Modified the pattern to be open so I could button it closed. Added a seed stitch border on both edges to match seed stitch border on hood, and finished the mantle with a 2 inch seed stitch border. After I finished the main part of the hood, I joined the piece to work in the round. Maintained the original decreases. Since this is my own pattern to start with, I plan to re-vamp the entire pattern to reflect the modifications. Not period, but looks good. My other kids are going to want one, for sure….

Didn’t get a pic of the blue one, so I made another in gray with black accents. The trim around the hood is nalbinding.