The "Yes-I'm-Wearing-A-Cape" Cape

Tonight is the first night since the Winter Warmth Retreat that I haven't worked on my cape.  Each evening over the past week I eagerly retired into the office/sewing room after putting Adam down for the night and set out on a mission to finish tasks A, B, C on the cape. 

Monday night I read up about welt pockets and then apprehensively put one into the front panel. 

Tuesday night I added the second pocket and hand-stitched the front lining.  

Wednesday night I attached toggle buttons so that I could model the cape for the first time hands-free.

Thursday night I closed off the entire bottom seam.

Friday I wore the cape around the office.  Then in the evening I promptly added another piece of detail to the back panel. I don't even know what you call it.  A placket? No, no...not a placket.  I don't know what the official term is but I'll point it out later and you can correct me. 

So yes, one week after transferring idea to fabric I am able to wear my creation proudly.  If only Winter would just take a hike already.  C'mon Wiarton Willie, you're crampin' my style.

By the way, for those of you who have been asking I didn't work from any pattern but here's where I got my inspiration.  Beautiful, ain't it?

So like I said, I wore this around the office for most of yesterday.  And I did have to muster up a bit of courage to do so. I mean, there are definitely more women now than before I left on mat leave (the company did some major hiring over the course of a year).  But I'm still mostly surrounded by men and not just men, engineering men.  No offense guys, you just aren't the best audience for this kinda stuff.

Showing off a bit of lining

Ribbon detailing has become sorta my thing

At the very least some of you actually noticed there was something different about me and raised an eyebrow as indication.  Others commented "You're wearing a cape."  A simple factual observation. And I think two of you mentioned Sherlock Holmes.  Ah well.

Thanks Kelly, Magda, and Meghan for being so enthusiastic about this project with me.  I am thrilled to share these photos of the finished product with you girls.  And oh yes, an even bigger thank you for convincing me to put in real pockets when I was starting to get worn down.  It was so worth it.

I love this photo (minus our neighbour's wound up garden hose)

Oversized collar and toggle button enclosure

Piping makes for the perfect detail

Here's that not-a-placket thingy!

My first welt pocket

Inner lining hiding a middle layer of quilt batting for warmth

Shaping the collar - wear it up or down?