marlet cape
A striking and easy-to-wear cape. The design has the mottled quality of a lichen, but it’s actually a Nielanell take on animal ‘print’. Scroll on to find out which animal…
The fabric is luxurious merino, knitted in reverse jacquard, which drapes beautifully. Wear it poncho-style with the point to the centre, or straight—or how you like. Tip: capes are a useful layer for stylish cyclists, or for meetings in person or on Zoom!
Pattern & colour
Engineered pattern gives this a unique and interesting look, being more like a fine art print than a repeating pattern.
Colour popping combinations or subtle tones are amongst the small edition colourways available. Once sold out, colours are unlikely to be repeated.
Materials & manufacture
- Reverse jacquard
- 100% extra-fine merino wool
- Made in the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Sizing and fit
One size
-
A (neck): 30cm
-
B (neck to longest point): 63cm
-
C (width at widest point): 81cm
All knitwear is individually made, so measurements given are approximate.
A process graphic for the Marlet design derived from the markings on an Asian elephant's ear.
A Nielanell version of animal ‘print’
Marlet design inspiration
Visitors to the studio shop in Shetland wonder whether the inspiration for this design might have come from seals (an animal we see a lot in Shetland). Others think that the source material might be lichen. But nobody has correctly guessed that the textile design originally came from the ear of an Asian elephant!
I was lucky to encounter these amazing creatures when travelling in Kerala. Both the markings and the soft, velvety texture of an elephant’s ear inspired me to design this textile. The dappled markings appear with age and loss of pigmentation.
‘Marlet’ is the Shetland world for mottled, which perfectly describes the markings here translated into knitwear.
I don’t mind what you see in this pattern—in fact, isn’t that an interesting thing in its own right?
The Marlet pattern does some interesting things with different colour combinations and varying contrast (subtle or eye-popping!), and the double-faced jacquard knit drapes beautifully.
Shipping costs
- UK P&P: £8 per order.
- International P&P: £20 per order (important: please see notes on international orders below).
- EU, EEA, Northern Ireland: we are very sorry that shipping to the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland is currently paused due to new regulations. Full information below.
- Collection from Nielanell, Hoswick: free of charge (choose this option at checkout).
We send out UK items using Royal Mail and items over a value of £100 will be sent by way of special delivery. This is a signed for, insured service. International parcels are sent using a tracked service.
Customer service
Please DO get in touch if you have queries about any of our pieces. We endeavour to extend, to our online shoppers, the personal service we give here in Hoswick.
We have lots of happy customers both inside the UK and around the world and frequently correspond by email or telephone prior to a purchase being made.
Delivery times
- Most items should be available immediately. If not, we will contact you to tell when the item will be available.
- We aim to send out your order just as soon as possible and within a week of ordering. If you need an item sent immediately, just let us know and we will be delighted to try to help you.
- Please note, you can also choose to collect your order from Nielanell, Hoswick, using the click-and-collect option. This option is not available during holiday periods.
International orders
- Customers ordering items to be sent outside the UK are responsible for any customs charges, taxes or tariffs applicable in their own country. In addition to other international destinations, post-Brexit this now also applies to customers in the EU, EEA and associated countries. NB We have suspended shipping to the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland. Full information below.
- It is quite likely that customs charges or tariffs will be payable on international orders.
- Customs charges and taxes vary between countries and unfortunately we are not able to predict what they might be.
- For further information, you could get in touch with your local customs office so that you know what to expect.
- Issues with customs can delay delivery. Please do place orders in good time, particularly for Christmas or other special occasions.
- Please read our full returns policy before making an order.
- Returns can become expensive for international customers, so don't worry about asking questions before you order! We'd love to help you choose the right garment – please just get in touch on info@nielanell.com if you’d like any information or help shopping online.
EU, EEA and Northern Ireland
EU GPSR
The new EU General Product Safety Regulation, which also affects shipping into Northern Ireland, is coming into effect on 13 December 2024.
This has onerous requirements that are going to take us some time to resolve. At present, there is little official advice available so – like many small businesses – we will be suspending shipping to customers in these areas.
After 30 November 2024
We are really sorry that, after 30 November 2024, we will be suspending shipping to the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland. We hope to be able to get a new system in place soon.
Keep in touch
Thank you so much to all our EU, EEA and NI customers for your patience and support.
After 30 November, please do get in touch if there's something you'd like to order – we'll let you know as soon as we have a solution.
Nielanell knitwear is designed to last
Here are a few recommendations to help ensure your garment lives a long and happy life:
- Less is more when it comes to washing, many people find quality knitwear can be worn without washing for a long time (feel free to use our advice as a reason to do less laundry!).
- Handwashing your garment is recommended.
- We suggest that you hand-wash your garment using liquid for woollens, or flakes at 30 degrees or less. Harsh detergents are likely to ruin your knitwear.
- You may wish to wash in the machine on a very gentle hand-wash wool cycle at 30 degrees or less, using a small quantity of detergent specifically designed for delicate/wool items—but you need to ensure your washing machine uses a very gentle cycle. You must be confident in using your washing machine for woollens. We will not be responsible for items which shrink or felt by inappropriate machine washing or are damaged through use of regular detergents.
- Do not wring.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Dry flat on a rack or in the fresh air, and steam/press very lightly*.
- Alternatively, you can dry clean the garment.
*Don’t iron Rigg pieces. We also recommend that you do not stretch out the textile when drying. Lie the piece flat, but with a bit of a crumple to allow for the natural spring in the fabric to contract. No need to steam or press.
Each piece of Nielanell knitwear is individually knitted by our manufacturers and then finished by hand in-house.
Many of our collections are made in very small edition colourways, with a constantly changing selection.
If you’re looking for something in particular, that you can’t see on the website, please do get in touch—we often have more colourways in stock that don’t make it onto the website!
NB Please treat garment measurements as approximate, knitwear can be difficult to measure and each item will differ slightly.