Cape idea 2 – from a single piece of fabric and some hemp thread!

Cape 2  from a  single piece of fabric and some hemp thread.

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Hemp Thread – yes Hemp!  It is .2mm and I think too big for my machines so hand stitching is in order.

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Recently purchased wool plaid from the thrift store was begging to be a wrap. It measured 172cm long and 155 wide.

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So, I started to fold at one corner 8 inches ( I use both metric and imperial in my sewing and cooking – it comes from starting my school years in imperial measurements and having to learn metric in middle school) from the raw edge and folded to the count of 10. Secured it with some pink hemp thread As this is only a test, I hand basted the raw edge of the plaid with more pink hemp.

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Then I got another Idea and it was not to pleat the left side but to bring it up in a swanky way.  To complete it I did a fast chain stitch on the left side to keep the folds in place for the drape of the hood.

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So this is what I now have hanging out with Daisy (yes, I named the thing that pretends to be me for these photo shoot.)

Plad Cape with folds 1Plad Cape with folds back 2Plaid Cape front 3

The beginnings of a cape.  It is asymmetrical but has a nice look.  To finish this, I need to baste the bottom hem as it is the cut side of the fabric, craft an opening for the right hand and imagine a closure for the front.

But should I take the time to finish it or rip it apart and make a skirt? Or pants, or vest? you get the idea.  Feedback is always appreciated.

I have already started a new one but it is only pinned.  It is a dusty rose-pink from the 80’s,  a woven silk with a very nice drape. It is my next part of the little sewing no cutting capes that bellow from my fabric stash.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Point of View : 2

The George Sept 8 mirror 010

This morning I rose early to find a beautiful day!

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I woke the dog, grabbed the camera and headed for the Gorge waterway.

The dockThe George Sept 8 mirror 099

The Gorge is a salt water waterway that runs though the city.  This day the water was mirror like in it’s calmness and a stunning opportunity for photograph’s.

The George Sept 8 mirror 188The George Sept 8 mirror 186The George Sept 8 mirror 199

The Sea, Weekly Photo Challenge

Living on an Island made this an easy challenge.  The sea is all around us!  It is vibrant and living.  Let us do all that we can to keep it that way!Fire Tug (2)Fire Tug on maneuvers, Straight of Juan De Fuca, Victoria BC, Canada

nex on best aug 2013 2992Fallen Trees come with the tide.

DSC02293Botanical Beach, Vancouver Island, BC

Beach view 2 the last morningQuallium Beach Vancouver Island

nex on best aug 2013 3030Swans in the salt water Esquimalt lagoon.

The Ocean is precious, let us honor it by keeping it safe and clean!

My unusual sewing supplies and tools.

My unusual sewing supplies and tools.Aug 18 Sun 007

Little bags filled with glass beads for sand blasting for pattern weights and they double as pin cushions. Aug 18 Sun 008

Vintage glass stoppers also work well in a pinch!

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I also use an old eyeglass case to cart around the pin cushions, pens, ect.  Funky and it works.

Years ago I used dental floss to gather a skirt for an Afghan Nomad Dress by Folkwear Patterns.  I made the traditional skirt and used 5 meters of raw pink silk – it is a lot of weight and needed some extra strength. I made the dress 25 years ago and it still fits!  Too warm for summer ware and the big sleeves are best suited for capes not coats.

You can find the pattern here. http://www.folkwear.com/107.html