do you by chance have fabric recommendations ? i have been planning on making myself a little wrap cape cloak thing and ive been debating between heavy cotton or light wool(-blend. college student money unfourch) and it is a harder debate than i thought
also btw this is ezra petticoatedmouse im avoiding emails again
For warmth, you really do want wool.
I'll let my partner @crowtoed list out some recommendations for where to buy, as they are regularly advising the ren faire folks to use wool for their cold-weather kit.
Crow here! Fabric is going to depend on what your piece is for, if there's an authenticity level, and (of course) budget. I personally love a sturdy yarn-dyed cotton flannel - like those made by Robert Kaufman or Marcus Fabrics (Collections: Shetland flannel, Mammoth Plaids, Primo Plaids) - if it's for casual use and not for wet weather. Night out, brisk spring walk, that kind of thing. Depending on how warm you want it, however, you might have to line it.
But if you think things might get damp, wool is a good investment. Cotton has a low saturation point and becomes sodden quite easily, then gets chilly to wear. Wool has a higher saturation point and has the fascinating feature of staying warm to wear despite saturation (though the weight can get onerous). If you REALLY want something for inclement weather, line it. Good way to ensure that none of the damp gets in. (Lining my wet-weather hood made the difference out at Faire during a few downpours.) Right, my favorite sources for woollens. There are other places, like Mood (overrated imho) or Fashion Fabrics Club (jumbled stock and not the bargain source that it used to be). -Dorr Mill Store: Source for US woven woollens. Has sales often. Great selection of colors and patterns. Check the clearance for $17-18 a yard/meter deals. -Burnley and Trowbridge: Old standby for US historical costumers. Their stock is NOT fixed, so if you see something, try to be prompt about ordering it. They have a variety of weights, from thick coating suitable for sturdy outerwear or blankets to tropical-weight suitings (called 'stuff' in period). Good quality, good prices, ridiculously quick shipping. -Renaissance Fabrics: US Based. They tend to be light on the woollens, but they're still worth a check. -Woolsome: Polish shop, specializing in woollens for costumers and reenactors, including diamond-patterned twill in loads of colors. Great prices for the quality, even with the goddamned tariffs. You pay for your order after they confirm that the yardage is available via email. -Herts Fabrics: UK-based. My UK historical costuming chums swear by this place and the prices are great. Other places worth checking, but the stock might be hit or miss: Surge Fabric Store, Online Fabric Store, Stone Mountain and Daughter (expensive, but they're one of the only unionized shops that I'm aware of and maybe that's something important to you), Bolt Fabric Store, Gala Fabrics (CA). Happy hunting!



















