French Cape in Lieu of an Inverness??

**Bugbear** · 16th February 08, 10:05 PM

Good luck.

**Riverkilt** · 4th April 08, 06:25 PM

Well, the last they told me the cape would be available 3/31/04.

Called yesterday to order and now it seems the cape won't be available until September.

At least it'll be cooler then.

Though with all the postponements I doubt it will ever actually be in stock to order.

Ron

**Wompet** · 6th April 08, 11:35 AM

Would this be a bad time to mention that I got my French wool cape (size large) a couple of weeks ago?

**Riverkilt** · 6th April 08, 11:46 AM

Ummm, yeah...

Who'd you get yours from and what do you think of it?

Ron

**Wompet** · 7th April 08, 10:31 AM

Um, well, I ordered from the Sportsman's Guide too ...

They sent me the backorder notice, I replied on the last day to keep it on backorder, and then two days later I got the e-mail saying that it had shipped (two days in March being a whole heckuva lot better than waiting 'til September).
As to the cape - the length is good for my 6', shoulders and chest are roomy, large hood that projects forward enough to keep you dry. I found the arm slits to be a little awkward, though.
I'll try and post pictures shortly.

**Galician** · 7th April 08, 10:41 AM

I got mine too at that time.

I'd concur with Wompet's review. I find the arm slits to feel odd if not wearing something to cover the arms. Plus the hood, while spacious, takes getting used to.

The weight is such that I haven't figured out yet whether it's better for very cold weather or milder.

**McFarkus** · 7th April 08, 10:44 AM

I think it's a brilliant alternative to an Inverness and the price is right. I'd still like an Inverness in waxed cotton for rainwear.

**Riverkilt** · 7th April 08, 11:04 AM

That's what I get...each time I've called its been on a further back order. Guess if I'd ordered and waited it out might have had one.

Next time...

Looking forward to pics though, can't see much from the catalog pic.

Ron

**fluter** · 7th April 08, 08:20 PM

Ron, if this does not work out, you could try Jas Townsend. they have a sharp looking Watch Cloak and even a ladies' cape that might serve. The Watch Cloak has a shoulder cape, but no hood. I can't tell from the photo whether it has arm slits, but presumably they are present and protected by the cape.

You could also keep wearing that gorgeous greatcoat... hopefully, it has not shrunk.

Wearing a cape with arm slits is a bit odd at first. Frequently I have a warm jacket or suit coat underneath, so my arms have some protection when they're out. When driving, you probably want to reach out through the front!

Originally Posted by McFarkus

I think it's a brilliant alternative to an Inverness and the price is right. I'd still like an Inverness in waxed cotton for rainwear.

Matt will fix you up with one of Kevin's creations, or deal with the author himself.

**vmac3205** · 22nd May 08, 10:51 AM

Hi Folks,
I'm brand new to the site. I have browsed here before, but as I just made my husband a killer Inverness Cape, I thought I'd share with you.
I made it from a Butterick Sherlock Holmes costume pattern. Just don't put in the sleeve, open the side seam for a pocket, and taper the sides out from the bottom of the arm holes. I made the initial one out of lightweight tweed upholstery facric I got on sale, The look is perfect, and I didn't spend a fortune on wool, incase it didn't work. Now I'm ready for the real thing. If any one is interested, I'll try posting a photo.