Window Pane Cape: McCalls 6209

I knew I had to have this window pane ponte knit from Fabric Mart as soon as I saw it. My only question was which of the three color ways to order; dark teal, dusty pink and maroon/magenta. All of which are sold out, sorry. Obviously, I went with the dark teal.I knew I wanted to make something with a few seam lines as possible to avoid breaking up the large window pane plaid. I've eyed McCalls 6209 for a while but my sister confirmed it when she texted me the similar winter white jacket.This poncho is very simple, as most are. I did think it was a little odd that the back had a separate facing piece (that called for interfacing) while the front had a fold over facing (with no interfacing). I think a separate facing with interfacing would have added stability to the front.I hand sewed the button holes, well not *hand*sewed...I made them myself using my machine but not my buttonhole stitch or foot. I've mentioned at nauseum that me and the buttonhole feature on my Singer Stylist don't get along and this time was  no different. I have been switching to my older Singer Stylist but I didn't feel like it this time so I just winged it and it worked this time.I finished all the raw edges with my new coverstitch and it was wonderful. It the past this would have taken forever (or at least it would have felt like it) because I would have serged the edges then sewn or double folded then sewn. I'm very happy with my new Janome 900cpx, I almost look forward to hemming...almost.I had to squeeze this pattern out of the 2 yards of this fabric I had. When I ordered this fabric I had yet to find M6209 and wasn't sure that I would and my backup plan only required 2yds. Of course I was foolish not to just go ahead and at least buy 2-1/2 yds, but thankfully I was able to "make it work". The sacrifice I had to make was this shorter belt. I simply cut the band the width of my fabric even though the pattern piece was to be cut with the grain. It works, but it would be better if I had the extra few inches. I still may recut the belt piece out of black ponte. What do you think?I really love this poncho and I will be wearing it soon.Pattern:  McCalls 6209Pattern Description: Oversized poncho has topstitch trim and shaped hemline. A: Self-belt. B, C: Wide collar with tie ends. D: Hood and fringe trim. E:Cowl collar.Sizing: XS-M , L-XXL I sewed a MediumDifficulty: 2/easyFabric Used: Dark Teal Windowpane Ponte from Fabric MartDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? VeryLikes:  Easy but fashionable poncho, beltDislikes: I'd rather the front have a separate facingPattern alterations or any design changes made: NoneWould I sew it again? Probably, but I don't need another.Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, easy pattern great for the office or to keep in your car if nothing else.