Casgliadau Arlein

Dark blue wool nurse's cape with red wool lining. Worn by Sister M. Thomas at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, from late 1950s.

Cape is made up of one large back panel and two front panels and has a small collar. It reaches down approximately to just above the knee. The cape closes with five black plastic buttons down the front. In addition, there is a metal hook and eye at the neck. The cape has slits for the arms; there is a facing over the slits. Inside, there is a fastening of two red wool straps which cross over the chest and are fastened behind the wearer's back (the ends button together with one grey plastic button which is smaller than the ones down the front). These straps ensure that the cape doesn't slide off the shoulders, even when the cape is left unbuttoned. The red straps are made from a long (65cm) and a short (15.5cm) section. The button is attached to the proper left strap. There is a red wool hanging loop stitched to inner neck. All machine stitched. Inner edges of blue fabric are finished with overlocker stitches along sides and bottom of cape. Outer fabric: twill weave with a raised nap; thin black warps and thick dark blue wefts (both singles yarns, Z-twist). Red lining: balanced tabby weave, singles yarns, Z-twist.