|
|
Post by brokennock on Jan 10, 2020 19:13:42 GMT -7
I am going to try to copy this over from the m.l.f. I posted it there 1st as a carry over from an earlier conversation about blankets, and because it is so much easier to post pics there straight from my phone.
Picked up a white wool blanket at a local Army/Navy store today. I have been considering it for a while, they have (had) 2 white ones, the other had a tag that said it is British, but had the remains of an iron-on type U.S.N. and logo on it. You know, those bits of weird rubbery plastic when an old concert t-short starts to break down.
I may go back for that one too. Neither had the usual tag saying what percentage wool they are but both feel good, this one felt better. The only identifying characteristics are the thin dark lines woven across the center, and an odd cream colored 90 degree angle embroidered near one corner (see pics). It is an odd size too. 68" across the dark lines by roughly 65" (I couldn't get a good measurement in that direction with it on the clothesline) will get a better measurement when I can lay it out flat.   
Anyone have any ideas on make or origin?
Once I got it home and unfolded, it is nicer than I thought. I was going to use it for my hunter orange matchcoat project, but it now seems too nice to try to dye obnoxious orange. If anyone has ideas on how to get the remains of the old logo off that other blanket, I will get that one and dye it. Saving this one for a more historically correct white wool blanket.
Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
|
Post by hawkeyes on Jan 17, 2020 12:05:50 GMT -7
May be an old infirmary blanket. Certainly looks like it to me, how thick? Also likely a wool blend as are most of the milsurp blankets available. I can see some sheen in the fibers which leads me to believe there is a percentage of a blend, most are 80/20. Good color choice for sure.
I have a old Witney blanket in superior condition that I wouldn't part with for anything. Besides a good rifle a quality wool blanket is an absolute must and one very important piece of kit for any 18th century woodsman.
How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?
|
|
|
|
Post by brokennock on Jan 17, 2020 17:44:27 GMT -7
May be an old infirmary blanket. Certainly looks like it to me, how thick? Also likely a wool blend as are most of the milsurp blankets available. I can see some sheen in the fibers which leads me to believe there is a percentage of a blend, most are 80/20. Good color choice for sure. I have a old Witney blanket in superior condition that I wouldn't part with for anything. Besides a good rifle a quality wool blanket is an absolute must and one very important piece of kit for any 18th century woodsman. How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking? I'm pretty sure it is a blend too, bit it feels much better quality than most others I have. It is fairly thick but not stupid heavy. Trying to decide if I'm going to throw it in the washer and drier and "full" it a bit. $49.00, no damage or stains other than a tiny slit near one edge, almost like a button hole,(This will be quick to mend) and white, how could I pass it up? |
|
|
|
Post by hawkeyes on Jan 18, 2020 7:48:42 GMT -7
Me personally I would never put my wool articles in the washer or dryer. Better to use a tub and woolite by hand then hang dry.
|
|
|
|
Post by brokennock on Jan 18, 2020 13:44:04 GMT -7
Me personally I would never put my wool articles in the washer or dryer. Better to use a tub and woolite by hand then hang dry. I usually don't either. In this case, if I decide to use this more as a matchcoat I will be looking to "full" the blanket, tighten the weave and lock it together somewhat. "Felting" might be the more accurate term. Not sure the difference between the two terms. If I can get my hands on the other white blanket they had, and, get the logo off of it, I will leave this one as is. The other blanket will get felted/filled and dyed. |
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Jan 18, 2020 17:13:45 GMT -7
I've used the washer & dryer to my advantage when fulling wool blankets.
Just a heads-up - I had to simmer my surplus blanket in Rit dye for some time (2-3 hours? longer?) in order for the color to take. It does work, but it's a challenge.
|
|
|
|
Post by brokennock on Jan 18, 2020 19:47:33 GMT -7
I've used the washer & dryer to my advantage when fulling wool blankets. Just a heads-up - I had to simmer my surplus blanket in Rit dye for some time (2-3 hours? longer?) in order for the color to take. It does work, but it's a challenge. Thanks for the heads up. I'm still hoping to find a source for blaze orange wool fabric by the yard, like the Johnson Mills product. And sew a few yards to a thinner wool blanket for use as a matchcoat during deer season. Good to know I'd probably be wasting my time trying the washing machine dye instructions. (I was going to use the laundromat washer) |
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Jan 18, 2020 20:22:00 GMT -7
I'd suggest a blaze orange hunting shirt. I made a hunting shirt from cotton drop cloth and dyed it an obnoxious orange. Might not be in the same color register as blaze, but pretty close.  Haven't worn it in the field because I find it easier to wear a modern blaze orange mesh vest over my period clothes. No hassles from the game warden... |
|
|
|
Post by hawkeyes on Jan 19, 2020 5:20:35 GMT -7
Haven't worn it in the field because I find it easier to wear a modern blaze orange mesh vest over my period clothes. No hassles from the game warden... Exactly why I never made one for hunting. Simple $2.00 vest works for me as well. |
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Jan 19, 2020 5:34:26 GMT -7
Haven't worn it in the field because I find it easier to wear a modern blaze orange mesh vest over my period clothes. No hassles from the game warden... Exactly why I never made one for hunting. Simple $2.00 vest works for me as well. Another nice thing about the mesh vest is that I can take it off and put it in my pocket when not needed - light and takes up very little space. Not that someone should be dissuaded from making a blaze matchcoat or waistcoat, but I'd rather use my time making items I can wear at any time... I did pick up a piece of blaze orange synthetic fabric from the scrap bin at the local fabric store and it is pinned to my pack during hunting season for reasons of safety. I also have a blaze bandanna I bought at the sporting goods store used in the same way (or tied to the dog when he was young enough to roam the woods with me). |
|
|
|
Post by spence on Jan 19, 2020 6:59:35 GMT -7
I get the impression that the hunter orange requirements for other states are much less stringent than in Kentucky. What I see described as being used would not pass muster here.
I have said elsewhere that I use a vest over my period clothing, have always done that and don't quite understand why that's not the best solution. I've seen dozens of photos of rather elaborate blaze orange "HC/PC" outfits posted over the years, and am puzzled every time why that seems the best solution to anyone.
Spence
|
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Jan 19, 2020 7:21:00 GMT -7
MT requires at least 400 square inches of Blaze above the waist during firearm season.
|
|
|
|
Post by spence on Jan 19, 2020 8:29:02 GMT -7
Kentucky requires blaze orange visible from all sides on the upper body and on the head. Mesh orange is OK but the mesh must not be larger than 1/4 inch. Orange camo is not legal. You can't take the orange off once you reach your blind/hunting spot. If hunting in a ground blind, you must keep your blaze orange on and also put a piece of blaze orange visible from all sides on top of the blind. Any time a gun season, modern or BP, for deer, elk or bear is open, any small game hunter must wear blaze orange, except waterfowl and dove hunters. This includes bow hunters.
Spence
|
|
|
|
Post by brokennock on Jan 19, 2020 11:27:05 GMT -7
I figure the blaze orange matchcoat will allow me to buy or make all the rest of my period clothing of correct colors and materials. It will also serve as a emergency blanket either roadside in case of accident or breakdown, or in the event of a situation in the woods needing rescue services, it can be used to get found more easily.
CT. orange requirements are simply stated, "400 square inches visible from all sides."
I have several blaze orange bandanas. I wear one on my head during warmer squirrel hunts. I always have at least one in an accessible pocket to wave in case I need to let someone know where I am when I'm out with no orange such as bow hunting or turkey hunting.
Honestly I don't really get the whole "hunters have to wear X-amount of blaze orange," safety thing. If it is so much safer, why doesn't everyone using property that allows hunting, during hunting season, have to wear it. The dog walkers, hikers, joggers, horseback riders, etc, should have to wear it too. All it does now is mark me as a hunter and a target for harrassment.
|
|
|
|
Post by spence on Jan 19, 2020 11:54:33 GMT -7
Kentucky doesn't mention dog walkers or others of that type, but anyone accompanying the hunter must wear orange.
Spence
|
|
