Making an Edwardian Cape | beginner friendly historical clothing project!

Hello everyone and welcome to a new video!
I had such fun making this cape! It was an easy make, from pattern drafting to construction. The hardest bit was finding a way to cutely finish the top edges of the capes altogether, because of the bulk there. Otherwise, it was smooth sailing! I also wanted to show, in this video, the slow process of making things, so I've left in some of the sounds of sewing and I didn't speed up any of the sewing clips. I hope to wear this with the two matching skirts and other bits - I also had a thought of maybe making a matching coat from the leftover fabric, and then I could wear it over the coat as well!
I think in total I used approximately 1.5 meters of the mixed suiting and the same for the lining, but because these are cut as circles, they're pretty inefficiently cut, so if you're willing to do a seam or two and some piecing, this can be squeezed out of less fabric for sure! I also used under a meter of some black tape I had in my stash, to finish the top. As mentioned, the pattern was from the November 1904 issue of the Edwardian magazine, The Voice of Fashion, reproduced in Frances Grimble's book (linked below). The information from the magazine even adds, 'Make of any desired material', which really shows the versatility of this pattern! You could make this out of a lightweight cotton, or linen, or even lace for a summer version (I might just do that!). I also think that if it was less bulky (the wool made it very bulky, heavy, but also warm), it could work very easily for a historybounding project. I don't think any of the construction I did was anachronistic, as sewing machine usage was wide spread by this point in time - and I ended up doing most of it by hand haha. Other construction methods, like the right sides together and turned out, will work better for lightweight fabrics, and you can always understitch those seams to hide the lining!
I didn't go over the adding a piece of cording to the hem idea, but I've done to a couple of skirt hems in the past and I really liked the effect. It adds a little stiffness and structure to the hem. Maybe I can cover that in another video!
-- THINGS MENTIONED --
The Voice of Fashion: 79 Turn-of-the-Century Patterns with Instructions and Fashion Plates by Frances Grimble amzn.to/3HNEHNb
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Music is from Epidemic Sound.

[@CatsCostumery]

I managed to get this digitised! 🎉 The pattern for this Edwardian capelet is now available on my Patreon to all tiers www.patreon.com/catscostumery

[@h20_animuss43]

Hey, sorry i have a question regarding the patterns, i see you cut half circles, is that because they're folded and actually almost a full circle? Because half a circle doesn't reach that far over your shoulders i thought

[@TheLballou]

Cat, (also my daughter's name) I love to sew, but am older, and do not always have the stamina required to create a garment from scratch. That said, your approach to sewing, reminds me very much my own. Through your videos, I am able to, in the very best way, vicariously experience the joy of creativity! This is especially sweet as I have always wanted to create a capelett. Thank you so much for you skill as a seamstress and as a videographer.

[@sarahheri7027]

OMG i am re-watching this, and the 'If you did this by machine it would be quick - a novel by cat' just SENT me!!!

[@susanaperez3643]

LOVE the cape, and the colors. You can add the capellet in top a coat for extra look, great match with skirts. 😍

[@Jokerkles]

IT'S A CAPE!!! IT'S A CAPE!!! IT'S A CAAAAAPE!!! * geeks out wildly and incoherently * I've seen many an old picture from around here of fashions such as that, being that I'm in an area of the planet that routinely gets colder than the surface of Mars in the winter (I've experienced temps here that were in the -60C range at night, and two weeks straight of -40C daytime temps is not a rare event in the wintertime lol), and oftentimes winter pictures showed women wearing capes of similar nature, though usually made from some sort of fur with a wool lining for added warmth if they were of fairly affluent means (beaver was the most common, though mink, otter, fox, raccoon, wolf, and to a significantly lesser extent due to their rarity and expense, fisher, lynx, bobcat, and wolverine were all used). I can't remember offhand if I've seen any like that made out of straight lace, but I'd love to see you try it. I think it would look great with a light layer of satin as a lining, with a matching ribbon run through the lace near the edge of each layer as a counterpoint of color, ending in a small bow (like a pastel yellow under-layer with a lavender or light purple ribbon for spring, or a green under-layer with a golden ribbon for summer, or perhaps a light brown under-layer with a bright orange ribbon for autumn. Great, now I'm giving myself ideas I don't need lol). BUT IT'S STILL A FREAKING CAPE!!! * geeks out some more * Ok, I think it's outta my system now lol very beautiful, and while I would have loved to have seen it all gussied up with ribbons, laces, bows, fancy tortoiseshell buttons, and all that, I think it might have been "jumping the shark" a little bit, or "painting the peacock", so to speak. Now that I see that they're not much more than about a 3/4 to 7/8ths circle pattern, I just might try making one for my better half, if I can ever find the sewing machine (apparently the kids think that my sewing machine is a perfect storage area for everything they can't find a home for whenever they're banished to the basement to disassemble whatever disaster they've created of late after they've stepped upon my final nerve one too many times). If I tried to hand-sew something like that, I'd likely wind up sewing it to myself, the kids, my wife, and likely both the dog AND the sofa at some point in the project, hence the need for the aforementioned machine.

[@catrinahorsman1637]

I love it! If it makes you feel better to think of it this way: the main advantages of wool over poly is that it feels nicer and keeps you warmer. People looking probably can't tell either way, so it might as well be on the inside where you can feel it, and it's keeping you warmer no matter where it is! The co-ordinating outfit is amazing

[@coalsparks]

In the reveal I thought for a moment you had added a wide (like a couple of inches) red ribbon as a tie, which would have been cute too. I think the wool would have been too stiff for that but for a moment, in my mind, the Ribbon Fairy had been by to leave you the perfect bit of wide velvet. I wonder if a frogged fastener would have the soutache look you wanted without making it too fussy?

[@lilykatmoon4508]

So very lovely! I need a capelet in my life! I live in SE Texas, USA which is very hot and humid, and so I lament the dearth of comfortable outerwear. I’m inspired to do a light one in linen for the cooler months. I love your videos! Thanks for sharing your expertise 😊

[@conniemurdoch8528]

I love this! It must be so toasty! The red wool looks great as a contrast. I vote for the soutache. I’ve applied it by machine. It’s really quite easy to apply. I made sailor dresses for all 4 of my daughters one summer and there was soutache around the edges of the sailor collar then on the hemline of the full skirts. It added the perfect amount of “extra” without going over the edge. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to feed between the “toes” of my presser foot. I always meant to use it again but I never did.

[@DebbieGring]

Love your cape! I agree, the ribbon would not have been right. The cake goes great with your skirts! The neckline looked much better after trimming. Great job!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

"A novel by Cat" Hahahaha... honestly slowing myself down by hand sewing is probably the only sensible thing for me to do at this point. I don't NEED the stuff I'm making, I just WANT to make it. And last year I effed up the neckline of a house jacket thing and hid the correction under a capelet, now I want to capelet EVERYTHING... Love your cape, might try a multi-layer one next time I do one!

[@secretarit1]

The sheath of the scissors for half a moment looked like a gun to me🤣, and I could not help myself but think "Strong intro"

[@yul498]

It's absolutely lovely! I like projects like that , to take some fabrics you don't need and to make a masterpiece 👍

[@mimivazquez7015]

Beautiful 😍 I’m certain you’ll find another use for the velvet ribbon…it wasn’t a good color match. The turnouts added so much and makes the use of wool for the lining a perfect choice!

[@Ashley_tipsyshades]

I will happily contribute to your "if you sew this by machine it would be quick saga". except for where I mess up so now i'm going back and fixing things by hand cause I barely knew how to use a rolled hem foot and my hems are fraying anyway

[@mattiashager782]

Very nice ❤ And a beautiful sewing machine. I have a Singer 201 from 1956 (so i thread the needle from right to left.)

[@kimlongroy7007]

I love this! And thank you for sharing your thinking process out loud!!❤

[@CommanderFox]

I just adore that color combination.

[@0805jvv]

Love the cape, and the red is beautiful!!!

[@melissel5648]

loooove capes and this one is especially cool! If I manage to get myself to sew a full garnement I would definitely want to try this pattern. The cording of the hem would be very interested to know :)

[@brendabignall9926]

So pretty!!! Also lovely with your skirt! Love the red lining and overlays. ❤️❤️❤️💃🏻

[@marcco44]

thank you for sharing your work and talent with us. a lot of you tubers have stopped sewing as much and mainly talk through their videos.

[@katstelzer4194]

It turned out SO pretty!!

[@magic_sjs5623]

This is the first sewing video I have watched for months and I now wish I never stopped. I am even more excited to start my next project (an 80's long sleeve blouse) the best part of that pattern is that it was never used so it has all the sizes and isn't cut out.

[@krausekreation9179]

I have that book and now I need that cape in my life to feed my cape addiction that I seem to have lately. Thanks..... (lol) Super cute and very well made!! Going to draft mine up asap.

[@brightcopperkettles]

I love this. So much! This is going on my dream list of projects to get to, someday.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

It's so charming! You look lovely in it!

[@kateatschool]

You look fantastic in the finished outfit!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

The lining wool is beautiful! It'll make your caplet so much warmer and more protective of rain! ❤❤❤

[@fatsparrowsewing]

This is so cute!!! I need to make one of these for my daughter!!!

[@scoiattolinoe8055]

I am so glad you made this video. I have been wanting to make a cape just like this for quite a while now, even have the fabric for it, but I wasn't completely sure how to go about it and kept pushing it off (which is a bit silly since I know it's an easy project, but oh well). But this has now given me the kick to finally start working on it :)

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Adorable!

[@kagamisorrows9306]

Going for the more time-consuming handsewing is so relatable. Did the same thing today with both my patents telling me how it would have been quicker by machine. But the hand sewn thing is so much more pretty

[@michellecornum5856]

WOW! It's beautiful and dramatic! GORGEOUS!

[@lauraoergel6003]

THIS IS SO CUUUUTE!!! the turnbacks look like a bow!!! I always thought these had huge bows on the front but maybe it was just an accent piece!! 🤯🥳 This is adorable, love the set!

[@christenagervais7303]

That caplette is gorgeous with your skirt!

[@tricia2701]

Lovely!

[@Sew_Learning]

So cute! Love this!

[@maleahlock]

I have literally just finished drafting and mocking up a very extra cape. About to cut into my vintage silk velvet paisley that I've had for 15 years. The anxiety!! This video is so welcome right now 😅

[@vernieplummer5148]

it's driving me crazy that we don't have reach through the computer vision. When you put on that first part of the the capelet there was a portion of the back that wasn't pulled taut. I wanted to reach in there and just pull it and show you that if you did that I think it would have been perfect LOL.

[@lalalinda36]

Very cute

[@InThisEssayIWill...]

I feel like this is a project that is so easy to dress up or down. Like I would want to make it reversible and add.. like.. aaaallllll the embellishments.. but it's also just a super simple pattern

[@Raquelita.creates]

I absolutely love capes and this one is no exception! It looks absolutely spectacular and now I want to make one!

[@jennia.2318]

This is so beautiful! 🤩

[@makeda6530]

I love it, it looks great, it’s gorgeous!

[@mya10121]

Oh my God! It looks amazing! I love the way it flounces and drapes; it's so pretty. The colors go well together too.

[@thorunns.craftstudio]

wow, this turned out amazing! great job! i need to make one too!

[@bethanyhundleyornjklloojjj3654]

I'm a sucker for anything with cloaks in it. I do love how fluffy this one is. I've been trying for a while to talk myself out of making another cloak, (how many cloaks does one girl really need?) but I think I may lose the battle. I use mine for everyday wear though, not just as costume pieces.

[@tholan1313]

It’s absolutely stunning! Fantastic job Cat!

[@cherylrosbak4092]

Super cute.

[@kjtherrick4031]

Your cape is lovely just as it is! I love that you've lined it with wool because that should make it nice and cozy when cold, and perhaps, not too warm when it's warm outside. Personally, I wouldn't add anything else to it. Great project!

[@aquaaurora2747]

That looks so cozy! I love that it goes with your skirt.

[@debcarroll8192]

The cape is so adorable!

[@brendafalk5162]

So darling!!!

[@MichelleSMV]

Love how this came out! And I love that it’s such a quick make. I work a lot so speed is in general super important to me. Really beautiful work in the end Cat ❤

[@saraharnold6790]

Aaaah! It so cute!

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

this is heckin adorable!

[@elainebye9090]

I love the cape! How very cute and becoming. Very good job.

[@elisabethprice4697]

This is so cute I’m definitely going to make this sometime soon!

[@lynneh9744]

The cape turned out well. I really like it. Think I need to make one. And it worked really well with your skirt.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Love it! It’s really lovely. I think I might need a cape in my life!

[@armedvsokord]

I have a light weight one. It's surprisingly versatile. I layer it over so much in the spring and fall on its own. Then in the winter I add it on top of sweaters or my coat depending on the weather. I highly recommend having one. Plus they feel fancy.

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😃

[@toadallyneedleandthread1057]

Me to myself: You do NOT need any more projects Also me to myself: But cape

[@emilenegalvin]

Another lovely video cat - I enjoyed the pace, the music and I really appreciated the lovely sound of cutting fabric! You are very close to 50k subscribers 🪡🧵🤞

[@piatc4813]

This looks awesome ❤️ I've added a detachable cape to my Edwardian coat and makes such a difference in warmth! Unfortunately I've been waiting for months that my fabric store gets the right velvet ribbon back in stock so I can use the same ribbon on the capelette as I did on the coat.

[@cynthiadugan858]

❤️❤️❤️

[@user-tl3xw5cq7c]

это очень красиво 😍

[@creadoradeilusiones]

Que pena no entender lo que dice, pero su costura es fantástica, gracias 💗 Espero que algún día ponga, subtitulos en Español 😊

[@coreygilles847]

Oooh…I need to make this…despite the fact that I am always too hot these days

[@amelinabellemont2722]

Is that a Singer 32-something you're using? I recently thifted for $8 nzd a Singer 328P in working condition and with the original case. Needs a good clean and a service though - any advice for this era of Singer machines?

[@janetcdaniels]

Could you use the Adobe app to scan the pattern?

[@liav4102]

I mean but who needs it to really be that quick? Says the person who is almost finished hand sewing a third dress for her toddler 😂

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

Too many cats. There's two there's almost three cats at my work, two cats here and if I have to see those find felines when I get home begging me for food I'm going to scream!