My Cape Caper
I needed a break from all the quilting I’ve been doing, so I thought I would tackle this super simple cape from Butterick (#5819). The cape is unlined and the edges are unfinished, perfect for the quirky reversible boiled wool/lace fabric in my inventory. There are only 4 seams and 3 pattern pieces so I thought this would be a 3 hr romp, max.
Ah, but my romps are never romps, they always get complicated, sigh. I ended up cramming this 3 hour project into 12 hours.
If you would like to make this charming cape and stretch it out into a 12-hr+ project, follow these directions carefully:
- After cutting your fabric out, carefully fold all the pattern pieces and replace in the envelope-this pattern is so easy you won’t need to refer to them.
- Cut out 2 pieces even though the pattern clearly states “Cut 1”.
- Because you have too many pieces, spend 45 minutes sewing and unsewing the wrong seams together. Blame the pattern.
- Retrieve the carefully folded pattern pieces from the envelope and study them.
- Sew the seams correctly and check the look. Discover that the fabric has a directional texture after all and one piece has been cut incorrectly.
- Cut another left side, using the correct orientation.
- Carefully fold up the pattern pieces again and replace in envelope-now you really know you won’t need them again.
- Resew and discover that one seam is 3/4″ longer than the other.
- Retrieve the carefully folded pattern pieces and compare. Note that it is the pattern, not you.
- Cut 3/4″ off of the left side piece.
- After you have constructed and sewn the collar, decide you want the collar to contrast. Cut out the new collar twice-because you got it wrong the first, er second time.
- Ignore the directions to “edgestitch”, thinking you have a better plan. Use the button hole stitch to finish the edges.
- After you have button hole stitched all the edges of your collar, notice how “happy-hands-at-home” it looks.
- Spend 1 hr trying to rip out the button hole stitch. Decide to take your loss.
- Cut out yet another collar and edgestitch…like the pattern said.
- Time to do button holes. Search for owner’s manual on how to do them-it should be on the night stand where it always is (yes, I read my owner’s manual before bed sometimes!).
- Spend 1 hr looking for the owner’s manual.
- Spend 1 hr researching the internet trying to find out how to use your button hole foot.
- While researching, download a virus-laden source for how to use it. Discover the virus-laden source was incorrect.
- Call Tech Support (aka Son #2) to remove the virus from computer.
- Call the local Bernina dealer and arrange an emergency session on how to use the button hole foot.
- On the way out the door, find the Owner’s Manual (in the most recent “logical place” to put it-the basket by the door).
- Cancel the Bernina dealer.
- Consult the Owner’s Manual and realize it’s not you, it really is the foot-it’s malfunctioning.
- Decide to do hand-worked button holes-they’re gorgeous! Consult the Claire Schaeffer pattern that includes directions on hand-worked button holes.
- Do a practice run on hand-worked button holes-discover you suck at it.
- Do 8 practice button holes using the machine-guided “manual” button holes on your machine.
- Walk Basset Boy.
- “Finish” the cape; discover that the buttons and button holes do not line up.
- Remeasure and resew middle button.
- Try on the cape. Sags horribly at the neckline.
- Add hook and eye to the neckline. Perfect.
- Discover that your cape is fabulous…but a bit too large.
- Notice that one of the pattern pieces that was left out has drifted to the floor.
- Note that Basset Boy has “examined” it and there are slobbery holes in it.
- Blame Basset Boy for everything.
If you follow the above steps precisely and carefully, you will surely finish in 12-15 hours.
Basset boy looks quite pleased with himself. The cape is lovely!
Oh the travails we cross in our artistic expressions! (You perfectly illustrated why I am so reluctant to do garment sewing!)
Happy New Year!!!
Oh this could have happened with a quilt! Please don’t let this influence you-garment sewing is so rewarding!
LOL! I love the cape and your adventure making it! That’s the way I sew too!!
I know that these things happen to other sewists too-probably more common than we think!
I feel your pain, but I am also laughing hysterically as I have done many of the same things, only with an Irish Setter looking on……Happy New Year!
Oh so you experience the same thing, just have longer hair to clean up after, giggle!!
Is there any other way to do a project????!!!!!????? Your finish is lovely (can YOU get passed the construction memory????). It can only get better (keep repeating……….) Uber hugs, Doreen
This is my life! I just keep muddling along and things work out-thanks!
You are way too funny! Hehe!
Thank you so much for starting the new year off with a hearty laugh! Must remember this if I ever want to make that garment…with help from my kitten, of course!
Happy New Year, Jenny!
I do think that one of the reasons I was put on this earth is for comic relief! I have a lifetime of stories like this.
Hilarious start to our New Year! As we awaited the start of the Rose Parade I read your “instructions” to Wally. Part way through he said, “sounds like this could become a dog bed pretty easily.”. That was before the end of the story and Bassett Boy’s involvement! At my house it would have become a dog bed! For those of you who may not know, our ASG chapter fills pet beds for animal shelters with scraps from sewing projects.
Hope your next project is less eventful. Happy sewing in 2013. I’ve decided to skip the parade and sew something simple instead.
Uh, beware of “sewing something simple”-that’s where all this started you know!!
OMG! This is hysterical, and so refreshing. Of course the finished cape is gorgeous, and the fabric and pattern are a perfect pairing. It does NOT look “happy hands at home.” ;-) It’s lucky you had so much extra fabric! Kudos to you for sticking with it despite the setbacks — some would have given up and had nothing to show for all of that effort. You know, I think you’re more likely to make mistakes when you switch from one type of sewing to another that you haven’t done in awhile. Garment sewing, quilting, “home dec” (I hate that term) all have their own systems and just going from a 1/4″ seam allowance back to 1/2″ or 5/8″ messes me up! Whatever type of sewing you do most often comes easiest.
Happy New Year, Jenny!
Yes, it is a problem to go from garment to quilt or visa versa. This really was the simplest of projects! And yes, I had tons of fabric-I haven’t measured but it was supposed to take a mere 1 1/4 yd, but I’ll bet I used 2 1/2!
Thanks for the chuckle Jenny! I saw myself in your updated instructions – lol! Especially putting the pattern away, because your sure you totally understand all the steps! Happy New Year to you and your family!
So you do this too??? Sometimes I just want to slap my forehead and say, “How hard can this be?”!
I never knew you were such a skilled comedienne! Thanks for the belly laugh. Your cape is beautiful thanks to your never-give-up attitude.
Oh I’m good at comic relief-I just live my everyday life and this stuff happens!
I’m so glad that I am not the only sewer who can seem to make a simple easy project turn into an epic event. I was laughing and sympathizing at the same time, thanks for making me feel normal!
And this, unfortunately, is normal for me too!
Thanks Jenny! The point to laugh at oneself is well taken! And it sure feels good to know that I am not alone in my foolishness! In fact, judging by the comments, we have loads of good company!
I think there is way more of this out there than we think!!
Boy are we going to have fun on the Chanel Jacket. I will keep my instruction out at all times, I will do the opposite of you, and together we will get one garment completed correctly?
Hmm, one 3 hr cape in 12 hours, how many YEARS will a Chanel jacket take?? You gonna keep me on track?
Very pretty , it was worth all the pain. At least you didn’t sew the instructions on the back of the jacket.
I’ll sew the instructions into my Chanel instead!
A lovely cape, well worth the 12 hours. Thanks for the hilarious commentary.
Thank you-I actually agree it was worth the 12 hours, but it would have been even nicer at 3!
This post made my day. I love your sense of humor, and that you persevered and made a really lovely cape. More power to you, and it sure is nice to know, I’m not alone when I turn a 3 hour project into a long term “bonding” experience. LOL Diane
Oh you are SO not alone in “bonding” experiences! I do like that term, sometimes if it takes long enough perhaps it could be called an “intimate” experience!
My, this was such a refreshing change of pace for you from the meticulous, detailed quilting you usually do. Isn’t it fun to do a quick, simple project now and then? And it IS beautiful!
Uh, “quick, simple”?? Apparently I don’t know how to do simple, no matter what I do! Yes, it is nice to switch it around and do garments for once. Wish I had more time because I would like to sew more garments.
OMG, it must have been buttonhole foot weekend! I, too, attempted to finish up my Amy Butler shirt. How hard can it be to add buttonholes? Mine came out beautifully, except for the alignment, that is. Do you know how hard it s to rip out buttonholes? And no, the buttons don’t cover up wonky buttonhole alignment. Thank you for making me not feel so bad. LOL
I agree-how hard can it be to put buttonholes in using an automatic buttonholer? I need to take mine to the dealer and have it checked. Oh I don’t envy you ripping out buttonholes! But it is worth it-it would bug you every time you wore it if you didn’t fix it.
Your year can only get better!
Yesssss!!
We must be sisters separated at birth…I can flawlessly and easily make a courture pattern blazer in which every seam is finished (some flat fell, some French) and several different types of interfacing are used…but managed to mess up my one and only rag quilt.
“Simple” is code for “designed to drive everyone crazy”.
Absolute LOL! Now I know-“simple” is a code word! And I look back on some exquisite work I’ve done in the past and I ask myself what’s up with the cape?
I’m totally crocheting myself a cape right now! I may not be stylish enough to wear it in public but it feels like an excuse to wear a blanket during the day, so I’m not sure I even care.
Despite the mis-adventure, the cape is totally worth it. Very fun and fashion forward. I can’t wait to see the Chanel-inspired jacket!
Oh, a crocheted cape-I’ll bet it’s great! Tre chic at this fashion moment. Yes, I can’t wait to see my Chanel too-wish it could magically appear!
I am trying to make this cape right now using faux sherpa material. I wanted the cape body to be the suede brown and the collar to be the furry part. I am struggling with the directions for the collar. Do you have any insight to this? The directions seem weird. I – like you tend to take an easy project and turn it into a lifetime work. Drives me nuts.
I know it has been an year since you made this but any help would so be appreciated.
I realize this is several years after the fact, but reading about Basset Boy helping with your project reminded me of my mom. She would carefully lay out pattern and fabric on the living room floor only to have our Basset wander in and stand in the middle of it. He also liked to stand over her and gaze into her eyes when she did exercises with Jack LaLanne.
Oh what a scene Little Bad Wolf! I am giggling as I imagine your Mother trying to do Jack as her Basset demanded attention! And yes, they do love to “help”! You gave me a chuckle.