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Can you make an inexpensive cloak?
The question of
inexpensiveness relies heavily on the individual cloak we are
discussing, as we may find ways to cut the cost in certain aspects like
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 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.
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 can only do a ¾ circle
with a direction-less fabric. 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, 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.
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