Upcycled Capelet

So I've had the idea for this capelet made out of an old sport coat for a long time now. I actually bought the jacket this Summer when it was like 90 degrees outside and very, very humid (um, surprisingly, just like today). I knew exactly what I wanted to do, I just wanted to wait until Fall but decided that Kids Clothes Week would be perfect.

I used the storybook cape pattern from Grosgrain like I did for this and this but made a few alterations including drafting the collar from the hood. I had never done anything like that before so I was pretty thrilled when it turned out. The first time the points were too long and it looked like it would be a great match for John Travolta from Staying Alive. Luckily I had made a muslin so it only took one quick fix to make it work.

The buttons and original pockets are fully functional. I used a bound buttonhole technique to make the openings in the front. They lead into a fleece-lined muff/pouch that is open so that she can clasp her hands together if she wants to (and she does).

I took photos of the complicated process and am working on a tutorial. And I just couldn't put Zadie in a wool tweed garment when it was super hot so you'll get cuter pics soon.

Update: The tutorial is finished! Click here for Part I and here for Part II.