Harris Tweed Inverness Cape

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Just in time for those late-August summer afternoons, I received my new Harris Tweed Inverness cape from Kevin Kinney!

A word of background -- I purchased this tweed from my supplier and shipped the cloth to Kevin, hopeful that he might be able to make these for the Scottish Tartans Museum. Alas, the large panels of wool proved more troublesome for Kevin's machines than expected, so it looks like these gems will not be in production after all. However, I benefited from getting this wonderful test model!

And before anyone else comments, I know, I know... I really do need a deerstalker cap now!









What can I say except that I am very pleased! Like all of Kevin's creations, this is a rugged outdoor garment that will stand up to a lot of wear and use. It's well made, durable, and handsome. It has two very generous exterior pockets, and one inside breast pocket.

One thing I immediately noticed. When I took it out of the box it felt extremely heavy holding it in my hands. Yet when I put it on, because of the way it drapes my shoulders, I barely feel the weight at all. That, to me, is a mark of a very well made and balanced garment.

Kevin, another masterpiece! You have my thanks!

[george7]

Wooo... that looks nice and warm.

[Mr. MacDougall]

I understand Kevin has decided not to pursue the making of his capes in materials other than oil cloth, and his reasons... but I'm curious if he's still willing to sell the pattern?

[McMurdo]

Absolutely wonderful Matt it looks great on you, the Harris Tweed you chose looks excellent as well I'm sure you will get lots of wear from it, too bad Kevin can not persue this as I'm sure they would prove popular.

[Splash_4]

Wow Matt, in tweed that is a stunning addition. I can see where that is going to be quite useful in the mountains of North Carolina.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I understand Kevin has decided not to pursue the making of his capes in materials other than oil cloth, and his reasons... but I'm curious if he's still willing to sell the pattern?

That you'll have to ask Kevin about.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Absolutely wonderful Matt it looks great on you, the Harris Tweed you chose looks excellent as well I'm sure you will get lots of wear from it, too bad Kevin can not persue this as I'm sure they would prove popular.

My thoughts exactly. If one really wants a tweed Inverness cape, there are sources for them in Scotland in the $800 - $1000 range.

As an alternative, though, remember Kevin is still making for us the Harris Tweed shooting jackets!
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/...g_jackets.html

[pdcorlis]

Great looking Kevin Kinney cape Matt!

[kevinkinney]

Gosh,

I forget how tall Matt is. When I put that cape on, it brushed my boots.

I wish I had time to craft more of these. We're about 2 weeks into busy season. A month from now I'll be insane. The work involved in stabilizing the fabric is considerable. Rather than using a synthetic lining, or facings to shape any of the features, I prefer to use 100% wool. My goal, above all, is to make outdoor clothing. Our shooting jackets are made to be used daily, so they're also built w/o fabrics that retain body odor.

With most garments in our shop, we can whiz through them at full speed. Harris Tweed is different. It's a manly textile. On our shooting jackets, I can manage a 20" to 24" long seam with some care, and judicious ironing. Moving 6 pounds of wool around a workstation without stretching it gives one pause.

I've stopped selling our patterns out of necessity. The work table is stacked 1' deep with cut product that need assembly.

Cheers,

Kevin.

[McFarkus]

Matt, you shouldn't tease us with something we can't order from you. Kevin- a great garment!