I've made a cape - it's calf length, of a heavy black wool and alpaca blend. It's lined with black satin and has a hood. I made it back in highschool and I wear it over my formal dresses when it's cold (I was in Job's Daughters/Eastern Star and therefore had a LOT of formal occasions compared to most girls.) JC's worn it too - for both costume and garb - so it's quite unisex.

It's quite warm unless the wind is very gusty - rather like a kilt, actually. It is heavier than even my heaviest wool coat and has a very satisfactory 'swish' factor.

There are two things I would do different - the slits for the arms are too low, and I would either raise them or eliminate them altogether. And I used velcro for the fastening - OUCH with the long hair (which I don't have any more) and the velcro isn't strong enough to keep the cape on when moving rapidly.

I've since bought a pair of cloak clasps, which help that last issue a lot.

If you want pictures, I'll take some this weekend and post them.

As far as materials - I'd estimate this wool in the 16 ounce range - it's slightly felted, so it's hard to tell as the felting thickens it up so much. The cut is very generous across the bottom, so no pleat is necessary. I know I used a commercial pattern, but it was made 30 years ago now, so I doubt the pattern is still available. I do know that Folkwear has a ladies cloak pattern that you might be able to modify.

Best of luck, and let me know if you need pictures of mine.