Cloak question

Hey guys a question for those who make their own gear. I want to make myself a cloak and I was wondering what material I should go with. It'll be for fall/winter wear so I'm thinking twill but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

1) Wool

2) anything period that can block wind with a fleece lining (wind blows straight through fleece normally)

3) anything you like*

*For staying warm, my experience over the past decade has been to layer under the costume.  This allows you to have a costume that looks fantastic and period, while taking advantage of modern technology in regards to cold weather clothing. 

For example, I rely on polypropylene long underwear from a military surplus store and wool socks and gloves.  That stuff alone allows me to wear any sort of costume out in the night during the coldest months and be perfectly fine.

PS: NEVER wear cotton as your first layer in the winter, or at night in any season.

I was thinking of fleece for the inside or adding a detachable lining made from fleece in case I just need a little light protection. I can get chilly easy sometimes. Thanks for the suggestion.

Twill by itself is a poor insulator, because the wool fibers are so long.  Most "summer weight" wools are twills.  If you want something that's going to keep wind and chill out, I suggest using a coat weight wool, once referred to as broadcloth.  It is more expensive than twill but it's worth it to stay warm.  There are two companies I know of that regularly carry wool broadcloth, Wm Booth Draper, and Burnley and Trowbridge:

www.wmboothdraper.com

burnleyandtrowbridge.com

Both are excellent suppliers of period fabric and notions, and I've ordered from them many times.  Wm Booth Draper tends to have less expensive options, including wool/synthetic blends- however if you plan to be anywhere near an open flame (like a bonfire) I recommend getting pure wool.  Synthetics tend to melt against the skin if they come into contact with high heat, and you can imagine how unpleasant that would be.

Hope this helps!

Cool, I'm checking out the links now. Wouldn't JoAnn's carry anything similiar? I imagine if they do I'd likely save on the shipping. I'm not against it but I was looking to make a cloak in time for August. I'm not used to making costumes for practical uses I'm afraid *grin*.

depends on your J0anns, I'd suggest Fabric Warehouse in Rahway, NJ - they sell all sorts of wools and wool blends.

Fabric Warehouse also has stores in Bristol, PA and Belleview NJ (I think that's where the second Jersey store is).  They are my favorite store; in addition to wools, they have great upholstery fabrics and tapestries--at pretty good prices.  And if you layer, they have lots of lighter-weight fabrics that would be great for a cloak with warmer items underneath.

I've had a cloak for about six years now that's velvet lined with polar fleece. It has never failed to keep me warm!

Admittedly, it's a bit heavy when it gets wet.

Heavy, schmeavy - as long as one is warm.

Fabric Warehouse also has stores in Bristol, PA and Belleview NJ (I think that's where the second Jersey store is).  They are my favorite store; in addition to wools, they have great upholstery fabrics and tapestries--at pretty good prices.  And if you layer, they have lots of lighter-weight fabrics that would be great for a cloak with warmer items underneath.

It's on Main street in Belleville, NJ, and I like it even better than the Rahway one.

Bill Fredrich (sp?) got me 10 yards of black Blanket weight wool from Jomars $100 total. should make at least three nice sized wool cloaks

Wool is the very best material for an all purpose fall/winter cloak as it maintains insulating value while wet.  Really takes a hard rain to get wool soaked. the natural lanolin repells water extremely well

I spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter and wool is better even than down when a person does a lot of work, Down is okay for warmth but sweat can build up on the inside of the garment


Twill cotton and fleece on the other hand absorb water and that water then passes through right to your skin, Not good

I also teach winter survival and hypothermia prevention/treatment to the BSA

Jenny, Try this link to a pretty easy way to make a cloak

www.renfaireingleside.org/capes.html

For $100, you might as well just buy/have a cloak made for you...

We have an awesome blue hooded robe and a well done custom cloak or robe in any color or style (within reason) up for our WWP silent auction. 

Come and see me next event and place a bid.

Also, that $100 was for 3 cloaks. 

For anyone not in the philly area who wants fabric at good prices let me know and i'll see what I can do. Just PM.

Human hide/skin... water-proof, warm, and comes in a variety of colors and textures.  The best come comes from useless lumps of people who do nothing but sit in front of a computer all day and troll facebook. 

Human hide/skin... water-proof, warm, and comes in a variety of colors and textures.  The best come comes from useless lumps of people who do nothing but sit in front of a computer all day and troll facebook.  

Plus, if it's troll hide, it comes with a natural soak! Just...be careful around fire...

The cloaks I made all the Yhatzi's are made with anti-pill fleece. At Jo-ann's its about 5 dollars a yard and they're super warm without lining. If you line it you'll probably find the warmth you're looking for.

My cloak/poncho is also made of Anti Pill Fleece and I have never had a problem with warmth. It's a cheap alternative for a time until you can afford wool or whatever.

Just be careful when thinking "Cheap" for a  short time.  I do have a few anti pill fleece cloaks as well.  Do not compare wih the wool ones if very cold and wet.. But  The $15/cloak you might save might not be worth it 

Just my 2C