The third quarter of our Build a Wardrobe program has arrived, with our beloved Walking Cape pattern. The individual garment pattern, which includes instructions for selecting fabric, cutting, and constructing, can be purchased for $18 – $24 online, depending on format. This pattern is designed for use with our Studio Book Series.
The Build a Wardrobe program is intended help you refresh and rebuild your personal (sustainable) wardrobe. It includes four brand new DIY patterns, which launch quarterly. Just like our Swatch of the Month program, subscribers use the Alabama Studio Book Series to create their garments. And the best part is—you can sign up at any time (like now) and receive the previous quarter’s materials.
For example: this quarter, all subscribers will receive a printed and digital version of the Walking Cape pattern, fabric yardage in their color(s) of choice, and thread to complete the project. And additionally, Build a Wardrobe subscribers are able to order custom DIY kits of each Build a Wardrobe pattern at discounted rates.
The first quarter introduced the DIY Maggie Dress and the second quarter provided another practical pattern, the DIY Alabama Sweater. The third quarter brings this perfect all-weather staple that features a collar, three pocket variations, and a snap closure. Purchase the Walking Cape pattern here. Look for our own one-of-a-kind interpretations of the Walking Cape in the coming weeks.
Share and follow along on social media using the hashtags #buildawardrobe2016 and #theschoolofmaking.
I’m very excited to see the Walking Cape release today! I’ve been yearning for this pattern since I first laid eyes on it several years ago. Thank you, thank you, thank you, AC! <3
Have been waiting anxiously for this release as it is perfect for winter here in Sydney, Australia to use as a quick needed added layer of clothing to keep out the cold when venturing outside. Its on my next item to make list. Thank you for all the beautiful inspirational pictures you post of the garments and look forward to seeing more of the walking cape projects.
I’m very happy that this pattern has been made available – I love ponchos and other wraps, and have been wanting one of these for a couple of years. I ordered yesterday and hope to work on it soon. What weight of knit would you recommend – would it work with light weight jersey?
Hi Rita,
We’re glad to hear that you’re excited about the pattern—it’s one of our favorites. The Cape itself can be made with Lightweight Jersey. However, if you choose to attach a large snap—as shown and suggested—we recommend using Medium-weight Jersey. Our Lightweight Jersey is not durable enough to support the weight of a large metal snap through many wears.
Let us know if you have any other questions. Happy sewing!
The sewing instructions say to sew along the edges. Does this mean that all of the cape layers are only sewn together at the edges? And the lining and top layer just lay together?
Thank you.
(Spent last weekend taping this pattern together!)
Hi Lisa,
You are correct. The cape layers are only sewn together on the finished front edge if you are creating a basic, double-layer cape. If you were to embellish the cape with any embroidery, this would secure the layers together all over, but our basic cape layers are secured at that center-front edge.
We hope this helps. Please share your progress (and of course, your finished cape) with us on social media using #theschoolofmaking—or feel free to send us a photo.
Happy sewing!