I made a Capote

[flatwater]

This is strange territory for me but I thought I would give it a try. My Mom made sure us boys learned how to so. A few years back I got a pattern for a capote. I purchased a whitney horse blanket and cut out the pattern then sewed it together with black wool thread. I actually enjoyed doing it and its a very warm coat with a shoulder cape. I actually had a person offer me 200.00$ for it. I hope to do more as time allows.
Flatwater

[ozarksnick]

I've been looking at capote patterns recently. Hope to make one soon. It's hard to find good wool coats anymore.

[flatwater]

One of the best/worst wool coats I ever had was my old navy pea coat. It was warm but it was also itchy.
Flatwater

[Shamrock1121]

My dad brought a plaid, wool, Pendelton coat with him from Canada when they moved to Kansas in 1951 (purchased it pre-WWII). That coat serviced the whole family until the 1980's. The coat always hung on a hook on the porch and was the coat-of-choice for a cold winter run to the Outhouse or doing chores outside.

I worked in an Army Surplus Store in 1971 (prime "hippy" days). Back in the back I unearthed a box of wool coats - 1943, English, National Fire Service coats (similar to a Navy Pea Coat, but fitted at the waist, and came to the thigh). What a find! I bought one for $5 and wore it for years. Both of my kids wore it when they were in high school because it was "cool" looking in a retro way. I guess its time to pass it on to my almost 13-year old granddaughter :D.

Valuable Lesson - NEVER underestimate the benefits of good wool for outerwear, no matter what form it takes. ;) And when they get wet, it's a smell you'll always recognize... ::)

-Karen

[crunchycon]

And when they get wet, it's a smell you'll always recognize...


I went to a private high school (no comments, please) where the "winter uniform" for girls consisted in part of a gray 100 % wool skirt. On a cold wet day, the school bus smelled like a flock of sheep. Distinctive smell, indeed...I'll never forget it ;D

[CarolAnn]

Good for you, Flatwater! It's one more excellent survival skill to be able to sew. Here's a very nice site with directions on how to make a Capote. (I never knew until now that's what they were called!)
http://www.inquiry.net/OUTDOOR/WINTER/gear/capote.htm

[flatwater]

Thanks CarolAnn , I also found out one can get a pretty good deal by going to your local thrift store and pick up a used wool blanket. On occasion you can find an old hudson bay blanket there also.
flatwater

[silvergramma]

hiya i lived in minnesota for a few years and managed to get my hands on two red twin sized hudson bay blankets and a capote pattern.. i just dont have the heart to cut them lol.. but one day i can get enough old wool blankets at garage sales and auctions i'll make some up.. use old army blankets i'm told also
200 bucks,,hey