#TBT DIY Red Cape + DIY Button Up Shirt
Hi Darlings, I am posting this case as my #TBT post because I was just at Michael Levine’s and was so excited when I saw it was back! When I posted this cape the first time it was sold out but now if you want to make it you can find it HERE use code MIMI82 for 10% off your purchase (online only) original pattern review below.
The button up shirt I have on is also a DIY and that pattern review is below as well.
Note: This cape pattern is out of stock on the Vogue website but many times you will still find them in the pattern drawers at Joann or Hobby Lobby and also I use Ebay and Easy to look for out of print patterns. If you don’t already have this pattern those would be good places to start 😉
CAPE REVIEW
Pattern Description: V8776 Semi-fitted, unlined cape has convertible collar, lower side front seams with pockets and stitched hems. No provisions provided for above waist adjustments.
Pattern Sizing: I cut the small but could have cut the x-small. I wanted to make sure I could move my arms so I went for the small but now that I am wearing it I think I could have gotten away with the x-small.
Did it look like the drawing on the pattern once you were done sewing with it? Yep with the exception of the visible buttons.
Were the instructions easy to follow? This is actually a pretty easy cape to make, it is unlined but has some self facings in the front of the cape with needed some hand sewing but all in all it is an easy to follow pattern with clear instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Like I mentioned above I loved the cape from the Giambattista collection when I saw Victoria Beckham wearing it and then my friend Erica B made it in camel and I knew I had to have one.
Fabric Used: Red Textured Wool/Poly Blend found HERE
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I only omitted the button holes per the pattern instructions.
Would you sew it again? Yes
SHIRT REVIEW
Pattern Description: Burda 7136 Misses Shirt
Pattern Sizing: I cut the 10 and made adjustments
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions for this shirt are clear (as most Burda instructions are) and very easy to follow. I however make my shirts differently so I followed my own construction methods.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the classic style of the pattern with the cuffs and plackets.
Fabric/Interfacing Used: Striped Shirting. You can also find amazing shirtings HERE & HERE Interfacing is SO IMPORTANT when making a shirt like this because the collar and cuffs are key to making this shirt a success. I use a medium fusible for my collar and cuffs because I like a crisp collar but don’t like it too stiff.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any design changes but I did take the measurements from my ready wear shirt and used those numbers to adjust my pattern before cutting. I ended up taking out 2″ of ease in the body and 1.5″ of ease in the sleeve. I talk about how to do that in THIS post
Would you sew it again? Yes because since I made the fitting changes to the pattern and not the garment I now have a pattern that is fitted for me and can be replicated over and over without any further fitting issues.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes along with my modifications
