Around Thanksgiving, I had the idea to make Jay a short cloak to use as an offhand defense in rapier combat. Master Gauge had given me the measurements on his ages ago but I could not remember them, so the idea went by the wayside. Until the Sunday before Christmas when I got the measurements again..
Master Gauge's short cloak was a simple thing: two pieces of upholstery fabric machine sewn together, turned right side out and a collar added. Easy peasy... I can totally get this done before Christmas, heck, I can get this done in an afternoon. What I hadn't taken into account was a flare up of my chronic Compulsive Elaboration Syndrome. <cue onimous music>
I didn't have any upholstery fabric, but I did have plenty of 7 oz linen. Linen might even be better, I thought, since I'm sure it will need to be washed from time to time. But 2 layers of linen still seemed a little flimsy... elaboration #1: I added a linen canvas interlining.
Elaboration #2: I don't like the look of a bag lined garment... aaaaand I'd been wanting to play with a half bound technique that I learned in Master Jose's workshop this summer. It was, of course, all hand sewing. But I loved the way it came out, so it was totally worth it. It would, however, require that the lining go in by hand.
Elaboration #3: This is so plain... it really needs some trim -nothing fancy... just some black bias trim.
Elaboration #4: You know... a second row of trim would make the cloak *really* pop... and it's only Wednesday....
All in all, despite the time frame, it was a pretty restful, no-stress project. I find handwork very zen and this was a 99% handwork project. I finished by December 23 and had it wrapped and under the tree in plenty of time for the opening of presents. Jay had not gotten even the slightest hint that what I was up in the sewing room working on was a gift for him.
It was a hit on Christmas morning. He commented immediately that it had a nice heft for an off-hand defense and another rapier friend that saw it commented similarly. While I think I would make it a couple inches longer if I made one again, all it all it came out well for a six day project.
Master Gauge's short cloak was a simple thing: two pieces of upholstery fabric machine sewn together, turned right side out and a collar added. Easy peasy... I can totally get this done before Christmas, heck, I can get this done in an afternoon. What I hadn't taken into account was a flare up of my chronic Compulsive Elaboration Syndrome. <cue onimous music>
I didn't have any upholstery fabric, but I did have plenty of 7 oz linen. Linen might even be better, I thought, since I'm sure it will need to be washed from time to time. But 2 layers of linen still seemed a little flimsy... elaboration #1: I added a linen canvas interlining.
Elaboration #2: I don't like the look of a bag lined garment... aaaaand I'd been wanting to play with a half bound technique that I learned in Master Jose's workshop this summer. It was, of course, all hand sewing. But I loved the way it came out, so it was totally worth it. It would, however, require that the lining go in by hand.
inside (before lining) using Master Jose's technique
Outside edge using Master Jose's technique
Elaboration #3: This is so plain... it really needs some trim -nothing fancy... just some black bias trim.
When in doubt, add more trim!
Elaboration #4: You know... a second row of trim would make the cloak *really* pop... and it's only Wednesday....
All in all, despite the time frame, it was a pretty restful, no-stress project. I find handwork very zen and this was a 99% handwork project. I finished by December 23 and had it wrapped and under the tree in plenty of time for the opening of presents. Jay had not gotten even the slightest hint that what I was up in the sewing room working on was a gift for him.
Done, despite myself :)
It was a hit on Christmas morning. He commented immediately that it had a nice heft for an off-hand defense and another rapier friend that saw it commented similarly. While I think I would make it a couple inches longer if I made one again, all it all it came out well for a six day project.
Christmas Morning (photobomb by Charlie)
Have the Happiest of Holidays, whichever you celebrate!
