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16th March 23, 05:52 PM
#1
Before I found an Inverness Cape for a decent price, I was debating giving it a go.
There are a couple of decent YouTube videos that I watched which made it seem like a not too daunting project. The big thing being not having to worry about making and attaching sleeves.
Good luck if you give it a try!
Shane
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16th March 23, 07:01 PM
#2
I too prefer a Coachman's Cape made from wool to keep me warm, to an Inverness which is usually thought of as a raincoat.

As an aside - if the cape portion is elbow length it is called an Ulster coat. If the cape portion is as long as the sleeves it is known as a Coachman's Coat or cape. If the cape portion has multiple layers and are mid bicep length it is called a Carrick Cape.
Sherlock Holmes was portrayed as wearing an Ulster coat in the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but in an Inverness of Tweed plaid by the actor Basil Rathbone.
Last edited by Steve Ashton; 16th March 23 at 07:34 PM.
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16th March 23, 10:00 PM
#3
As a piper who has worn an Inverness rain cape (not the 'Bandspec', but a previous iteration with large buttons), I would suggest going with the Inverness cape rather than a Coachman's Cape. Anything restricting arm movement for clean strike-ins and cut-offs could be detrimental to your performance, especially if you're in a competition.
If you do decide for the Coachman's, you may want to consider having your 'bag arm' sleeve adjusted (widen the seam of the arm and open up the gusset in the armpit to allow freer movement). I've known a couple of pipers that have done something like that with their Argyll jackets.
I've heard tell there may be some jackets marketed with just that sort of alteration pre-made. I've not been in the market to look for one and haven't seen any 'in the wild'.
John
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16th March 23, 10:25 PM
#4
 Originally Posted by EagleJCS
I've heard tell there may be some jackets marketed with just that sort of alteration pre-made. I've not been in the market to look for one and haven't seen any 'in the wild'.
You mean something like this. https://www.usakilts.com/piper-flex-jacket.html
Tha mi uabhasach sgith gach latha.
“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes (kilt) with intelligence, put them (it) on with care, and then forgotten all about them (it).” Paraphrased from Hardy Amies
Proud member of the Clans Urquhart and MacKenzie.
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17th March 23, 05:30 AM
#5
 Originally Posted by kilted2000
Yup. Pretty much. That one incorporates changes that wouldn't be possible with a pre-existing jacket (adding an inch to the back width, using a wool/lycra blend, etc.), but a similar idea - make it easier to play the pipes without impairing arm/shoulder comfort and movement.
John
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22nd March 23, 06:03 PM
#6
The amazing Bernadette Banner made one and put up a video on its construction.
Might be worth a watch before you start your own project.
https://www.google.com/search?client...id:5lEWuWAh_3I
Cheers
Jamie
-See it there, a white plume
Over the battle - A diamond in the ash
Of the ultimate combustion-My panache
Edmond Rostand
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23rd March 23, 09:37 AM
#7
I did see it. A German sounding fellow made a similar one and they did a video together wearing the clothes they made. There’s some very talented people on YouTube.That’s what got me thinking hey I could probably get some help from my mum and end up an Inverness cape that would keep me warm.
Last edited by piperalpha; 23rd March 23 at 09:39 AM.
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1st April 23, 01:46 PM
#8
I made an Inverness cape for my husband some years ago, from a 10yd length of Harris tweed I got in a thrift store for $1/yd. I used the synthetic one from his pipe band uniform as a pattern. It worked just fine. I scrounged leather knotted buttons, small for the body and large for the cape.
The only thing I would do differently is use 18th century tailoring methods rather than modern 'bag' construction. It doesn't sit well with the lining being a whole separate component. And it really needs topstitching around the collar, the center front of the body, and the hem of the cape.
If the 18th century method is something you want to know about, let me know and I'll prep a series of pics to post to the thread, so you can see what I mean. I like the way it causes shell and lining to handle as one.
Verity
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17th March 23, 09:22 AM
#9
 Originally Posted by EagleJCS
As a piper who has worn an Inverness rain cape I would suggest going with the Inverness cape rather than a Coachman's Cape.
I agree 100%.
The last thing I want is more fabric between me and the bag.
The fabric of the jacket (which you're generally wearing the Inverness cape over) is more than enough.
I think it's part of the reason nearly all competition bands have gone with waistcoats sans jackets in competition.
Cost is one reason for sure, but the other is the comfort for the pipers and the range of motion for the tenor drummers.
Proud Mountaineer from the Highlands of West Virginia; son of the Revolution and Civil War; first Europeans on the Guyandotte
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20th March 23, 07:36 AM
#10
I think I’ll stay away from the pipers jackets. They look very baggy. I’m happy with my Argyll and waistcoat. Fits me the way it should. I’ve never been uncomfortable playing in it. When I compete I might be playing a 12-15 minute Piobaireachd and I have never been uncomfortable tuning up or playing.
I think I’ve found some melton wool. I’m going to order a sample it’s a very dark blue like I wanted
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