by Claudine Gauvin For autumnal days and slightly cooler temperatures, there’s nothing quite like an elegant cape to keep warm in style. It’s a practical garment that combines warmth and comfort without compromising on chic. The cape proves to be a versatile fashion accessory, capable of enhancing any outfit, whether it’s jeans, a dress, or tailored trousers.
For my project, I chose the V1818 pattern from the renowned Vogue brand, created by the talented American design duo, Tom and Linda Platt.Their design philosophy, “Life is complicated, clothing should be simple!”, translates into flattering pieces with streamlined silhouettes and bold details.
During my visit to Fabricville in search of the ideal fabric, I was captivated by the beautiful Westminster coat fabric in a captivating magenta hue. As a fan of vibrant colors, I fell madly in love with this unique pink-red shade, a color that not only catches the eye but also stands out among all others. And guess what? The prestigious Pantone house crowned the shade “Viva Magenta” as the color of the year 2023! Hooray for this powerful and invigorating trend that makes us feel ecstatic!
The design of this cape is loose and unlined. It features a double layer (capelet), front bands, sewn hems, and mitered corners. The sewing skill level indicated on the pattern envelope is Average/Medium. In total, there are 6 pieces to cut out. For added stiffness, the collar and front pieces need to be interfaced.
Armed with my erasable pencil and diligently following the pattern instructions, I traced each corner with the precision of a master craftsman. The outcome? Flawless seams, without a hint of fabric excess or bulge! And all of this, courtesy of my trusty sewing companion, my Singer “Heavy Duty” sewing machine. With its powerful motor, it effortlessly tamed the thick fabric with astonishing ease.
Even though this pattern seems easy, it didn’t happen at the snap of my fingers! It’s crucial to manually baste the edges of the cape before sewing it permanently. This step took a lot of time but ensures consistent seam values for a high-end result.
During the fitting, I noticed that the rounded part of the capelet around the shoulders was too wide for my silhouette. So, I decided to revise the design by reducing the curve by about 1/2 inch compared to the original outline. Often in sewing, it’s these kinds of minor adjustments that make all the difference.
In summary, the cape is a versatile and elegant garment that can add a touch of sophistication to your autumn wardrobe. Whether you wear it to keep warm during an outdoor stroll or to enhance your outfit for a special evening, the cape is a wise fashion choice for this season.
