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Little Red Riding Could
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Outline the story …
Many of us are familiar with the title, Little Red Riding Hood. Although it was first published by Charles Perrault, the Grimm Brothers' version is the celebrated classic I chose as my inspiration. While the red color was introduced by Perrault, Grimms' story Rotkappchen(Red Cap); found in their book "Children's and Household Tales", was published in 1812 in the midst of peak 18th/19th century Cardinal cloak popularity!
In the tale, a beloved granddaughter is gifted a red cloak by her grandmother. It suits her so much that the nickname Red Cap (or riding hood) emerges. Red plans to visit her grandmother but meets Wolf along the way, who asks where she is headed. With the knowledge, Wolf races ahead while Red lingers in the woods. On arrival, she is surprised to find that Grandma is not herself, but Wolf instead! Both Grandma and Red are gobbled up, but shortly after are saved by a passing huntsman, who claims the pelt. I have taken liberty here to have the pelt gifted to Red as a reminder to be more careful in the woods.
Like most cautionary tales, the lesson transcends its contemporary setting. Wolves can hide in plain sight, and it is just as important today to be safe when planning to visit Grandma!
For myself, my grandmother has gifted me with the lifelong love of sewing. Bygone summer afternoons of quilting lessons have given way to a historical handsewn adventure all my own, quintessential cloak now included!
Outline the construction…
This project quickly became a 'no more training wheels' make! I used the lady's cloak from the wonderful book Costuming Close Up as my guide but there are no real construction instructions. I called upon the knowledge I have garnered from sew-a-longs and other fabulous makers. The cloak body outer fabric is a fine red wool broadcloth and I have fully lined it using a ash colored silk faille. Both pieces are cut and pieced in the same manner, and the inner seams are felled to keep the interior smooth. The front edges of each fabric have been turned and hemmed together. The hood was the most complex part. It does have a functioning drawstring set inside a channel created by folding the silk back (after having set in eyelets for entry). The drawstring ends are secured with brass aglets to match the large brass hook and eye closure hidden on the interior. Pleating the crown of the hood went more smooth than expected once I had the layers settled. These cartridge pleats are my first attempt, and I made sure to encase them between the hood layers for extra stability. The trim was tricky because I was very particular about sourcing the coyote fur from a reputable, responsible vendor. My fur was acquired through careful wildlife management, no fur farms or hobby trappers here! It has been gently whip stitched to the facings for ease of removal as needed.
The pelt makes it! Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. The whole costume makes me want to go make my own.
I’d wish i owned this cloak and i’d wear it everywhere
Incredibly well done. The cloak is fine art.
This cloak looks so well done! The details are delicate and very neat♡
Personally, I’m not a fan of using animal fur (for ethical reasons) but that being said, it is a beautiful cloak, I really like the pleating details at the back, very neat and pretty!
I love your interpretation of the theme <3 Grandmas are awesome.
The hood turned out awesome, well done!! 🥰