Sew the Look: DIY Burberry Inspired Cape McCalls 7664

I had a gap in my wardrobe, I needed a casual coat/cape that was good for cool weather and would work for times when I need to run from the car to the house/building.  I don’t have a lot of casual coats, but I have tons of jackets, so I knew I wanted something a little heavier than my jackets but not as heavy as my Wool coat.  I really like camo, so when I saw the fabric in the 50% of section of Joann’s I got a few yards with the intent of making a similar cape to this Burberry inspired cape.   I thought this was a good sew the look inspiration look for the blog.

Burberry Inspiration

I’m not a fan of capes or fringe because I think they can swallow you a bit and just drown you out with all that fabric, but the belted option of this pattern is what sold me.  I think belting adds definition to the waist and actually makes me like my cape better than the inspiration pic.  The Burberry cape is made from a divine fabric, but I’m very happy with the outcome of my poly blend, and I really like the binding and vintage belt.  I don’t think people realize how trendy most sewing patterns can be with a little tweaking, and how we can make many of the current designer inspired looks at home.

Pattern Description:

 
Very loose-fitting capes have collar variations. A: Purchased toggles. B: 5/8″-3/4″ trim. D: Double-fold bias binding.

SEWING LEVEL: Advanced beginner (experience working with bias binding and buttonholes)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

 
Yes, I styled it with a purchased vintage belt, but I will make a matching belt.
Were the instructions easy to follow?

 
Yes, there are only three pattern pieces, this is easy enough for a beginner and it has two foundation techniques.  It doesn’t go into great detail on adding the bias binding or how to make buttonholes, but it does refer you to your machines manual for buttonholes. 
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 
It’s super easy and designed for beginners, I like that it has collared options and buttons, both good techniques to learn.  The pattern has lots of ease so no real fit issues.  No dislikes.
Fabric Used: Camo tweed/jacuard poly/acrylic/wool blend from Joann’s.  This is similar in weight and texture to Wool Melton and would work if Wool is too scratchy for an unlined garment.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

 
I did a forward shoulder adjustment and a slight round back adjustment.  I also added five inches to center back and curved to nothing at the side seams.  I wanted the back to cover my butt,  I normally add two inches to length, I added an additional three inches to give myself extra coverage.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I don’t know if I need another cape, I love this one!  and this filled the gap in my wardrobe.  I will make a belt from the same fabric so I have options.  I recommend this pattern and think it would be a good pattern for beginners, there’s minimal fit and you get to practice some foundation techniques.

Cost:
Pattern: $2
Fabric $13 (little over 2.5 yrs)
Binding $5 (3 packages of binding)

Total cost $20   Inspiration $860  Savings $ 840!!!

Even though my cape isn’t cashmere, I think I could make something even closer for under $300, with a similar pattern although I haven’t been able to find a lightweight cashmere fabric in a camo print.  I’m happy with the outcome of my $20 cape.  Do you have any outerwear on your sewing list, do you fancy capes/cloaks?