Constructing a Red Cape

Reenactors at the Battle of the Hook - Two with Red Capes

I have a story where a red cape is one of the plot details. I've been on the lookout for construction of capes. So when Cynthia Howerter and I came across these lovely ladies at the Battle of the Hook reenactment last year, we had to stop to chat with them!

Below is the inside of the longer red cape. As you can see, it requires a great deal of material. I was told that the cloth, a bright red wool, is often available through reenactor sales suppliers.  You'll see in the pictures that follow, that the hood can be lined with white fabric.

Here it is fully pulled open. You can see the panel on the right, that I'll also show below.  So below we can see she is pointing to the seam that was stitched to hold the extra panels on the ends.  Note, above, that the material is gathered at the neckline where it meets the hood.

Below is the hood from the shorter cape. Note how the center of the hood becomes almost a cone shape when pushed through.

You can see from the picture below that the spacious cape comes in handy for keeping your daughter warm, too! Loved meeting these ladies.

 In the picture below, the excess lining is gently gathered and tucked inside between the wool and linen or cotton lining.

Here we can see how the fabric is not stitched together in this hood, but it can be, if you prefer. It is not required. This is a nice time saving if one is in a hurry to get ready for a reenactment event. Or if one is a busy mother with little time to attend to the detail for finely sticking down the gathered sections which is very time consuming.

I sure wish I had my own red cape. Alas, I still do not. And I don't think I'll be able to construct my own at this point in time. But this project does look very doable. The heavy wool does not really require a hem at the bottom. It can be cut with sharp sheers with little to no fraying.

Until I have my own red cape (which I'd love to have used with some willing young lady as model for the cover I have in mind) I'll have to content myself with looking at these pictures of these beautiful red capes!

Question: Is there some colonial garment that you wish you owned?