McCall's: 6446 (Misses' Capes) - Type:Coat/Jacket  | | Viewed 96 times
| 2 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 2 people | | Reviewed by: | redeyedtreefr0g | 
| | About redeyedtreefr0g | | | | Member since: 10/7/11 | | Reviews written: 1 | | patterns reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 1/28/13 2:04 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
McCall's Pattern InfoMore Info provided by redeyedtreefr0g | | Pattern Rating: | Recommend, with Modifications | | See other patterns in this category: Coat/Jacket | Available for sale on PR: $14.96 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Polyurethane Laminate [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| This cloak can be made with or without a hood, with or without pockets, with or without a decorative "belt" at the back. It is meant to be lined in the hood and attached "neck band" but is unlined with only a facing below the neck.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes. I think the pictures make it look more wrinkly than it is in real life. I altered the pockets.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I hate facing! I haven't figured out how facings are supposed to NOT be in the way. I'm much happier having gotten rid of it altogether.
I did not like how bulky the neckline gets when trying to sew it- it can get difficult to feed all that fabric smoothly under the presser foot. With fleece lining the problem was compounded by about a thousand!
Fabric Used: Babyville Boutique waterproof breathable Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) diaper fabric! Spring Green. Lined with Lettuce Green Blizzard Fleece.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Originally I made the cloak following directions with the PUL fabric, and with a cotton lining fabric. I did not put in the pockets, and I never really completed the cloak in that version.
It was intended for use as a "rain cape" while riding my bicycle. With winter, I realized that I didn't like the idea of only wearing it in the rain, and I also didn't have anything to keep snow off me. So I bought fleece.
This finished version is completely lined instead of having only a facing below the neck. I also wanted the pockets to repel rain or snow instead of collecting it with those upturned welts- so I made them a tad bit larger and flipped them over to be pocket flaps. The pockets themselves are made of the green cotton fabric I had used previously. I added invisible zippers to close the arm slits to keep rain out while cycling. Regular buttonholes were impossible, so these are bound buttonholes.
Oh, and I didn't know how to do a french tack, so I just sewed along the collar topstitching to attach collar to cape at the back seam lines. I left the collar free at the front seam lines to avoid strange pulling. So far I don't have any issues with the collar flipping up like before.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would sew it again- likely in a more "normal" color, and in wool. I would still do a complete lining. I might leave off the hood and make a matching hat instead. Ooh! That's a great idea, actually.
I definitely recommend this pattern to others, but it is my first cloak. It's not hard to fit since it is not form-fitting, and the directions are very clear. The pockets were extremely easy to add in.
I don't use the hood alone yet, but it works beautifully under a skate-style bike helmet to keep ears and neck warm. My arms don't go through the arm slits while riding unless the weather is warm enough for bare skin to be exposed- normally I have on fleece mittens with my arms underneath. In extreme cold I'll have on long sleeves, but above freezing I'm fine with a short-sleeved shirt.
The cape does well in the variations of hot and cold we can get from before dawn to the day's high- I just close the arm slits to prevent drafts, or open them, then start unbuttoning, until finally at 50F I'm ok without a jacket at all. This thing is wonderfully versatile. My only gripe is that because I lined it with fleece- it is very heavy to pack around when you aren't wearing it! My shoulders can get hot sometimes at that line between too-cold-to-go-bare-skinned and warm-enough-to-take-off-the-cloak. They cool down very quickly- much better than having wet armpits from a regular jacket!
I like the idea of the pockets, but in practice I carry too much stuff! The front of the cloak is quite weighted. They are perfect for small keys, though, and a cell phone. I find with the weight and bulk, my upside-down pocket flaps can be pulled oddly downwards. So far I haven't cared enough to change anything, though.
I have to unbutton the cape nearly to the top to wear it in the car with a seat belt. No problem.
Conclusion:
I love my cloak!
You can see more pictures on my blog at redeyedtreefr0g.blogspot.com. Finished cloak on January 21, 2013,
original attempt on September 28, 2012. | Buy this pattern for $14.96 List Price: $19.95 Add to Bag  |
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2 Comments
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Wow. That is fabulous. I can just picture you riding along through the snow wearing your beautiful cape.
1/29/13 0:34 AM
Nice cape! You did a wonderful job customizing it for your needs while riding your bicycle.
2/1/13 0:13 AM