Create Your Own Costume Cape: Two Part Class

This is a crafty sewing workshop designed for beginners who have some experience with a sewing machine and want to utilize their basic sewing skills to create a custom costume accessory. This session will introduce them to the "Costume Cape”, an elbow length version on adults but potentially full length on a child of 3 - 10 yrs.  Capes are a great part of many popular Halloween costumes including Wizards, Magicians, Super Heroes, and even Little Red Riding Hood.

Guided by an experienced instructor, students will create this fun Halloween wardrobe accessory in two 2-hour sessions.

Session One (October 3, 6-8pm) will focus on cutting the outer layer and applying the self made appliques that correspond to your desired costume theme.  Students will learn how to use Wonder Under to create and apply customized symbols and monograms.  Commonly used stencils will be provided. Appliques will be applied using a basic zig zag stitch on the sewing machine.  

In Session Two (October 10, 6-8pm), the instructor will explain quick and easy ways to finish the hem of the cape.  Students are encouraged to bring additional embellishments such as buttons, sequins, and ribbon trim as finishing touches.  

Supplies Needed:

Students bring their own fabric. A broad variety of medium and light weight fabrics can be used for these capes, but velvets and loose knits are strongly discouraged.  Velvet is a difficult fabric to applique and loose knits will not have the body that provides shape and movement to capes. Students will need 2- 3 yds of a medium weight woven fabric (more specifics below) for the outside and a lightweight woven fabric for the lining.

*Fabric:

•  Broadcloth, Suede cloth, Satins, Taffeta,  and Felt are all good options
• You will need 1 ¾  yd of 60 inch wide fabric.(Recommended)
• Purchase 2 ¼ yd fo 45 inch wide fabric

*Lining:

Buy the same amount of lining using the fabric guide above

*Appliques:

• If you want to add a super hero emblem, thunderstrike, monogram, or other decorative applique felt is best
• You will need 3 - 4 sheets of 9x12 felt in the desired colors

*Notions:

• 1 spool of matching thread
• 1 ⅝ button
• (Optional) 6 yds of trim to decorate the opening and hem edges

NOTE: Finished cape length will be between 22 and 25 inches long.

4 spots available, students can work individually or in teams of two. Most tools (including scissors, chalk, and seam rippers) and the Wonder Under for appliques will be provided. 

Students should have basic knowledge of how to thread and use a power pedaled sewing machine. But this is also a hybrid crafting class so if your sewing skills are minimal you can still create this project.

About the teacher:

Kandyce Hudson is an artist, educator, and the owner of a designer’s sewing studio called InKandycence (pronounced incandescence). Her experience in home sewing spans 30 + years, including a degree in Textiles and Apparel from Cornell University, as well as several years of experience in the Bridal and Formal wear Industry. Though working in the fashion industry has been exciting, what Kandyce enjoys most is teaching others how to use a home sewing machine to successfully create their ideas for clothing, craft, and costume projects. Her purpose now is to ignite a renewed appreciation for home sewing as a creative tool, and guide students through all the limitless possibilities that exist with sewing in today’s busy lifestyles and culture.

For details about our refund and class cancellation policy, visit our FAQs: www.thechattery.org/faqs.

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