Sew a Fleece Cape or Poncho: Simplicity 8524

When I originally started working on this project I told Evangeline I was going to make her a poncho. She let me know that she didn't have any desire for a poncho. (That's exactly what every seamstress wants to hear halfway through a project! Guess I've still got some work to do with those manners.) I decided to call this project a cape and she was elated! Kids can be so funny! Evangeline loves watching me sew when she isn't busy working on her own art projects.

It's been a while since I actually sewed a pattern that involved fleece fabric! I picked up this adorable fleece fabric from JoAnn Fabrics last spring along with Simplicity Pattern 8524 (D0852).

The pattern includes some great tips for sewing with fleece so be sure to read those if you end up making this pattern. I did use a ball point needle and tried out some new zig-zag stitches on my Babylock. I ended up using stitch #9 on my Babylock Soprano which worked like a dream.

Design and Alterations:
I sewed View B with a few modifications. I used snaps for the closure since the ribbon is purely for decoration. My daughter really struggles with the metal snaps I used so next time I might consider using Velcro. I ended up not liking the look of the contrast lining fabric so I didn't sew it where it is exposed all of the time. (I'm glad I went with this because I love how the project turned out.)

Overall this was a great project and would really make a wonderful Christmas present for the little girl in your life. It sews up very quickly and fleece fabric seems to always be on sale. If the child you make this for is still in a regular car seat like my daughter, they will love being able to actually wear this while they are buckled in their seat! Simply flip the back part up while you buckle them in and then the poncho (cape) will be over top of their car seat buckles keeping them both safe and warm.

What have you been sewing lately? Do you have any plans to make or sew any Christmas presents?

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