Monday 26 May 2014

Red Riding Hood : Little Things To Sew

How I took so long to sew the Red Riding Hood cannot be explained, but for saying that sometimes life gets in the way of sewing nice things...


..And this is one of those really nice things to sew. I adore making anything that doesn't require seam finishing and this is a very finished looking garment that is deceptively quick and easy to sew. In fact, it's sufficiently elegant that Heidi sewed up a Wed (sic) Riding Hood cape for a wedding. Who ever would have thought that the Little Things To Sew book would be providing pattern fodder for weddings? go take a look, it's divine!

I went with traditional red as I suspected it might be more of a dress up than an everyday cape, but it has been worn out a few times and received some great compliments. I'm telling you people, if you see my kids on the street and compliment them on their clothes then that garment that I had to wrestle them into will suddenly become a real favourite. Keep it up strangers, I love you for it!

The red wool is from Spotlight and was on sale, I bought a one metre cut and I'm sure there'll be enough for a little lined Sunday Brunch skirt. The lining fabric is Riley Blake's Little Red Riding Hood in Floral Grey purchased from The Fabric Stash where, for a few more hours you can take 20% off your order in the Memorial Day Sale. The button, I'm told, is made from some kind of nut and will swell up magically when wet, then return to normal size as it dries. I'm really curious to soak this cape and see what happens!


Thankfully we had a sunny afternoon at the park and didn't get soaked and A did a little Cinderella (dress here), Red Riding Hood mash-up and told me the flowers were for Snow White who was sleeping over there (pointing to the park bench!)

Which reminds me of a mental game that I sometimes play (mostly for my own amusement). As an antidote to those parents who see only the brilliance of their children, and make bold predictions for their kids future based on what ever perceivedly brilliant thing said child just did, I like to do the opposite. When my kids do something really mundane, I smile and think what a great {insert mundane job/career} they'll be. As a small toddler A had a real tenacity for repetitive tasks (cannery line) and now can't help but lean up against any street lamp she passes (street walker). P on the hand never wants to leave the park (vagrant). See, it's endlessly amusing, and anything that can help you to smile when some other parent is extolling the virtues of their flawless kids is a good thing, right?!

Here's the photoshoot location I wish I'd chosen, but I got a negative on wearing the cape that day and didn't have the camera. Still, A and I were in the city as the artists were setting up this installation for Australian Wool Week. So beautiful, and I was glad to have been sewing with wool!
Picture credit: Woolmark.com


Picture credit: The Juliet Report

To further celebrate wool week I hit up The Fabric Store for the last day of their merino sale, (which is probably all from New Zealand anyway, oops) and now I'm dreaming of a SBCC Tonic 2 for myself with a bit of a cowl neck....

10 comments:

  1. The cape looks wonderful. Your game is too funny. My kids inspire us to day dream about what illegal activities they can do when they are older. My daughter has a sociopathic smile and the possibilities are endless.

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    1. Thanks Christine. I think the female with the winning smile can be the most dangerous of them all, right?!

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  2. Again, you are too funny. I'm definitely going to be joining in on your game. Like Julia likes to meticulously copy everything I write - so, countefeiter? Or is that too professional/upscale? Great cape, and thanks for the shop shout-out!

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    1. Perfect! Criminal and aspirational, I like your way of thinking.
      Too easy to recommend your shop. I just picked up a batch of new Oliver + S patterns in the sale. Thanks!!

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  3. This is just gorgeous! And made of the perfect red wool! This is definitely going on my list of things to sew, and soon! Wonderful work!

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  4. I am intrigued about that button! The cape is perfect.

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  5. Beautiful! I love your fabrics. I just finished up this cape as well and wish I'd have made one earlier. So easy! Of course I probably never would have made it if not for your cover to cover challenge, so thank you!

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  6. That lining is just perfect for the cape! LOL at your mental games, I like your thinking :D

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  7. The cape is awesome and you are very funny! :)

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  8. How did I miss this post? The cape is beautiful, and cape weather is definitely upon us this week, so hopefully it will get some wear. Love your career predictions for your kids! K loves to stand in front of the mirror 'styling' his hair (dog groomer?) and judging from the state of R's play area she may well end up living alone surrounded by stacks of newspapers and hoarded bits of junk...

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