CLOAKS ~ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you make a  ________________  cloak? How much is it going to cost? Making a cloak is not as simple as sewing a hood to a big ol' piece of fabric. There are a lot of factors to decide upon before we get started and it is best for you to have given some thought to those decisions before you contact us. In order for us to give you an estimate the first time you contact us, try to have some of the following information ready: - Style of cloak (Full circle, fuller 1/2 circle, 1/2 circle, shaped shoulder, Ruana, based on a movie/video game/comic character, etc.) - Length (short, mid, long) - Color schemes (cloak material vs. hood lining, etc.) - Fabrics you're considering or what you'd like your fabric to be like - Where, when and how often you intend to wear the cloak (indoor/outdoor, summer/winter, everyday use/special occasion use, the climate of your area, etc.) - Your measurements (if you do not have accurate measurements at your fingertips, telling us your height and weight gives us a decent idea of what size the cloak should be) - Optional details such as clasps, trims, appliques, and other personal customizations - When you need the cloak and where you live (so we can factor shipping and/or rush ordering into the cost as well) All of these pieces of information greatly affect our recommendations and in order for us to give you the most appropriate suggestions and estimates, it is is best for us to have as much information as possible. Is it seriously going to cost THAT MUCH?!  Can't you do it cheaper?! Please do not be surprised if our quotes total out in the range of $200+, possibly more depending on what you've requested. The current price range on our available cloaks page runs all the way from $49 to $400, depending on size, materials and finishing details.   Custom cloaks requiring custom embroidery, elaborate trimming, cashmere,  faux fur or other luxe materials can run upwards of $1200. Everything we make is one of a kind, individually designed and sewn. The more details you add, the more time-consuming the project becomes and thus raises the cost. We have skilled and dedicated workers to compensate for completing your cloak, as well as covering the cost of the materials and all the other factors that go into making a garment.  So, if you are making a serious inquiry about a custom cloak, please try to be prepared rather than shocked by the potential price. On the other hand, if you really want a one-time use garment for the school play and promise not to show anyone the seams, let us know that up front and we will try to work with your needs.

Can you make an inexpensive cloak?

The question of cost relies heavily on the design and specifications for the individual cloak we are discussing.  We may find ways to cut the cost by substituting fabricss or  finishings. However there are certain factors like labor and certain materials that will have a fixed cost no matter what cloak we are talking about.

Can you make a cloak for all seasons?

We would say no, but we also suppose that initially this depends on your definition of "all seasons". There is no fabric that will be just as comfortable in the Sahara Desert as it will be in Siberia. The closest we could come is to make a lightweight wool cloak that would be approriate for the summer, but you would need to layer your clothing VERY heavily under it during the winter.

Can you make a cloak like (insert character's name here) wears in (insert movie/book/tv show/comic book/graphic novel/etc.)?

There's a pretty good chance we can do that for you. However, when you request a cloak based on a fictional character, please try to include pictures or links to pictures, just in case we aren't familiar with who or what you are talking about. Since we spend a lot of time sewing, taking care of our families  and other activities, we're not always pop-culture authorities. However, we have plenty of experience with "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars". Please check out our Jedi Robe FAQ for more information.

Can you make children's cloaks?

We don't usually label cloaks as child or adult, since there can be a progression, with adults wanting a short cloak, or a child insisting on ground length.  So the best way to gauge short cloaks is by the neck size.   Also, labelling a garment as intended for children calls several very restrictive laws into effect

I see that you often use wool. Are there other fabrics I can request?

Other fabrics can be used to make cloaks, as long as they aren't too stretchy. We often use a washable cotton velvet. We can't do a true ¾ circle using velvet because it has a pronounced nap - it is a directional fabric and a ¾ circle involves turning one piece of the fabric relative to the others.   We use a more full version of the ½ circle that has pleats over the shoulders, a center back seam and closes over the front. Summer weight cloaks can be made from wide cotton, rayon, linen, or polyester-blend fabric. We've also used specialty fabrics such as water-resistant polyester micro-fiber, and wool/cotton/polyurethane or vinyl raincoat fabric. Full circle cloaks require material that is as wide as the desired back length, generally 50 to 60 inches, or they must be pieced and will require much more fabric. Cloaks with lengths longer than the fabric width may be constructed using additional lengths of fabric, and the additional labor and fabric will increase the cost of the cloak by 30 to 50%.

Why don't you line your cloaks?

Full circle cloaks are normally left unlined in the body, but lined in the hood area, partially to improve wearability, and partially due to weight and cost considerations. A full circle cloak does not have shaped shoulders, so the only thing holding it in place is friction. If it is lined with something shiny, the full circle cloak will slide around, and may drag on your neck. We do sometimes line shaped shoulder cloaks, since those are fitted to the shoulders and will stay in place better, but we still discourage a really shiny lining because some slippage will make the cloak difficult to wear during any activity.

A lining made from a fabric different than the cloak will also stretch at a different rate than the outer fabric (generally faster for most linings), which means the only sure way of having the lining not show is to make the lining shorter and unattached to allow room for stretching. Many long coats are lined in this manner. In addition,  full lining layer will increase the weight significantly too - rather than a 7 to 10 lb. cloak, you may have a 14 to 20 lb. cloak.

Last but not least, the two layers could generate static electricity in dry winter climates as they slide back and forth

How do I measure for a cloak?

To find the length you will want, decide where you want the bottom of the cloak to fall (we suggest a floor clearance of at least 6"). Then have a friend measure to this point from the base of your neck both straight down your back and measure from the center of your back out over your shoulder to the same distance above the ground. We'll also need a neck measurement to size it properly.

Why not floor length or 1-2" off the ground?

Two reasons: real life and physics. Firstly, in your real life you are bound to encounter a variety of nature-induced woes, such as snow, mud, puddles, and uneven ground. And when your wet/muddy/snowy cloak starts slapping against the back of your legs and drenches your pants/dress/etc., you will be frowning. And when you step on your cloak and trip, you'll be even more distraught. As for physics, when you have two parallel lines next to each other, they have the highest apex. As they start to drift apart, the apex gets lower to the ground. What does this have to do with my cloak?, you ask. Well, the point is your legs are the parallel lines and as you walk, your height fluctuates. So again, the longer the cloak, the more potential there is for you to trip. And last but not least, the more fabric your cloak is made out of, the heavier it will be. Cutting 4" off a cloak can change the weight by a pound or so. So, since we don't want your back to break, your legs to get wet/muddy/snowy, or for you to trip and fall down while you're wearing your cloak, we recommend the 6" floor clearance.

How do you handle payments for custom work?

We need a deposit to start work, usually ½ depending on the fabric vs labor costs and your deadline. You can order one piece at a time and the backlog for non-rush orders is generally 8-12 weeks. (rush orders are subject to a surcharge) We take: personal checks, money orders, Paypal, MC, VISA, AMEX, Discover.

Why is there such a long wait?

First, we already have custom orders we are currently working on. And since we want your cloak to be exactly the way you want it, we like to have the time to send samples to you (via snail mail), and if you don't like the samples we have on hand, we also want to have the time to acquire the proper fabrics. However, any given time during the year, our schedule may be different, so you can always call us to check.

Have a question we did not answer here?

You will find some more helpful information on the Cloaks Custom Order/Shape info page and of course you are always welcome to contact us directly.