Sew The Look: Liberty Top & Wool Cape

You know how some sewing projects just grab you and won’t let go? That was basically the whole vibe in the sewing room this fall. We’ve been working through our Fall Sew the Look series—first my look, then Jenni’s—and now we’re diving into part three featuring Marissa’s two gorgeous makes. Both of Marissa's garments are inspired by ready-to-wear looks from our fall style sew the look post.  Classic pieces, meaningful fabrics, thoughtful details—this is exactly why we sew.  Read or or watch here:

Look 1 — Boden-Inspired Two-Fabric Top

Marissa’s first make was the one she just had to have this season—a Boden-inspired two-fabric top that blends charm, sentiment, and a bit of shine.  As a quick refresher, here's the inspiration:

The Fabrics

• Liberty Tonal Lawn from Duckadilly
  This stunning Liberty lawn came home with Marissa during our fall shopping trip. The print reminds her of her grandmother—a sweet 1940s vibe with delicate glitter over the lavender flowers. It’s tonal, timeless, and doesn’t wrinkle even during a 4 hour car ride. Liberty Tawna Lawn is a splurge, but it is truly dream fabric.
• Silk Accent Fabrics
  After searching everywhere for a pink-and-white shirting similar to the inspiration picture, she pivoted to a fuchsia silk dupioni remnant from a local shop. It wasn’t her original inspo, but the combination adds such bold, modern energy.

The Pattern & Details

• Cashmerette Vernon Shirt*
  Marissa has made this pattern before (she actually made her first one in my in-person class!), so she felt confident cutting into her Liberty fabric.
• Size 6 with height adjustments
• Regular sleeve paired with the lantern-style cuff
• Hot pink contrast on the placket, collar stand, cuffs, and inner back yoke
• Bias-bound hem for that sweet little secret detail

The only thing she’d tweak? Longer cuffs with more evenly spaced gathers. But since she rarely wears her shirts buttoned at the wrist anyway, she’ll likely keep this one styled sleeves-up—with that flash of hot pink peeking through.

A Sweet Scrap Project

Her four-year-old made a tiny reversible comforter for her dollhouse using the Liberty + silk scraps. A dollhouse quilt in Liberty? That is peak sewing parent joy.

Wool Cape Dream Make 

Marissa’s second project has been a long-time dream sew: a dramatic wool cape using McCall’s 7477.  Here's the inspiration picture:

Why This One Was Special

The wool came from the stash of my mentor, Joyce—someone both Marissa and I adored. Seeing it transformed into this beautiful cape felt like a tribute to her creative legacy. 💜

Construction Notes

• Cape pattern with four view options (she went straight for her favorite-option C). She had
  just nearly enough fabric, which meant she shortened the belt by 15 inches and added seams to both collar pieces
• Lined with budget-friendly polyester lining
• Collar interfaced front and back with Palmer/Pletsch lightweight fusible
• Bound slits form the “sleeves”.  All shaping comes from the belt—elegant, structured, and so wearable

She didn’t prewash the wool; she’ll dry-clean the finished cape. It pressed beautifully, behaved like a dream, and has that perfect winter-weight swish.

Styling the Look

Marissa took her styling cues from an ASOS look featuring a wool cape paired with denim and faux-leather leggings. She can already see hers working beautifully as outerwear or as a true statement piece—styled with dark denim and boots or dressed up with tailored trousers. And thanks to Michigan’s long, chilly seasons, this cape will get plenty of wear from late fall straight through early spring. Best of all, it’s finally out of the stash and into her closet—dream make accomplished!

Final Thoughts

Between the three of us, we were surprisingly prolific during this fall Sew the Look series. Eight pieces across four full outfits—and everything felt truly inspiring. Marissa’s makes blend sentimental fabrics, thoughtful construction, and long-term wardrobe value. These are the kinds of pieces that earn their hanger space.

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