The Season of Sentimental Sewing

Memory is a powerful thing. Every time I smell Peach Nectar by Bath and Body Works, I am immediately transported to Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong. I wore that fragrance during my semester abroad more than 15 years ago. My mind is flooded with  feelings of adventure, freedom, curiosity and joy I experienced. The flashes of memory are always surprising in their vividness and the pleasant feelings they evoke.

We all have these sense memories and at times, long to recapture feelings brought by positive experiences. I was recently commissioned to make a garment that reminded the client of the love and care her grandmother imparted in a "Little Red Riding Hood" cape she was given as a child. I was nervous to take on a project loaded with such sentimentality, but I was willing to take the risk.  For this project, I had several cape patterns from which to choose and she decided on retro Simplicity 6630.

                   

                   

We considered, wool, fleece, and microsuede as fabric choices and decided on red microfiber for the exterior. This pattern is designed to be reversible though she did not want contrast. I chose a red cotton broad cloth for the interior.

                   

Here is Ann in the completed cape. She loves it and says it does the trick. It is like the cape from her childhood made with love by her grandmother. I see that smile on her face and I can imagine her as an adorable six-year old with a pretend basket of muffins. :)

Her enthusiasm about her cape was palpable. Her joy was overheard by a passerby wanting to give that feeling to others. That person commissioned me to make two more to be given as holiday gifts! I got busy and made them!

Black, red and grey plaid with cranberry interior.

                   

                   

                   

                  

Grey and white Hounds tooth with a Panne velvet interior. 

                   

                   

                   

                   

and one for my sister in a print exterior and denim interior. 

                   

                   

                    

Whew! I am beat! Making a reversible garment is like making 2 garments at once and requires twice the time. Having satisfied recipients made it worth it. I have written a review of the pattern that you can read here.

Have done any sentimental sewing? What did you make? Have you received a treasured garment? What was it? Who made it?

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

Little Hooded Cape

On a jaunt to High Fashion fabrics in Houston, I found Simplicity 8356 from Shirley Botsford Designs, in the discontinued $1 bin! It got My Little Miss all excited about the possibilities for dress up and me thinking about a winter cape. It is not a typical coat, but with  the volume of the cape, I believe it will keep her warm.

e

  

My sister and her darling daughters were visiting so I thought I would make capes for them too. I delved into my stash to find fabrics. I gave them options and they made the design choices for inside of the cape.

My Little Miss loves to twirl, dress up, Dora and the color pink! She loves her new winter cape!

I have also made two more capes for a parent at Little Misses' Mom day Out. She choose some great fabric combinations. I have added a covered button over the hook and eye closure for added interest. Here are those pictures:

Here is my review of Simplicity 8356

Pattern Description:
Child’s Costumes: A-Dress, Overlay, B C D- Vest, B D-Blouse, B- Shirt and Apron, C- Blouse D- Skirt and Cape

Pattern Sizing:                        
3, 4,5,6,7,8

I made 2 size 4 and one size 8.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, the shape, but I modified the rest.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked everything about it. In Texas, it does not get too cold for too long. I love that I can toss this on my Little Miss and go. No fussing with zips, snaps and such when getting in and out of the car and her car seat.

Fabric Used:
A wrinkle free, water-resistant, home dec. fabric from my stash for exterior. A Dora printed cotton for the hood interior.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I lined the hood with a print. I omitted the ties and opted for a button and hair tie for the closure.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I actually made three at the time; one for my Little Miss and two for my nieces.  I would recommend it. Little Miss gets complements every time she wears it. It is not for shy girls! I have requests to make it for others.

Conclusion:
Great for our mild winters and after, great for pretend play.