Need advice: making a cape

**JS Sanders** · 14th August 08, 06:59 AM

Here's a .pdf pattern for a cape-cloak that I sewed a coupla years ago. It keeps me from going numb with cold while piping at gravesides and hoping the minister finishes soon.

It's not an Inverness cape, but sure helps me stay warm. I sewed mine from black fabric with a dark green lining.

Slainte,
steve

www.amtgard-wl.com/library/howtos/how2clok.pdf

**ardchoille** · 14th August 08, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

I sewed mine from black fabric with a dark green lining.[/url]

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That's exactly what I was planning for. It seems a cape/cloak is easier than I thought. I was planning to put a couple box pleats on each side (front and back), but it looks like that is harder than it has to be.

Thank you for the PDF.

**JS Sanders** · 14th August 08, 07:22 AM

Rev,
It's a simple affair to sew. I did create mine from a fabric blend, so it could be washed as needed. It extends less than a foot below my kilt.

If I could do it all over, an additional middle layer would be added for a little more warmth.

steve

**ardchoille** · 14th August 08, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

Rev,
It's a simple affair to sew. I did create mine from a fabric blend, so it could be washed as needed. It extends less than a foot below my kilt.

If I could do it all over, an additional middle layer would be added for a little more warmth.

steve

Yes, I thought I would add some padding (quilt padding?) for warmth. I also want to add four buttons on the front and a mantle for aesthetic value.

I just realized that a sewing machine will open up a whole new world

**vmac3205** · 14th August 08, 08:14 AM

I have made a couple of capes for fellow Xmarkers that have turned out well. I use the Butterick 3993 Sherlock Holmes pattern, with modifications.

**ardchoille** · 14th August 08, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by vmac3205

I have made a couple of capes for fellow Xmarkers that have turned out well. I use the Butterick 3993 Sherlock Holmes pattern, with modifications.

Yes, I saw the one Glen has and it's absolutely beautiful. I'm hoping to end up with something of that high quality.

**vmac3205** · 14th August 08, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by ardchoille

Yes, I saw the one Glen has and it's absolutely beautiful. I'm hoping to end up with something of that high quality.

I can make you a deal you can't refuse.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 14th August 08, 10:59 AM

The Inverness style cape is basically a semi-fitted, sleeveless coat (similar to a clergy cassock) but the arm holes are cut much lower so you can get your hands on your sporran. Then there is an upper, or over cape, which can be either fitted at the shoulders, or just a circular piece of fabric which comes down to somewhere around or just below the elbows. Any fabric is OK, so long as it meets your needs. Here in coastal plain Carolinas, wet is worse than cold. A fairly light fabric would work, then spray it with a waterproofing (actually water resistant) solution available at camping outfitters. Check out pictures on some the vendors of Kilts. To my taste, the Inverness is the only over-garment to be worn with a kilt.