good press. I did turn my neck and front facing (inside edges) under and sewed a simple single fold hem so the interfacing would not be visible.

This cape has four openings for you to slip the belt through; two in the front and two in back. The pattern instructions call the openings button holes, but says to stitch 1/18 inch around each opening and trim the inside close to the stitching, lol. Good thing, because my machine doesn’t make button holes this long and I don’t have the skill to make them by hand. If you do, then that would be a good way to get that finished look.

If you are looking for an easy cape pattern to try, this is it!

Until next time…

ADRIA SHANELLE | @AdriaShanelle

Made By A Fabricista: Basics vs Fun Clothes

Every summer I make flowy, pretty dresses because they are so fun for me to make, wear, and they keep me cool as temperatures rise. But when the days get shorter and autumn rolls around, I’m not always confident on how best to transition my summery dresses into garments that will allow for the seasonal changes. In an effort to be more intentional about maximizing the use of my clothing, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to make for August. It’s been a hot summer in New Jersey. From what I can see, it’s been a hot summer across the US. Looking for clothing that will keep me cool, perhaps hide some sweat stains, and allow me to transition between seasons, I decided to make separates that would pair well with each other and allow me to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. For the top, I wanted a basic tank top, something I could layer later on. For the bottoms, I wanted flowy, summery pants that can last into brisker weather or become phenomenally cozy in front of my wint...

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing Summery ITY

Hi sewing friends! I’m dropping in to share a few makes sewn with ITY fabrics and inspire you to try out this slinky, cool-to-the-touch fabric for hot weather if you haven’t yet, or to recommend some patterns that work fabulously if you already love it. This is by far my favorite knit to wear in summer. Since it moves easily there’s lots of airflow, and it just skims the body. More often than not, it has a four-way stretch that doesn’t grow when worn, so it works great for loads of styles. ITY stands for Interlock Twist Yarn and the knit gives it some wonderful drape and stretch. There are lots of different weights and even some differing textures. Because it’s so fluid, the fabric really resists most wrinkling. I’ve sewn three different weights and prints here to show off just what ITY can do! This white floral is a lighter weight and features a slightly crepe-textured finish, and I think that combined with the large and spread-out floral makes it quite elegant and eye-cat...

Made By A Fabricista: From Paris with Love!

Bonjour! I am still in bliss from my recent trip to Paris!! It was much more than I expected and I absolutely fell in love with the city. I can honestly see myself living there one day. I knew before leaving I wanted to make something to fit into the Parisian landscape because I knew it would be a special opportunity. I was inspired by one of my favorite fashion creators Juliette Foxx. Her checked gingham corset and wide leg pants were on my list to remake. For fabric I used this red and white pin stripe denim twill and deep red sateen for the pants. The pattern I used for the corset was McCall’s #M8182 with a few modifications. The fit was a little large so I took it in along the sides and shoulder seam. I then lowered the neckline since the shoulders were taken in. I used the sateen as my lining which gave a great contrast. My pants are my unreleased pattern which happens to be exact from the inspiration. I drafted these last year and have been wo...

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