People of the internets! I’m ready to live my best fantasy life. I’m becoming a wolf-less basket-carrying Red Riding Hood with this historical reproduction of an 18th century cardinal cloak. It’s entirely handsewn (as per historical method) and way too cool. I used pure wool and silk (and spent way too much money) to make the coolest thing I’ve ever owned. I feel like I’m entering an epic fantasy tale every time I wear it.
More info below the photos.
Low-key historical research
- Cape, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City (main reference image): https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/86892
- Pinterest board with more reference images (originals and reproductions): https://pin.it/7KLQW7g
- Written descriptions of surviving cloaks from the period: http://www.larsdatter.com/18c/womens-cloaks.html
Videos mentioned in the construction video below
- Making Some CLOAKS (frolicking included) – Rachel Maksy’s video: https://youtu.be/q75O6-OPa3s
- 1950s circle skirt: I followed a pattern for the 1st time and it LIED to me: https://youtu.be/_8G-fU_IJYU
Materials
- Pattern (no. 835): https://tinyurl.com/cardinalcloakpattern
- Wool fabric: Bought in UK Textiles, Goldhawk Road, London
- Silk fabric: Bought in UK Textiles, Goldhawk Road, London
- Thread – construction (scarlet, 156): https://tinyurl.com/redsilkthread30m
- Thread – trim/lining (scarlet, 156): https://www.sewessential.co.uk/gutermann-silk-thread-100m
- Hooks and eyes: https://www.williamgee.co.uk/shop/fur-covered-hook-eyes-black/
- Button moulds (not used yet): https://tinyurl.com/buttonmoulds15mm
- Button gauge set (not used yet): https://tinyurl.com/buttongaugeset
- Beeswax (not used yet): https://www.theliningcompany.co.uk/accessories/beeswax/
Construction video
English and Spanish subtitles available.