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Post by waarp8nt on Feb 20, 2019 17:45:55 GMT -7
It was mentioned in another thread, Discussion and Advise Regarding the Correctness of Clothes, that one should pick up wool blankets as the become available through various resources. I picked up a wool blanket (similar to the one in the picture) on auction for $5. It is aprox 5' by 7' in size and aprox .08 thick with the specs listed below. It is not in mint condition, but pretty darn good. I would like to make something from it...if it is of the proper size, quality and thickness. It may not be thick enough for a Wool Capote, so I'm thinking it may make a better Blanket Shirt, Hunting Shirt, Waist Coat or Frock? Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated! BLUE SHADE 504 STITCH BOUND STOCK NUMBER 3550-050150-64 PEARCE WOOLEN MILLS. INC. MARCH 1955 Q.M. 4846 O.I. 2757-T-55 65 % WOOL- 25 % REPROCESSED WOOL- 10 % REUSED WOOL  |
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Post by Black Hand on Feb 20, 2019 21:46:01 GMT -7
There is no evidence that blanket-shirts were ever used. Wool flannel - yes. Blanket - no.
I made a blanket shirt when I didn't know any better and it was a terrible decision - uncomfortable and actually had poor insulative value.
While I've used blankets for both waistcoats and a jacket (formerly the blanket shirt that was re-cut and lined for a huge improvement), blankets are not my first choice of material. I'd use the blanket for leggings and moccasin liners. If large enough, a lined blanket-coat/capote might be an option.
Just my thoughts on the matter...
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Post by waarp8nt on Feb 20, 2019 22:26:05 GMT -7
There is no evidence that blanket-shirts were ever used. Wool flannel - yes. Blanket - no. I made a blanket shirt when I didn't know any better and it was a terrible decision - uncomfortable and actually had poor insulative value. While I've used blankets for both waistcoats and a jacket (formerly the blanket shirt that was re-cut and lined for a huge improvement), blankets are not my first choice of material. I'd use the blanket for leggings and moccasin liners. If large enough, a lined blanket-coat/capote might be an option. Just my thoughts on the matter... I remember reading somewhere you installed a liner as a result of it not being wind proof. What matterial did you use as a liner? |
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Post by Black Hand on Feb 21, 2019 6:13:11 GMT -7
Cotton canvas from an inexpensive painter's tarp, as that is what I had available at the time. The 2 wool blanket capotes I am re-working will get linen linings.
I will post pictures of the lined wool jacket when I have the opportunity.
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Post by straekat on Feb 21, 2019 9:41:16 GMT -7
Start with smaller items that don't require complicated sewing. A gun bag (with a liner) is always good to have for keeping dampness off at night, or to-from where you are going, mittens, a Canadian cap, and once you've developed sewing skills a little, to think about something like a simple waistcoat or vest. If you plan to use items for clothing, lining is a good idea for winter or wet conditions. |
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Post by straekat on Feb 21, 2019 9:51:53 GMT -7
I've attached a pattern diagram of a Rev War era waistcoat for inspirational purposes.
You want to be able to sew straight lines and not attempt to inset sleeves until you've made a few things first. Once you have some sewing skills, we'll walk you through the basics on enlarging and adjusting the pattern. This comes from Klinger's "Sketchbook '76" and more than a few people started with this on building up their first kit.
A weskit is a good starting point for making clothing, and cheap woolen items such as an old blanket is useful if mistakes are made. Most wools now contain a large amount of synthetic materials, and can cost at least $15/20 per yard. A waistcoat will use about 2- 2/12 yards, so something old or drop cloth material will come in handy down the line.
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Post by straekat on Feb 21, 2019 11:33:56 GMT -7
A confidence building project with wool blanket material is a pair of winter mittens. drunktailor.blogspot.com/2014/11/Check out the rest of the blog, archived and more recent postings. The guy makes his own clothing using period techniques and documents many of his projects along with comments on what went right, and if something went wrong what he did (if he could) to fix things. He discusses how period garments were made with raw edges exposed, pieces added and other details that are seldom visible in photos of period clothing. |
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Post by Black Hand on Feb 21, 2019 14:54:01 GMT -7
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Post by waarp8nt on Feb 21, 2019 20:07:49 GMT -7
Gentlemen, I like your advise and examples you have shown me. I think I will purchase a pattern or two until I get the hang of things and feel more comfortable with sewing. We no longer have a fabric store as the big box store run them out of business and then reduced their own inventory. The closest place I can think of is an hour away, so it may be a little bit before I get started.
Sometimes the simplest of things can pass me, I tend to learn by doing it. Typically, I'm good with my hands, I can repair the gear boxes on your horseless carriage or build you a home from scratch. Run a lathe or a mill, however Sewing will pose a new challenge for me...Lots to learn from terminology, materials, styles of the time periods, to sewing techniques. I am looking forward to it all.
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Keith
City-dweller
Bushfire close but safe now. Getting some good rain.
Posts: 990 
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Post by Keith on Feb 21, 2019 21:34:05 GMT -7
It was mentioned in another thread, Discussion and Advise Regarding the Correctness of Clothes, that one should pick up wool blankets as the become available through various resources. I picked up a wool blanket (similar to the one in the picture) on auction for $5. It is aprox 5' by 7' in size and aprox .08 thick with the specs listed below. It is not in mint condition, but pretty darn good. I would like to make something from it...if it is of the proper size, quality and thickness. It may not be thick enough for a Wool Capote, so I'm thinking it may make a better Blanket Shirt, Hunting Shirt, Waist Coat or Frock? Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated! BLUE SHADE 504 STITCH BOUND STOCK NUMBER 3550-050150-64 PEARCE WOOLEN MILLS. INC. MARCH 1955 Q.M. 4846 O.I. 2757-T-55 65 % WOOL- 25 % REPROCESSED WOOL- 10 % REUSED WOOL Gunpowder bags, Mittens, waistcoat, half-blanket, |
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Post by waarp8nt on Feb 23, 2019 7:28:30 GMT -7
I have a fair amount of .018 pillow ticking. Could I use that as a liner for the smaller projects like the gun bag?
It is supposed to rain all day. Rather than waste the day, I'm going to a fabric store 30 miles North of me. I want to see if they have any linen in stock.
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Post by straekat on Feb 23, 2019 11:14:58 GMT -7
Yes, ticking can be, and was used for linings. There are known instances of it being used for waistcoats.
I know Joann's usually has it in stock (grey/black and red is preferred), and also Walmart may have it. The local Walmart carries three color types priced at $5.99/yard, about a dollar cheaper than Joann's outlet about 500 feet away. If you can't find it locally, you can order it on-line from either store. Amazon may have better prices.
Check Craigslist in your area to see if anyone is selling old linen tablecloths (without patterned weaves) and/or bed sheets.
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Post by waarp8nt on Feb 23, 2019 15:34:39 GMT -7
Yes, ticking can be, and was used for linings. There are known instances of it being used for waistcoats. Good! I have plenty enough for a waistcoat and a few other projects too. I know Joann's usually has it in stock (grey/black and red is preferred), and also Walmart may have it. The local Walmart carries three color types priced at $5.99/yard, about a dollar cheaper than Joann's outlet about 500 feet away. If you can't find it locally, you can order it on-line from either store. Amazon may have better prices. Check Craigslist in your area to see if anyone is selling old linen tablecloths (without patterned weaves) and/or bed sheets. We stopped by Joann's. Linen was $20.99 per yard, we had a 25% coupon, but still I thought it was too high. Sometimes they send a 50% coupon via their app, but it sounds like it is still too high... The did have multiple colors in stock; Black, Grey/Black, Brown, light Brown and Natural (salt & pepper). No reds or blue. There were several rolls of "Linen Look", it was about 1/2 price of the 100% linen. Several more colors of it. They had some rolls of 100% cotton, but I didn't see any muslin. I came home empty handed as I questioned the prices. Looks like I will check craigslist and/or wait for a better coupon. We do have an Amazon account so I may check there too. |
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Keith
City-dweller
Bushfire close but safe now. Getting some good rain.
Posts: 990
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Post by Keith on Feb 23, 2019 18:33:57 GMT -7
Always ask if they have any "end of rolls", these can be a lot less expensive. Also remember that colours you don't like, & are not selling well so are less expensive, can be dyed.
Keith.
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Post by waarp8nt on Feb 24, 2019 14:43:25 GMT -7
Always ask if they have any "end of rolls", these can be a lot less expensive. Also remember that colours you don't like, & are not selling well so are less expensive, can be dyed. Keith. I did check out the "end of rolls", but forgot to mention it. Didn't think about dyeing new material, good idea. Also, checked out a resell shop for used items and materials that could be re-purposed, however I did not have any luck finding anything useful. I did order a sample of materials in both linen and cotton from a wholesale supplier. They had a linen / cotton mix too, so I got a sample of that too. |
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