NOTICE:
This is a new rule I'm implementing to ensure as many people to enjoy the "high value" of connection, collaboration, and growth that these community building experiences offer... and of course the content (whether it be crafting, food related, wellness related, woodworking, Indigenous culture, etc).

By participating in this community building experience, you are not eligible to register for the next two community building experiences I offer. The This rule will apply moving forward into 2026.

The next community building experience you'll be eligible to register will be in February or March (depends on what's planned for in February) -- details will be live online in the towards the end of February 2026.

Fyi, I'm a resident of Sunalta that organizes resident-driven community building experiences (as a volunteer, not paid).

I have no connection to the Sunalta Community Association which offers their own programming... however, I will be collaborating with them in Q1 2026 on a Food Literacy Series (more info on that to come).

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In this FREE workshop, you'll make your own Capote... so you'll be able to wear a piece of Métis history.

Capotes are Métis coats that were traditionally handmade from the point blanket, a wool blanket with short points, or stripes at the end.

These blankets were one of the trade items exchanged between the Métis and First Nations trappers, and the fur trade companies, Hudson's Bay Company, and the North West Company.

They were used because they are light, warm, and water-repellent. It's a loose fitting garment, however, you can alter the pattern we'll supply to make a form fitting Capote if that's what you prefer.

With your own DIY Capote, you’ll have a story to tell, and rebirth a lost heritage while re-purposing a wool blanket with a new life.

Capote Pattern Sizes: Small / Medium / Large
Men:
SM: 36-38
MED: 40-42
LGE: 44--46

Women:
SM: 8-10
MED: 12 - 14
LGE: 16 - 18

Finished Coat Length (approx):
SM: 34in
MED: 41in
LGE: 44in

Finished Chest Circumference (approx):
SM:45in
MED 49in
LGE: 53in

Note: These coats are made to be roomy for extra clothing to worn underneath, and warmth. You can alter the Capote pattern sizing to your preference.

You Bring (we will not provide):

Your own blanket if you need a larger size than the 60in x 84in blanket we're offering
Pair of Scissors (that can cut a wool blanket)
Measuring Tape (digital app or actual one)
Seam Ripper (optional)
Something to hold Pattern down on the Blanket (i.e. Books, Paper Weights, etc)
Additional Clothes Pins (we will supply 12 per person, if you want more, bring them. You cannot keep the ones we provide)
Collaborative Spirit (supporting fellow participants)
Your own Water Bottle
Your own Food/Snacks to suit your own Nutritional/Medical/Cultural/Spiritual needs

We'll provide (at no cost to you):

Green Wool Blanket -- Size: 60in x 84in
Capote Pattern (Sizes S, M, L); if you need something bigger, expand the largest Pattern
Yarn (Sage Colour Wool)
Sewing Needle (Tapestry Size 18 for blanket stitching; eye of the needle will accommodate the yarn)
Clothes Pins (to hold the pieces together; we will keep them after the community building experience for future ones -- 12 per person, cannot take them home)
Light Meal
Non-Alcoholic Beverage (Mango Lassi)
Good Vibes
Music to keep you energized
A Smudge before you start creating

Helen Polack-Yin, your Métis facilitator, will:

Share her crafting skills
Guide you on making your own Capote
Tell you about her Métis ancestry that’s connected to the Hudson’s Bay Company
- She’ll bring her genealogy info that’s dated back to the 1700’s
As a bonus, she’s bringing a Hudson’s Bay blanket (that’s about 100 years old) -- It’s been in her family for a long time, so you can see (and maybe feel) a piece of history in this workshop

After this community building experience, you can:

Connect with a participant you met at the workshop to finish your Capote
Add fringes to your Capote, and/or other add-ons

I look forward to having you join us for this community building that will be filled with connection, collaboration, and growth.

Kent
Organizer

DIY Capote Making