This pattern is super simple--just three pattern pieces--so my plan was to whip it up between some bigger projects I have in the works. However, I couldn't shake the idea of adding a hood, so with some drafting help from this tutorial and a couple of trial runs, I finally made something hood-like. I don't love it, but that's okay. It is just a hood, after all! I used a self-facing for inside edge of the hood so it the blazing red lining wouldn't show quite so much from the front.
The lining is an orangey-red matte silk. Cashmere and silk makes quite the high-end cape, no? The non-slippery texture works well, since I don't want the cape shifting all over the place.
Not wanting to break the bank on buttons again, I got these from Joann's. The tag says "genuine leather", so we'll go with that. The next smaller size secures the side flaps.
The cape is surprisingly lightweight and warm, perfect for this time of year in Northern California, and the colorway is just so Fall!
I have to say, it took a bit of nerve to wear it out of the house. It's definitely a statement garment (well, maybe just for my quiet wardrobe!). For those interested in the pattern, get yourself some awesome fabric and make it. Its fun and easy. However, the garment has some issues, so I'll give you fair warning: there's no pockets and you can't sling a bag onto your shoulder. Really. Makes it fairly impractical, but hey, not all fashion multitasks with cargo pockets.
