Highwayman Cape
How it Began; or, The Highwayman's Lament
The wind was a frosty torrent moaning amidst the trees,
The moon was a frozen galleon tossed upon icy seas,
When the Highwayman he galloped half-dead to the old inn door.
“I’ll go no more a-riding--riding--riding,
It's cold as Hell a-riding out on that blasted moor!”
The landlord's daughter heard him and flew to her narrow bed.
“I’m tired of all his whining about the cold," she said.
“A robber's job is robbing, and bringing home the gold!”
So she ripped down the curtains--curtains--curtains,
The warm and snuggly curtains that kept her from the cold.
The Highwayman he drank his rum while Bess she cut and sewed
A double cape with hood all in the very latest mode.
She threw it 'round his shoulders as she pushed him out the door.
Said she, "Your job is robbing--robbing--robbing,
You get right back to robbing, and whine to me no more!”
Poplin. One size; approx. 48" from shoulder.
Broadcloth: Cotton/polyester blend, shirtweight. Does not wrinkle, shrink or fade. Permanent press (warm wash, tumble dry low heat, remove promptly). Black, red, burgundy, navy, hunter, brown.
Brocade: Cotton plus various synthetic fibers, with same-color woven patterns, which will vary. Sturdy weight. Dry clean. Blue, hunter, burgundy.
Canvas: Also called Duck Cloth. Stout cotton fabric with a coarse weave. Black, white, red, brown, or hunter green. Will fade like jeans. Cold wash, tumble dry low heat or line dry.
Fleece: Synthetic with velour-like drape; popular for outerwear. Good, practical substitute for wool. Black, burgundy, hunter green. Check for color availability before ordering; can vary with season. Washable, but dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the shape of capes.
Muslin: Garment-quality, 100% cotton (not coarse utility muslin). Cold wash, line dry recommended. White or natural.
Poplin: A cotton/polyester blend that does not wrinkle, shrink or fade. Heavier than shirtweight. Permanent press (warm wash, tumble dry low heat, remove promptly). Black, red, burgundy, navy, hunter.
Suede Cloth: A heavy, woven suede-like cloth of 100% polyester. Dry cleaning recommended.
Wool: A natural fiber from sheep; wool blends include man-made fibers of various kinds. Holds colors well. Dry cleaning is recommended, but may be hand washed in cold water and dried flat. Do not wring. Never use hot water or a dryer. For seasonal storage, clean first and use the moth repellent of your choice.
