progress on the green tweed cloak

I'm pantsing* my way through the cloak - there are generic instructions in the book but most of it is obvious. The only thing I had to unpick was a small section of the hood so it's working out well. I did that unpicking/repinning on the train to work yesterday, and when I got home added the front sections to the main part.

The other oops was in cutting - I counted squares (inches) on the grid and chalked and cut. Forgetting to write numbers down between steps and cut the front bands 3" shorter than the main panel.  It's not a disaster but a reminder to measure twice, cut once and make notes.

I'm really pleased that I managed to machine stitch all 3 sides of the lining in place on the front panel. Not all in the same seam though. I sewed the hem, then the front edge, then burrito rolled the main panel between the front panel and lining.  I was suprised how easy it was.  My hands got too cold and I couldn't find my fingerless mitts (why where they in the laundry?) so didn't finish it last night.

On the train to work I worked out the pleating onto the neckband - which isn't in the pattern but I choose to have one. Fortunately mirroring the pleats went effortlessly and I can quickly stitch it tonight. I flatlined the neckband with the cotton print, and will recut another neckband lining.  I'll quickly get this seam and the hood added to the top edge, and can do the hand sewing in the car tomorrow morning. I've got large hook/eye to fasten the neckband and will add green tape/ribbon once I find some.


* I first heard this term about writing cos although I don't write I easily read 100+ books every year and read blogs by a few of the many writers I'm a fan of.