Inverness Cape

**Pyper** · 29th October 10, 10:53 AM

I've read all the threads on making Inverness Capes.

I live in South Carolina, so I don't need a cape like a person in Scotland would wear

What I have in mind is using my rain cape as a pattern, and making an unlined cape from some relatively heavy material. Maybe a black cotton twill, or something. I would want it to be functional and comfortable -- something to wear camping.

EDIT: My question is: would using an Inverness Rain Cape as a pattern for making a fabric Inverness Cape produce a usable garment that didn't look silly?

**Eleazar** · 30th October 10, 08:15 AM

Where did you find the plastic Inverness?

**Pyper** · 30th October 10, 08:48 AM

They sell them at Highland games. I think it's nylon.

**Downunder Kilt** · 30th October 10, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Eleazar

Where did you find the plastic Inverness?

If you search the web for Mr Anthony inverness capes it will show you 3 models from the basic nylon, the bandspec then the Ultimate. Most highland stores seem to have at least the first two

**Pyper** · 1st November 10, 08:23 AM

As I've been thinking about this more, I'm starting to like the idea of making an Inverness cape out of fleece.

But I wonder if static would be a problem.

**JerseyLawyer** · 1st November 10, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Pyper

As I've been thinking about this more, I'm starting to like the idea of making an Inverness cape out of fleece.

But I wonder if static would be a problem.

I think the problem might be how well it drapes, and how well the shoulder cape sits. Inverness capes, and most overcoats, are made out of reasonably heavy material for that reason (well, because of drape, not because of shoulder capes. And, of course, a few pounds of wool is nice and toasty warm!).

Also, I don't think fleece is particularly waterproof or water resistant, though in these days of better life through chemistry, you could probably treat it to be so. Not sure how that would effect it's warming and other qualities, though.

**Squeaky McMurdo** · 1st November 10, 09:49 AM

Okay, my geekiness is going to shine through, but yes fleece is in fact very good at repelling water. Just make sure it's synthetic fleece rather than one made with cotton, otherwise it will wick moisture onto you. And No-pill fleece will continue to look nice through frequent washings.

I know this because I cloth diaper and use fleece pants (and wool pants) over my little ones cotton nappies when it's cold out, and my lap hasn't got soaked yet.

So now you all know the fate of kilt hose who's heels and toes have worn out and fleece pull over with holes in them around the McMurdo house

--Chelsea McMurdo--

**Pyper** · 1st November 10, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by Squeaky McMurdo

Okay, my geekiness is going to shine through, but yes fleece is in fact very good at repelling water. Just make sure it's synthetic fleece rather than one made with cotton, otherwise it will wick moisture onto you. And No-pill fleece will continue to look nice through frequent washings.

Good to know. It's relatively cheap material too. You can get "medium" weight, whatever that is, for $5 a yard for 60" material. If it took six yard it would be a $30 project, plus buttons.

**Pleater** · 1st November 10, 10:26 AM

I believe there are various designs - ones where the arm covering is two separate pieces joined on at each side of the back, others where the cape is sewn in place across the back and a third where the upper part is a full cape sewn only to join it at the top under the collar.

These take progressively more material, of course.

The problem with using fleece is that it tends to cling to itself, so the cape would not fall freely.

I have a cloak with a shoulder cape and lined it with the coverings of dead umbrellas collected up after a high wind arrived after most of the day had been calm but very wet. The streets were strewn with stricken brollies and I collected half a dozen, a couple of which were recoverable and the rest became something else.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**JerseyLawyer** · 1st November 10, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Pleater

I have a cloak with a shoulder cape and lined it with the coverings of dead umbrellas collected up after a high wind arrived after most of the day had been calm but very wet. The streets were strewn with stricken brollies and I collected half a dozen, a couple of which were recoverable and the rest became something else.

I have this vision of the streets littered with broken umbrellas in a scene resembling the "cast of thousands" in 'Gone With the Wind'. At least they gave their lives in a noble cause, eh?