I like the idea of a blanket sized piece of fabric wrapped around the body. Even better if it’s pieced and appliquéd, like a cozy quilt pulled over and around your shoulders.

I sewed my very first cape when I was in high school. I had asked for a poncho for Christmas and instead of that, my mom bought me a yard of fuzzy wool, a pattern and an inexpensive sewing machine. It was step one onto this path I am following. [Thank you Mom!]

Now years later, I’m revisiting the form. A cape, a poncho, a cloak, this shape has many names.

Below, an in process picture. It shows how the irregularities of the hand painted kimono silk are emphasized by the piecing.

Next, I laid out the little squares, basted them in place and then hand stitched around each square.

A detail snap shot of the squares basted and ready to be stitched down.

Finished, the front, arms out to show off the design.

With arms down, this amazing fabric wraps in close to the body and folds into an origami shape.