Caped Crusader.

I may not have lightning speed, x-ray vision, or extra-human strength, but I definitely feel pretty super about my latest accomplishment.  

I set out to start Simplicity 7262 back in October. But, life got in the way, and this project got shoved to the side. As the seasons started to shift, I worried I had missed my opportunity. Fortunately, we have had a VERY mild start to winter here in the Windy City, perfect cape weather! And, if the forecast continues to cooperate, I should get a fair amount of wear out of it before it's retired to the closet for next fall.   

Of course, when I decided to sew myself outerwear, I immediately concluded  I needed  to knit coordinating accessories to complete the ensemble. I have a shockingly small supply of hats/scarves/mittens for a knitter. It's embarrassing, really.   

I'm thrilled with the gloves (my first pair!), but I definitely see the appeal of mittens and gauntlets. The digits are a bit tedious to work.  I wanted a slouchy stocking hat; however, I think I put a little too much length into it. It might need some rehashing before I'm completely pleased with the fit.  

This cape represents a lot of "FIRSTS" for me. First plaid, First outerwear, First collar, First topstitching and First buttonholes. I took EXTREME care to match my plaids. And, it paid off! They're virtually perfect at all the seams. The collar concerned me at first, because it was nearly too dense to fit under my presser foot! In fact, I attached my lining by hand because I was worried I would do damage to my machine. All things, considered, this was a huge confidence boost.

Hat

Pattern: Rikke Hat by Sarah Young
Yarn: 1.5 skeins Paton's Classic Wool in peacock
Notes: As I mentioned, I might go back and remove a bit of length from the hat. I followed the pattern exactly, but added a pom pom on my own accord. 

Gloves:

Pattern: Long Gloves with Cables by DROPs Designs
Yarn: 1.5 skeins Paton's Classic Wool in peacockPattern: Long Gloves with Cables by Drops Designs
Notes: I was knitting these under extreme sleep deprivation. When it came time to change from size US 4 to Size US7 needles, I removed my size 4 tips, took the size 7 tips from the case, replaced my size 4 on the cord, and put the size 7 tips back into the case in the place the size 4 tips belong. I didn't realize what I had done until I slipped a glove on to assess my thumb placement. They're snug. But, they'll do.  

Cape

Pattern: Simplicity 7262
Pattern Date: 1967
Fabric: Wool Coating (90% wool 10%Rayon)from Fashion Fabrics Club ( I searched for it, but it's sold out).  The lining is crepe backed satin. 
Notions: 6 1940's Deco Buttons from my favorite button store  

The construction of the cape was very easy. The wool was a bit of an adjustment to work with, because it was stiffer than I'm used to and didn't respond readily to pressing; minor obstacles considering the end result. The fabric has a fantastic drape and is much warmer than I anticipated. It was 45F today, while I was out running errands, and on several occasions, I had to take off my hat and unbutton to keep from overheating.   

I'm really happy to have a sewing victory. It's been a while since I've attempted a sewing project, and I really needed a success to get me back in the mood. 

P.S. Kudos to Mike for having the patience to play photographer for me today!