Seamwork Camden Cape Pattern Review

I’m not sure if there is a better way to make me feel more like a glamorous woman than wearing a cape! When Seamwork Magazine first came out way back in December of 2014, I wasn’t super interested. The patterns weren’t really my style, and I didn’t really pay that much attention. I looked at the patterns every month for about a year. And then. . . It happened. The ladies at Seamwork released the February issue and I loved the look and design of the robe so much, that I finally caved and purchased a subscription. 

Since then, I have taken a second glance at many of the previous issues and their patterns. I was recently going through all the different options, once again, and for some reason, Camden caught my eye. I’m not sure if it was the changing seasons, or the fact that I actually had the perfect fabric for it in my stash, but I decided to download it and give it a shot. After wrangling all 70+ pages of the pdf, I was ready to get sewing!

I sewed up a straight size 6. It was SO nice to sew something that didn’t require a ton of fitting or pattern adjustments! Surprisingly enough, I managed to make this cape almost entirely from my stash. I picked up the navy polyester/wool blend fabric at a thrift store about a year ago. There was five yards of 60″ wide fabric for about $5. At the time, I didn’t realize what a good deal it was. The red lining is a satin charmeuse that I also purchased last year for a Christmas dress. I literally had just enough to cut out the lining, all I have left is a few scraps.

It was really an amazing project. The instructions were very clear, the illustrations were excellent, and the overall design is very simple, but quite elegant. The only downside is the number of pages that have to be taped together. It was quite a chore, let me tell you! But in the end it was worth it.

The only significant change I made to the pattern was a different fastening. I had finished everything on the cape except for the buttons and buttonholes. I had it hanging on my mannequin and it kept making me think of this scene from The Phantom of the Opera. I know, I know, my cape is nowhere near as fabulous as that one, but the image was firmly stuck in my head. I just couldn’t put buttons down the front. So I went to Joann and bought this pretty clasp and I think it turned out absolutely perfect. I am so glad I used it!

A couple things before I finish: I have started a podcast! I’ve spent the last several weeks watching Inside Number 23 and a couple other podcasts, and I decided I wanted to contribute. My first episode is up, you can watch it here. I am going to be posting a new one every other Tuesday. Also, I have a new blogging schedule. I will be putting up a new blog post every Monday, and occasionally one during the week if I have something I just cannot wait to tell you about. I’m really trying to get into the whole “Quality over quantity” thing.

Jolly day to you!

~Emily