When we first released the Woodland Stroll Cape pattern earlier this year, I talked about how this pattern was inspired by a vintage cape I found. We refined the shape and worked out some really great tricks to help you assemble it, and I think the pattern turned out beautifully. It’s a very quick style to sew, with just a few seams. The lining makes it even faster to make since there aren’t any visible seam allowances to be finished, and it looks just as nice on the inside as the outside.
But really, I love this pattern because it’s such a cute style. Like I mentioned the other day, it’s sort of a cross between a jacket and a cape, so it doesn’t have that really dramatic flair that we usually associate with capes. No superhero vibe or diva drama happening here. Just a gentle, refined shape that can be layered over sweaters as the temperature drops. And I’m seeing a lot of capes in New York this fall, so it’s definitely a look that’s being embraced by a lot of women.
I also like that this pattern doesn’t use a lot of fabric, so you might even consider splurging a bit on a gorgeous wool (cashmere?) that you really love and not feel guilty about the price. If you’re not very fond of sewing buttonholes, you might also try using leather buckle closures like the ones we used on this orange cape. (We found these at Pacific Trimming. M&J Trimming has some nice ones as well.)
(Maya, our model for this pattern, is a modern dancer. I love this shot, which also shows that you really can move your arms when you wear cape!)
What else? Oh, it also looks great in plaid!
And of course you can style it all sorts of ways. I dress it down with jeans but also wear it with pencil skirts, so it’s versatile. This is a photo from back when we first released the pattern.
Wanett of Sown Brooklyn made herself a chic version of the cape a few weeks ago. She made a few changes here and there and gave the pattern a slightly different look. Check her post for details and additional photos.
Ready for the Polyvore thing? Just two today. See? I’m really showing discipline and restraint here. (While completely disregarding the fact that I’ve already shown you dozens of photos….)
Botanical Gardens:
Weekend in Paris:
Oh, and the kid-sized equivalent of this cape pattern is the Forest Path Cape, if you’re feeling inclined to do a mother-daughter matchy thing like this. (S loves it when we match.)
You can purchase, download, and print your copy of the Woodland Stroll Cape pattern in the Oliver + S shop now.