In the beginning...
Caleigh Capes started because I had always wanted a Celtic-style cape for myself -- perhaps this reflects my Scottish ancestry and passion for Celtic music (I play fiddle in a three-woman band also called Caleigh). I love the romantic vision of roaming the foggy moors wrapped in the warmth of wool. I had looked around for years but hadn't found the cape of my dreams. In 1997, Dann and I honeymooned in Cape Breton and hoped we might find my cape there. No luck! We spent the next few months shopping through catalogs but still could not find the cape I was seeking. Some had the wrong cut, others the wrong material, and some were simply too expensive -- the closest thing we found was well over $300! Finally, we decided to have a cape custom cut and sewn for our first Valentine's Day together and that original cape still gets compliments wherever I go!
How long has Caleigh Capes been in business?
Before long we were making capes for friends and family and soon after that word of mouth took over and Caleigh Capes was born. In the spring of 1998, we began selling capes on the web and have since sold capes to folks in more than thirty-eight states (plus five additional countries!). Our capes are crafted here in the forests of northern Minnesota by Bemidji Woolen Mills. We have a couple new ideas on the drawing board so check back soon if you don't see exactly what you are after. Every Caleigh Cape is custom made to match your specifications -- we'd love to craft a cape with you!
What is your mission?
We strive to produce the highest quality, best value, custom-made wool capes available anywhere. Our capes are designed to be functional and durable as well as elegant and stylish.
How does your money back guarantee work?
Our guarantee is very simple...if you are not absolutely satisfied with your cape, ship it back within two weeks and we will refund your money and reimburse your shipping cost. In more than a decade of business, we have had very few capes returned.
Do you make your living from this business?
No......Lenore teaches music and Dann is an ecologist amd educator. Caleigh Capes is strictly a hobby business which helps us avoid the temptation of raising our cape prices to match those found in retail stores and on other web sites.
Who designs your capes?
We develop the designs in cooperation with Bob & Bill Batchelder and the seamstresses at Bemidji Woolen Mills. We also incorporate customer comments and suggestions into our capes and are continually looking for ways to improve our product.