:)

For warm and waterproof, pea-felt wool is great, but it’s neither cheap, nor light. But it’s not as hot as it might seem. On the downside, it benefits from being lined, which makes it less tolerant of warm weather.

But it’s waterproof (I have worn mine [an Inverness] in hours of pouring rain, and been neither wet, nor cold), and wears well.

Various cotton weaves will also do well, but they let in more wind, and so need to be lined. They also weigh less, and cost less.

The sewing (esp of an unlined cloak) is simple. Figure out how much of a circle you want, and then cut the gores, sew straight lines up the gores. No need for a yoke, and the collar is pretty much as simple as the main body.

A cape (a la an Inverness) is easy to add (buttons under the collar, and the same pattern as the cloak, but shorter.

A hood, or cowl (mostly a matter of how big it is, close fitting is a hood, and larger is a cowl) is a little harder. Look up Irish cloaks for the style.

Enjoy the project, and the cloak. They are terribly practical. I live in Los Angeles, and it is perfect for so much of the year.

TK