Toaster Sweater and Cape
Posted by admin on
![](https://craftingarainbow.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/dsc_0670.jpg?w=1370)
2022: The year of the cape?
One of my yearly predictions was that capes would replace chore coats as the cool trendy garment, so I had to do my part to make that come true. Capes are just more fun! Sure they aren’t, you know, practical, but dammit, hard times call for dopamine dressing.
![](https://craftingarainbow.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/2.png)
This cape is made from boiled wool using the Sew House 7 Toaster Sweater pattern. It was just released in expanded sizes, so this project helped me justify buying it.
A good blogger would have a full tutorial for you… but riffing on patterns is just how my brain works, so I don’t have detailed instructions. Basically, extend the raglan seam diagonally on front, back and sleeves, and sew together. I used the length of the front pattern piece (without the bottom band) as my guide.
![](https://craftingarainbow.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/20d564b8-f91e-4753-a1c3-e0ba446f38aa.jpg)
![](https://craftingarainbow.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/3.png)
I ended up tacking the seams closed at the underarms, which helps everything stay in place through the day, and gives a hint of a sleeve effect. Is that cheating for a cape? Only in a delightful way that means I make the rules and I break them. The edges are all left raw because boiled wool won’t fray.
![](https://craftingarainbow.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/dsc_0677.jpg?w=1370)
For the cowl, I extended the turtleneck pattern piece and added length (because I needed more space for my noggin) and depth. I used the selvedge edge of the wool where it hadn’t felted as tightly so that the outer edge of the cowl is larger then the part seamed to the cape. I like how loose and easy the neckline is with these modifications.
(By the way, this wool started out as a pale warm lilac, and I overdyed it with RIT Emerald. I also washed and dried it twice before sewing so that the final garment can go through the wash. I was able to fit it into 1.2m that I’d bought from the discount bin.)
![](https://craftingarainbow.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/dsc_0741.jpg?w=1370)
Overall, I like it! I’ve worn the cape a few times and it is cosy and comfortable. I should really go put it on right now, because my shoulders and arms are chilly as I sit under a blanket in my cold house.
![](https://craftingarainbow.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/1.png)
Just for fun, I also made the original version of the Toaster Sweater. It feels very “Après Ski” like I should be a snow bunny lounging by a fire with a cocktail. I found the fit snugger than I expected, but looking at other versions, this is the way it is supposed to be. I think my idea of a boxy garment has probably grown boxier since this pattern was first released a few years ago.
Would you, could you, sew a cape? I enjoy projects like this that aren’t ever going to be wardrobe staples, but let me be creative and experiment with sewing and style. If it actually gets worn that is a bonus!