Amanda vs Milano Cape of Awesome

 

Check that sassiness out!

 

Bwah ha ha!

So what I loved about this pattern:

• Welt pockets. Once I got the handle on these they were easy to do and look absolutely fabulous. I have the urge to add them to everything. I’m certain they’d add a little sophistocation to my PJ shorts, right?
• Buttonholes- this is the first time I have ever successfully completed them. I used an additional piece of facing cut to the size of the holes to add extra stability and it worked a treat. Sure, they took me three hours to get the whole six of them done but it was worth it to take time and get the experience. Though I am debating whether or not to use fray stop on the button holes? Would this be helpful or make things look messy. Does anyone have a preference?
• Lining- I am so proud of myself for doing this myself. I cut out pieces that were the size of the shell minus the facing pieces then added the seam allowance. This worked well except for one piece which slipped when I was cutting. It was a wee bit too big which I discovered as I was hand-stitching the lining opening closed. Some tiny hand-stitched pleats made that bit of excess fabric disappear easily and kept a professional finish.
• Pockets- The pattern came with a pocket bag which would leave visible stitching on the shell. Because I was being so precious with my fabric (did I mention it was a wool/cashmere blend? that’s right I have- only about 76 billion times) I wanted the finished cape to look sleek. As a result I freestyled me some pockets- these have worked well and look fine but I have some changes in mind for next time.
• Peter Pan collar- I’m not sure why but I am loving this look on this cape. Oh wait- I do know why. Because it is RAD!

The changes I would make for next time:

• Buttons that aren’t five billion centimetres thick. These glories have a single shank on the back, weigh a tonne and flop around like french fires left at the bottom of the carton. They caused me no end of grief trying to line up button holes and button placement as well as being so thick the collar couldn’t sit flat. I had to move the top two buttons six times to get it to sit right.
• Lighter fabric, no lining. I needs me some summer cape. I’m thinking something light and lovely made exactly as recommended.
• Not too be so scared of getting off the beaten path of my sewing skills. The pattern directions are not as detailed as I am used to but that is not a bad thing. I had to rely on myself and my mad searching *cough* and cocktail making *cough* abilities to work out some of the techniques I have never used before to get things done. Sewing is an adventure where you learn new tricks all the time. And as the wise wordsmiths, Aerosmith, have oft said -we’re living on the edge. True words, Steve Tyler, true words.

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