How to Make a Cape with Infinite Designs

[@jenninstitches]

"And more likely I'm just very dramatic"..... I howled in laughter. Is there a single costumer who doesn't have a dramatic side? I'll wait. It is lovely and I do love the hair.

[@RuiNa42]

Etymological Gasp! Cape is from cap which mean head so the fact that it is the topper on a cloak or a coat and also a bit of land bumped out into the sea makes total sense now oh my word!

[@liddybird3608]

Isn't English an amazing language?

[@MyleneRichard]

Also a cloak in French is... une cape! Et voilà!

[@raraavis7782]

Hello from a fellow etymology fan 👋

[@friend_trilobot]

and are similarly from the same root as English Edit: and both the old english ancestor form of head, and the Latin word for head, are believed to be from the same proto-indo European root, recinstructed as *Kaput-, also meaning "head" and (in this case) nearly identical to Latin; old English is germanic so the k, p, and t sounds changed to h, f, and d sounds respectively, a sound change known as Grimm's law. Though I think the evolution of cap/cape and hat/hood occurred later, possibly by each other or having a convergent evolution. At any rate, the more you know!

[@The_Cloth_Surgeon]

As someone who was raised by a mother who fully embraced the folk revival of the 1970s, yes to capes... always!

[@kathleenhensley5951]

I loved the 1960s and 70s... loved the folk clothes. Never could afford as much as I wanted.

[@exittomenu]

my wife made me a very nice crochet lap blanket that i slapped buttons onto and made into what we've called my poncho, but very much resembles the cape examples shown in the beginning, its incredible how warm it keeps me in winter- i rarely actually need a coat with it on, it traps all the heat coming off of me. and now i wear it all the time in and outdoors, its like im always getting a hug from her when she's out of town

[@happytofu5]

thats so sweet!

[@sparkybish]

I went on a deep dive about US Marine uniforms last week and was so delighted that the boat cloak is still worn for their most formal uniform, although it is optional. It’s such a fabulous, historical uniform with lots of braid and trim, but the boat cloak is chefs kiss.

[@megb9700]

I had to look this up. I agree with you! It kind of reminds me of a formal nurse uniform from 1960.

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

I know the Army had a cloak as part of their formal uniform, as well. My Stepdad was Corps of Engineers, so his had a red lining. I borrowed it for prom with no regrets.

[@rebeccaude4412]

It’s also super sexy.. a best friend of ours wears his for winter events & everyone’s eyes, (plus every single female) follow him when he enters 😂!

[@ANinjasEerierEnemy]

Nicole's voice overs are so gentle, I'm convinced she's trying to not wake the sleeping puppy.

[@BuffytheRealSlayer]

Rachel Maksy did a video making two wool cloaks, so that is another good reference, especially for a beginner to intermediate sewer.

[@bethanyhundleyornjklloojjj3654]

I'm firmly on Team Cloak! I've been using them for several years now in daily wear instead of any jackets or coats. So warm and comfy. I'm a mother of 5, so I've discovered cloaks also work great for sharing with small humans to keep them dry/warm with you.

[@Rhaifha]

I recently saw an amazing cape in a museum. It was late Victorian, black velvet, beaded all over and it had very sculptural gathered sleeve heads. Without actual sleeves! I had never been so jealous of a historical person in my life!

[@saritshull3909]

which museum? I want to see if it's on their website.

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

Edna’s just mad at herself for not inventing quick-release cape clasps and projecting her anger on the garment itself.

[@Mielikkiii]

now thinking about it, cat collars usually have this kind of fastenings, so all is needed is to disassemble some of these and put on the cape fastenings!

[@beautyschool-educator-dropout]

My daughter’s high school band is going to be in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade and we just booked our hotel so I started thinking about weather conditions and versatility and was thinking a cape would be the perfect solution! And then this video pops up! How perfect, thank you!

[@lauramathews3151]

I have 2 sherlocky capes. A light weight micro houndstooth cream andblack wool which is very swooshy. And a dense thick tailored structured houndstooth plaid one in a tan taupe, gray and black. I can't wear them much but they are so chic and classic. I also have 2 retro/ vintage fox fur trimmed capes not sure of the decade one is navy with matching fox fur wristed buttery leather gloves. And the other set in cream. Come for me PETA. They're still in use and very old. And animal pelts are durable and warm if stored well. Less waste less damage to the environment.

[@nanettebromley8843]

Fabulous. SOLD when the patterns come out. Stylish and Perfect for me. Nothing to get entangled in wheelchair wheels. Hope you are enjoying you trip over here.

[@marywest2896]

the major complaint I have with your channel, is.... you don't put out enough of them to satisfy my craving for your special brand of education, craft and entertainment, I am going to give you the highest praise in my opinion....you are the youtube/historical/creation version of the great Lucy Worsley.... that woman could make mold growth entertaining, and so do you...loved the series of the different testiles....linen, silk, cotton.....just want more content...I'm selfish I know...I own it and claim it....please, may I have more?

[@meeseification]

I heartily agree! Amazing content that checks off all the boxes including the music!

[@stitchbritt]

Agreeeeeee

[@lwoods507]

Hey, I was just walking through Glasgow University Cloisters yesterday morning: it is a phenomenal setting for showing off vintage clothing, isn't it? Glad you got some dry weather whilst you visited.

[@TheMayu]

Yes! I love wearing my capes and cloaks, they always get a compliment - now I’ve been searching for a nice rain cloak since moving to the Pacific Northwest (not a poncho, lol) 😂

[@michellebyrom6551]

Gabardine fabric is a tightly woven twill, thickish and fluid for a lovely flow. It's what GB used to use for school uniform including coats and nurses cloaks in mid20th century. I found some beautiful navy linen gabardine in a sale years ago. I made a knee length, loose coat with a shawl collar and wide legged trousers out of it. Recycled after using it for blinds. Washes and wears well. Keeps out the wind and the rain very well. The coat has an old silk sari for the lining too. Only 18°C is too warm for it in wet and windy Ireland or below about 8°C needs a thick sweater instead of a lightweight sweater and scarf. After that stage, puffa coats are preferred for warmth over style. Just a thought to consider for natural fibre gabardine.

[@TheMayu]

@@michellebyrom6551 thank you! Now I’m off to go down a gabardine rabbit hole

[@saritshull3909]

waxed cotton should be water resistant. I've seen raincoats made out of shwe shwe

[@michellebyrom6551]

Love the detailing for the alleged inner side. It's a nice surprise when you turn around after seeing the plain back. There's a lot of potential for creative play there. Your de/construction ideas of putting different pieces together for one, or several garments, is on another level altogether.

[@jenniferstocker5462]

Of course I love your design/ sewing tutorials , however I really appreciate the historical perspective and information that you always bring to your videos! Thanks!

[@katwitanruna]

My favorite cloak is canvas with polar fleece lining as I’m allergic to wool. I also take a long rectangle of polar fleece and then fold it in half and cut a slit up the front and make a small neck. Lovely for throwing on in the fall and spring.

[@katwitanruna]

FYI I’ve been in hideous rainstorms and heavy snowfall in this and only gotten the bottom of the cloak wet. I was warm and toasty until I took it off.

[@vanessabrannan4059]

I'm such a fan of capes, cloaks, and also stoles. They're so easy to wear (though a bit difficult while driving with some styles). My daughter hates the restrictiveness of sleeves on coats, so I've converted her to capes as well. Bonus, she can toss it over her backpack too and keep everything dry (we live in Seattle-- the land of rain!)

[@LaineyBug2020]

My dad has refused to turn on the heat so far even though we're hitting 20's at night. This video has inspired me to break out my heavy velvet cloak! (ETA) - Omg, I'm so toasty now! I forgot how much I love this thing!

[@YanickaQuilt]

Last year, for winter in montréal, Ive made myself a very cosy cape in lime green wool. Did I looked out of place with all the gray and black snow coats...yes. Did I care? not one second

[@Chibihugs]

I love a good cloak or cape. Bless you for sharing this with us. So stylish, useful and swishy! The customization potential is mind boggling🤯🙂

[@Landis963]

re: Edna Mode: her concern was a practical one - namely, floor-length cloaks in the Superman style can get caught on things which, in the dangerous situations that heroes regularly find themselves in, can be lethal. For less strenuous situations, that's less deadly of an issue.

[@jodireid1467]

Enjoy the cruise Nicole, I hope the weather is kind. It’s a bit wet and windy here in Wales

[@marylyn5965]

My mom and I made McCall's 2810 way back in 2000 for me. I still have it and love wearing it, especially while carrying a lantern.

[@karenkavanagh9372]

If only those patterns were readily available

[@marylyn5965]

@@karenkavanagh9372 Amazon, Etsy and eBay sometimes have them.

[@stevezytveld6585]

The cape is stunning. Thank you and well done. I like the reasoning of 'if you're not a superhero, you can wear the cape'. I have plans to make a light yellow wool cape along the lines of Schiaparelli, with a recycled fur collar and embroidery detail on the centre back panel. Thank you, I think I'll be coming back to this video a fair bit. I have a vintage pattern as a starting point, but I'm up in Canada where winter does not (unfortunately) kid around. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@DavidCruickshank]

As a big cape/cloak fan, I recommend the Ruana cloak, super simple to make and so many ways to wear it.

[@nicolakunz231]

The fastening behind gives of Definitely The Villan vibes and I love it. I think I need one.

[@sonipitts]

Ooof...the "we wants it, our precious" are STRONG with this one. ✨🔥✨🔥✨

[@valariebrown3768]

Best $65 dollars I ever spent was for a black polyester fleece cape about 25 years ago. Wind comes right through, about as water proof as a paper towel, but so swoopy and flowy! I have desired a wool cloak ever since, but I do not sew. Price points on these were too high to buy from a manufacturer. Also have a short real wool cloak that works well in the car, but it has loads of super trendy details that date it.

[@cemitchell6496]

Remember everything old is new again! There was a song my then teenage daughter use to sing about going to a thrift store "I wear your Grandpa's coat, I look incredible"!

[@PiskeyFaeri]

I keep looking for a good cape-length and style for a plus-size apple shaped body. Some day soon I'll get it right, until then I'll look like a blueberry on a stick and that's okay.

[@bobbibuttons8730]

I love my cloaks, I can’t imagine not having them. They are so practical for wear in the Scottish Autumn.

[@karenkavanagh9372]

My thoughts too ! Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 in the Autumn.. GiGi In Vintage

[@bobbiehart8618]

I LOVE THE CAPE WITH THE HOOD

[@LarixLyalliiAlpine]

I just made a cape for my son! Not historical at all but will keep him snuggly and warm during the (admittedly extremely short) transition from fall to winter here in Wisconsin. He had a cape back when he was a toddler and as far as a great garment to get from the house to the car? Mwah, chef's kiss. No sleeves to mess with! 10/10 and I'd highly recommend

[@debcarroll8192]

I am all for bringing back the cape! You can't beat the drama of a good cape. Thank you for a wonderful video-- your instruction is so clear, and you give so many useful tips!

[@luminariastormreaver]

Darling, it's so delightful! I'm obsessed! Now, I want to see all of the permutations* you mentioned for the fronts and fastenings, as well as the cloak, coat* with capped sleeves for wearing with a backpack/rucksack you've mentioned a time or two in replies to comments. Please, darling. MAKE THEM ALL!

[@deanieedwards8117]

Beautiful cape. Stevie Nicks would appreciate your artistry for the beautiful cape.

[@robertaconway1804]

As someone who was born and raised in the Northern Prairies, I can tell you why cloaks and capes are not a thing without fur, -35 (and I mean Celsius here) + windchill or more usually starting in October is why. I live in Ontario now and I haven't used my real winter coat since we got here.

[@bonniestar7583]

I am so glad someone else is letting people know the practicalaty of capes. people dont belive me when i tell them.

[@amymullen296]

A friend brought me back a short, black wool cape from Italy 25 years ago I still wear. But this video has me hankering to make a brown one to match the rest of my wardrobe!

[@tmden4020]

I switched from jackets to capes 6 years ago. I love it, I feel drier, warmer, and no matter how much my weight changes they continue to fit. I own 5 thicker ones, one light, and a handful of shaws. No more guess work on fit, just pick weight and style.

[@adamreynolds9816]

I love a good cloak moment!

[@megb9700]

Gonzo would be proud of you I think.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Oh yes! We must all bring back the cape!

[@marikotrue3488]

I used to call my winter coat versatile as the hood and lining were removable. Now I know what versatility (and style) really looks like!

[@elsolbrilla3652]

GORGEOUS

[@TheLballou]

Just stunning! I hope that it will keep you warm enough!!! It can get very dank on the water!

[@FlybyStardancer]

Yay capes!! Capes are awesome and I need a good one.

[@beckstheimpatient4135]

I made a cloak two years ago and I wear it as much as I can. It's withstood winter winds, rain, cold summer nights. It's been a blanket, a spread, a pillow, a friend!

[@pammatthews9743]

I own 3 capes, and they are amazing

[@marnsimpson8718]

Thank you for your amazing videos. Where on earth do you find the time to do all the research that you share with us and all the sewing that you do. I'm so glad that I found you. As an aside on March 7, 2022, I said goodbye to my little Bijou, a Bichon/Maltese cross. I saw her for the first time when she was 3 days old and she was with me for 18 years and eight months. She was with me always. At work, there were several clients who came to my office to give her a little pet and a treat. lol Bijou looked and acted just like your little furbaby. I'm still thinking that I see and hear her inside and outside. She brought me such joy and when you interact with your little one it makes me smile.

[@robinsiciliano8923]

That is ingenious!! Brava!

[@sandiemable]

Squeeeeeeeeaaallllllllll! Patterns are coming...patterns are coming! The cape is gorgeous, and I can't wait to make one. Bless you, pattern Goddess. xoxo's Sandie

[@qkranarchist3015]

I think this was the cleverest item I've seen to date here. Just clever. Having watched the entire period pieces created for this wardrobe I'd say this is THE style that makes the most sense to be brought back. Alternatively, I adored living in Nepal and wearing the kurta surual (Punjabi style pant/dress/shawl outfits) as my other vote to have everyone wear. Very comfortable, fits all body styles, and so versatile.

[@lenabreijer1311]

As someone who tried to embrace capes and cloaks, notice that no one is carrying anything in those illustrations. If you carry a shoulder bag with your necessities for work you look lumpy on one side. If you body requires an even balanced load then a backpack makes you into the hunchback of Notre-Dame. It only works in minimal wind conditions and once it gets to -10c the cold starts to creep up as you wait for the buss. However other then that it is a great style especially if someone else is doing the carrying.

[@IJUSTNEEDASTUPIDUSERNAME]

It could work if you use a crossbody bag and put it under your cloak. But I agree, definitely not something for cold, windy winters

[@michellecornum5856]

Absolutely Capes! I have a full length one in blue and my eldest has one in black and maroon. I love the pale blue of this -- very early 1900s. One day, we will convince the masses to wear the wonderful clothes, again, and not shame or ridicule them. Brilliant Work!

[@kristenpeters4434]

I found myself positively *oogling* your massive tailors shears. It sent me down a delightful EBay rabbit hole. Thank you 💕

[@rebeccacaron8982]

Awesome….I love clocks and capes! Great design!

[@catslove3884]

Guessing "clocks" is meant to be "cloaks"??

[@an-enby-panda7840]

It's beautiful. I would wear the heck out of that in a pale green instead of a blue

[@BethAge95]

Absolute yes to cloaks and capes! So practical an in this case also very pretty!

[@anaisabelsantos4661]

I just love cloaks and capes. A cape is so more confortable than a jaket, beteen 1984 and 1987 my school that was so cold I would wear one in the classroom. In 1996 I started wearing the traditional university costume almost every day, a black wool cloak was part of it and felt so good during the winter, in warm days having it folded on the shoulder was absolutelly normal and on hot days... well, just take off the jacket and leave both in the classroom or carry them. Loved this outfit so much I believe the skirt and jacket aren't black any more.

[@tovekjellerd6552]

You. Are. Brilliant. You really are.

[@bhavens9149]

lovely!

[@DipityS]

You made a fancy blankie. I approve and love it and it is elegant and sophisticated and snuggy and reminds me of Agatha Christie for some reason.

[@TheEliseRodgers]

I just want to say that this is a genius idea!

[@firebirb6726]

Lovely!

[@claudinecyr3801]

Love the "witchy" vibe of the soundtrack at the end

[@karenclement743]

I watched your 1920's capsule wardrobe video. I thought it was so much like 'Mrs. Fishers' crime series's. It takes place as a crime detective agency in the 20's and she wears fabulous clothes.

[@JennaZouros]

I absolutely love your videos Nicole, I enjoy that you give us the history of the garment and then show us how to make one

[@RachaelTheRed]

This is such a glorious idea! I feel the need to make all the waistcoats and all cloaks coming on!

[@cinemaocd1752]

Love this, especially with the patterned belt. WOW.

[@lesliedupre4357]

Your videos are so calming!! 🌸

[@marilynsitaker4198]

Thanks for sharing your research and thought process--to create a garment that is creative, versatile, & practical. Say yes to capes!

[@JenInOz]

A few years ago I bought some black wool to make a cape as worn by Gal Gadot in "Wonder Woman." As a toile I made a purple stretch velvet cape, and followed up with a long sleeveless turtleneck dress which has now become my (Pérez) Raven ("not a Teen Titan... I'm a Senior Titan") costume. I have now been wearing the purple cape for two or three winters and get compliments almost every time I'm out in it, from total strangers. Still haven't made the black wool one though!

[@susanpolastaples9688]

I like. Very Minerva McGonagall. Have a safe voyage. I know the music will be terrific.

[@studious_nonchalance]

Oh, wow! This is such a beautiful and clever design! You look amazing, btw! I love the outfits!!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I agree. A great travel garment. Thanks!

[@j.b.6709]

Very "dark academia" vibes and I can tell you feel as great in it as it looks on you :) Love it!!!!

[@MrsMelrom]

hats off for doing a reveal in Glasgow!

[@themurrrr]

Edna knows not what she is missing: CAPES, ALL DA CAPES, YAY TO THE CAPE!!!!!

[@saraholsen9128]

I’m 6 months behind apparently but my fabric just got here and I’ll be getting started on my own cape very soon! ❤️

[@julithewizards1358]

And the fabric looks really cosy. 💝

[@peggyriordan9857]

So pretty and sophisticated! Can't wait to see some pictures from the trip!

[@catlinboy]

Ohhh you're in glasgow! Welcome! We have plenty of rain for you try to out your cloak in, lol. Speaking of, my ex made herself a cloak and never found it that practical , because you can't really wear a rusksack comfortably/fashionably with it. Which is all well and good, but if you're leaving the house you usually have things to carry, shopping, work items, a water bottle, etc that won't necessarily fit in pockets or a smaller handbag. I'd love to hear how practical you actually find it, yknow, when not on a ship. Also, is your ship going fron Greenock? That would be so cool, I was there the other day looking at the boats.

[@NicoleRudolph]

I found it easiest to carry a big bag on my shoulder when I belted behind me but a rucksack might be too difficult. Though perhaps a cape sleeve with separate back? We’re leaving from Southampton for this trip but I went through a couple Scottish ports earlier this year!

[@tonantzin4977]

I can recommend the channel Shannon Makes. She has a video that specifically deals with adapting a cape for a backpack.

[@aleksandrakoodziejczyk191]

I like it!

[@itwasagoodideaatthetime7980]

Wow giving off some very Grindelwald/Hogwarts vibes with the combination of your outfit & location. Nice! Edited for spelling error.

[@liddybird3608]

Wow. Genius! And beautiful.

[@tierneykurfess2618]

I literally just yesterday finished the Wrap Cape from American Duchess!

[@KattGothica]

oh my goodness so lovely! the possibilities are endless me thinks .

[@winterburden]

Capes are so cool!

[@paulamiller8386]

love a cloak. I have several.

[@janetbrown2927]

I have worn capes since I broke my back in 1970 and wore a huge brace for two years. I have never given them up. I probably have a dozen of them, but I can always get one more. This one is beautiful~

[@hypatian9093]

Wow - that cape is awesome! And I love how versatile it is :)

[@aperfecttouch]

Beautiful design! The options for wearing are brilliant!

[@teresagabriela5806]

Yay! Capes and cloaks!

[@erinrabideau3691]

Gorgeous pieces and I love the options!

[@antiquitywright3533]

The crip-ness of the corners of the contrasting trim/inner fabric is literally so satisfying. (Also I think I used a very similar wool, saxon blue from Burnley & Trowbridge, to make a LOTR Fellowship cloak. It is VERY warm and functional!).

[@misswazzra]

I MUST make this!

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

A beautiful versatile piece