Woe is me.

I just consigned my traditional Englishwoman's red cloak to the dustbin.

Having been laid low with a variety of ailments for a while I have not been out walking, but I knew - having had to set traps for them, that a couple of mice had been in the house. I found that they had taken up residence in my cloak, which had been left near the radiator in the kitchen and so was all nice and warm, and they had eaten huge holes through it.

An ankle length cloak with a hood is so warm, movement of air around the body is reduced both when standing and walking.

Oh well - I'll just have to make another one. Finding a good deep red fabric which is heavy and closely woven is not easy these days - most heavy fabrics are intended for upholstery and so are rather coarse.

If a sturdy plaid is not to your liking then a cloak, in some manly colour with an additional cape for the worst weather is a handy garment. Just don't leave it lying around too long.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: