RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 27, 2022 19:53:01 GMT -7
I had a specific question because I can’t find my saved image, but might as well expand this into a general discussion.
I’m looking to eventually make a pair of civilian gaiters of the F&IW era. It seems a lot of internet ’wisdom’ and ‘period’ sewing patterns and historic impressions and what’s available at a sutler… all default to either short spatterdashes or tall over knee in canvas with lots of buttons. Black or white. Maybe brown. Maybe painted.
Going through some of my images, it seems there was a bit more variety around. Even in accounts of military gaiters, I’ve come across several different materials, styles, colors, button spacing, etc.
So I thought it might be interesting and educational to see what we can compile to get a better picture of what kind of variety there may have been for this garment. Images and period accounts and see what was.
Oh… my specific question was with regards to a gaiter that was much like a legging from the shins up above the knee (tight and without buttons), but very much a gaiter at the foot - with underfoot stirrup, gusset that covered the shoe buckle, and just three or four buttons at the ankle. I’m sure I’ve seen this in an image but can’t locate it.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 27, 2022 20:20:10 GMT -7
That’s a lot of buttons. Perhaps horn?  Fewer buttons and just below the knee. No underfoot strap.  Low resolution so hard to see details, but these appear that they might be leather.  |
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 5:23:13 GMT -7
A bit earlier than our period… ‘stocking leggings’?  I rather like this image for a number of reasons. Papa’s got a pair of low gaiters without stirrups.  Lookit all dem buttons!  |
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Post by brokennock on Jun 28, 2022 15:40:10 GMT -7
All them buttons....
Your a gluten for punishment.
But at least you'll help keep The Blue Cat in business.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 15:42:29 GMT -7
I swear there’s a variation with only 3 buttons at the ankle!
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 15:57:01 GMT -7
Velcro.
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Post by hawkeyes on Jun 28, 2022 16:46:44 GMT -7
All them buttons.... Your a gluten for punishment. But at least you'll help keep The Blue Cat in business. I'm in agreement... I'd shy away from anything of the sort. Putting on leggings is hard enough! |
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
|
Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 17:14:34 GMT -7
Zipper
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
|
Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 18:33:58 GMT -7
Staples.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
|
Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 18:41:11 GMT -7
Ok. Here’s the thing. I don’t know that this ankle injury I’m recovering from will ever allow me to get Indian leggings on my leg. I’d have to get creative about the ankle on the right legging. Maybe as simple as leaving the seam open there and securing with a garter.
In the meantime, I thought I’d look into these. They’re nifty, appropriate to my impression, and certainly seem like they’d do a fine job. Wool, linen canvas, painted or not. Lots of options. But man… that’s a lot of buttons and buttonholes to work while making them and a lot to do up when donning.
I like them, though I’d likely prefer leggings. Just don’t know if they’re in the cards for me.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 18:49:38 GMT -7
Variety. Maybe I can talk Gus into making me a pair of these… 😜  Chaps?  Five Button Abs… I mean gaiters! These are at Ligonier, I think. Linen and I’d guess to just below the knee?  |
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 18:57:29 GMT -7
Ah ha! I found it! One poorly cropped pic!  So… 7 buttons at the bottom, then like a legging the rest of the way up. I think. I gotta find a better pic… |
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 28, 2022 19:03:42 GMT -7
Aww crap. 😑  |
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Post by brokennock on Jun 28, 2022 19:24:35 GMT -7
I'm wondering if you can pull those gators on with most of the top button already fastened, only leaving the tight spots at the ankle unbuttoned until they are on?
If so, it would save some trouble getting dressed and also you could fake the buttons being functional right at the time of construction.
Your idea of leaving the ankles of indian leggings open and tying closed with a garter seems very viable to me. I've often thought of the same thing. Or tiny "hook and eye" fasteners inside what would be the seam.
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Post by paranger on Jul 6, 2022 3:50:40 GMT -7
Don't worry - I don't think gaitered trousers came in until AWI timeframe. |
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