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184 Posts
Gentlemen,
I am once again in need of your opinions/advice, please.
I want to surprise my husband with an opera cape for Christmas. I know they are very difficult, virtually impossible, to find anymore - at least in the style and fabrics (e.g., genuine silk satin lining) that I envision. Fortunately, I am quite good at sewing, thus this is not an insurmountable problem.
This Web site has a cloak, but I think it's too long, based on the vintage fashion plates I have seen, and I find the lining rather dull.
https://www.irishcapescoatsandcloaks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_41&products_id=38
Here are my questions:
1. How long should the cape be (by that I mean, where should it end, e.g. mid-thigh, above the knees, at the knees)? Anything longer than that would be a cloak in my opinion, correct?
2. What type of fabric should I use for the outer layer? Obviously, a nice, heavy wool fabric, possibly blended with cashmere, that drapes well, but what type of weave? A gabardine? Flannel (too much like a school-boy blazer?)? Wool felt (similar to Loden, but not green)?
3. What colour silk should I use for the lining? Does history give preference to one colour or a few colours over others?
I wish it were easier to find answers. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. I would like to order the fabric next week to give myself ample time.
Thank you.
I am once again in need of your opinions/advice, please.
I want to surprise my husband with an opera cape for Christmas. I know they are very difficult, virtually impossible, to find anymore - at least in the style and fabrics (e.g., genuine silk satin lining) that I envision. Fortunately, I am quite good at sewing, thus this is not an insurmountable problem.
This Web site has a cloak, but I think it's too long, based on the vintage fashion plates I have seen, and I find the lining rather dull.
https://www.irishcapescoatsandcloaks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_41&products_id=38
Here are my questions:
1. How long should the cape be (by that I mean, where should it end, e.g. mid-thigh, above the knees, at the knees)? Anything longer than that would be a cloak in my opinion, correct?
2. What type of fabric should I use for the outer layer? Obviously, a nice, heavy wool fabric, possibly blended with cashmere, that drapes well, but what type of weave? A gabardine? Flannel (too much like a school-boy blazer?)? Wool felt (similar to Loden, but not green)?
3. What colour silk should I use for the lining? Does history give preference to one colour or a few colours over others?
I wish it were easier to find answers. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. I would like to order the fabric next week to give myself ample time.
Thank you.