I'm very new to all of this... I just attended my first 'voo about 2 weeks ago, and fortunately they had a "modern camping area" and period clothing was optional (although highly encouraged)... While I was there, I was able to purchase and trade for some stuff, and basically outfitted myself from the waist up. I plan to make some moccasins out of one of my old leather welding aprons, and due to my lack of tailoring skills, I will probably have to purchase some pants.
I know I can get away with canvas or linen modern pants since my shirt will cover the pockets and fly, but I only plan to use them until I can afford some proper ones.
I have also made myself a tent, chair, big wooden box to carry stuff in and hide my cooler, as well as some other stuff that I made in my forge (fire set, rifle rest, some S hooks for the fireset and for my candle lantern) I bought the candle lantern at goodwill for $2.50... I made all of the wooden stuff out of some scrap pallets that I had, and all of the forged stuff was made with scrounged scrap steel and iron. I have plenty of cast iron cookware at home that I can take along.
What I don't have is a coat or blankets. I have been looking and they are really expensive. I am a father of 4 and I don't make very much money, so I can't afford the hudson's bay blankets, and even those italian ones are out of my budget until after the first of the year.
I was curious if anybody had made a capote out of the red harbor freight blankets. I could swing a couple of them if they would work. I also have a bunch of stuff from my forge that I would like to sell, so I'll need one to lay out as a trade blanket. I'm getting pretty desperate, 'cause if I don't find something to make a coat out of, I'll probably have to wait 'till spring to go to another event, and I'll miss alot of fun this winter.
Thanks in advance for any advice and information any of you could give me.
Ed
sorry... another question:
Would it be appropriate for a free trapper in the rocky mountains (1820 or so) to wear a blanket like a match coat with a blanket pin?
I have made some blanket pins for my friends, and I was curious if this would be appropriate as an alternative to a capote for me.
Ed
Ed, you can find authentic Hudson Bay blankets as well as similar styles on e-bay or Goodwill's auction sight, but always check the shipping cost first. I am at odds with the Goodwill store in S. Carolina because they not only have a mandatory handling fee but charged me for a more expensive shipping rate but actually sent it by the slowest and least costly way. However, I have bought some really nice 100% virgin wool blankets on e-bay that Bulldog Lady has made into capote for my father's upcoming birthday. If you are going to go the e-bay route then keep in mind that some of the authentic Hudson Bay or Early Witney blankets sell for hundreds of dollars so you may have to bid on numerous blankets and hope that they don't go up past what you can afford. In that respect I have been lucky, or maybe just persistant in that I've been able to but them for under $30 in some cases. I would not recommend making anything out of the Harbor Freight blankets as they use reprocessed wool as opposed to virgin wool, so they are very scratchy and don't hold up very well. Check out the posts on making capote and the links showing plans and materials here on TMC.
I've been watching ebay, and going to my local thrift stores every couple of days. No luck on anything I can afford yet.
I was assuming that the harbor freight blankets would be low quality, but was just wondering if I could make something passable to help me get through this winter. I don't mind scratchy (I've always been fine with scratchy wool LOL) but I don't want to make something that won't fit in at the events.
Do you think I could make something temporary out of the harbor freight blankets that would just fit in and allow me to attend some events over the winter. Next year, I'll have the money in the budget for a nicer blanket and capote, but if I did it this year, my kids would have to get coal for christmas LOL... and that's only 'cause I have coal for my forge already hehe.
I just need to be warm and somewhat fit in (like any pilgrim fits in ;D
Ed
Ed
My first Capote was made from an old Navy medical blanket, that I wore for a few years. You can also wear long underware, as they would not be seen.
I would check with folks putting on the events to see what is acceptable with them. You will find that most of the events will let you get by with not having all things PC, especially if they know that you are just getting started and are trying to become PC.
There have been times that I have pulled things out of the closet and loaned to, sold to or even given a new person.
You will find that most buckshiners will be gad to help you become PC
Old Salt
well... now I feel like an idiot!
I never even thought about long johns. I could definitely wear some of them.
I have read the rules for the events that I've found for this winter... they all seem fairly strict. The club that hosted the event that I went to a couple of weeks ago was very "beginner friendly". They aren't having another event 'till February, but I'll certainly be there. I really liked that club, and everybody I met was great and very helpful.
As for sleeping, I can close the door on my homemade tent to hide my sleeping bag, but I'm still gonna need a blanket to trade on.
I think with some long johns and a blanket to wear like a match coat (if that's appropriate) I could weather any cold that my area could throw at me... I'm pretty good at beating the cold here, cause I've been teaching winter survival classes for quite a while. I just want to do it in a way that doesn't look too out of place at the 'voos
Ed
Quote from: VaScout on October 25, 2010
I've been watching ebay, and going to my local thrift stores every couple of days. No luck on anything I can afford yet.
I was assuming that the harbor freight blankets would be low quality, but was just wondering if I could make something passable to help me get through this winter. I don't mind scratchy (I've always been fine with scratchy wool LOL) but I don't want to make something that won't fit in at the events.
Do you think I could make something temporary out of the harbor freight blankets that would just fit in and allow me to attend some events over the winter. Next year, I'll have the money in the budget for a nicer blanket and capote, but if I did it this year, my kids would have to get coal for christmas LOL... and that's only 'cause I have coal for my forge already hehe.
I just need to be warm and somewhat fit in (like any pilgrim fits in ;D
Ed
The Harbor Freight blankets would certainly do to sleep under & put out as a trade blanket, as well as cover anything non PC you might need covered...
Ok... well I guess I'll order a couple of them. Am I right to assume that the red ones may be more appropriate than the grey? I think the red ones are slightly heavier than the grey ones that they sell.
Anybody have any idea about the matchcoat with a blanket pin? I would love to have a capote, but a quality blanket just isn't in the budget right now. I can't seem to find any references to wearing unaltered blankets during the rocky mountain fur trade. Is it something that's done at rendezvous?
Ed
Quote from: VaScout on October 25, 2010
Ok... well I guess I'll order a couple of them. Am I right to assume that the red ones may be more appropriate than the grey? I think the red ones are slightly heavier than the grey ones that they sell.
Anybody have any idea about the matchcoat with a blanket pin? I would love to have a capote, but a quality blanket just isn't in the budget right now. I can't seem to find any references to wearing unaltered blankets during the rocky mountain fur trade. Is it something that's done at rendezvous?
Ed
Might be even more correct. After all, you need a blanket. A capote is just one more thing to carry...
Quote from: VaScout on October 25, 2010
Ok... well I guess I'll order a couple of them. Am I right to assume that the red ones may be more appropriate than the grey? I think the red ones are slightly heavier than the grey ones that they sell.
Anybody have any idea about the matchcoat with a blanket pin? I would love to have a capote, but a quality blanket just isn't in the budget right now. I can't seem to find any references to wearing unaltered blankets during the rocky mountain fur trade. Is it something that's done at rendezvous?
Ed
I think a match coat is acceptable, however, since I have been lucky enough to find wool blankets at reasonable prices and have what I need for making a capote for myself, I would be willing to send one to you on a payment plan for the amount I paid. You will need to make sure that you are comfortable cutting up a blanket if sewing a capote though. Please PM me if interested.
check for foreign made military blankets , the british , and dutch blankets are pretty decent , thicker than american military blankets and contain more wool ! you can sometimes get them as low as $10 to $20 dollars ! I`ve made a couple of capotes and a great coat out of them ! stay away from us military blankets , they tend to be thin , itchy , and not exactly the warmest !
I got a Gray wool German Surplus blanket from Crazy Crow.
Its a nice blanket except that on 1 side it has N V A in big letters stamped on it.
What is the N V A all about?
My buddy's tease me and say its for the North Vietnam Army.
Did East Germany supply blankets to North Vietnam?
If you can find a military medical blanket, they are usually heaver and softer that the standard issue blanket and most that I have seen are off white to cream colored
Quote from: William on October 25, 2010
Quote from: VaScout on October 25, 2010
Ok... well I guess I'll order a couple of them. Am I right to assume that the red ones may be more appropriate than the grey? I think the red ones are slightly heavier than the grey ones that they sell.
Anybody have any idea about the matchcoat with a blanket pin? I would love to have a capote, but a quality blanket just isn't in the budget right now. I can't seem to find any references to wearing unaltered blankets during the rocky mountain fur trade. Is it something that's done at rendezvous?
Ed
I think a match coat is acceptable, however, since I have been lucky enough to find wool blankets at reasonable prices and have what I need for making a capote for myself, I would be willing to send one to you on a payment plan for the amount I paid. You will need to make sure that you are comfortable cutting up a blanket if sewing a capote though. Please PM me if interested.
I replied to your pm... that's very generous of you!!!
Sorry it took so long, but I'm having some trouble with the forum tonight.
Ed
what I plan to do is make a mock-up with an old bed sheet... then I'll have my wife help me with laying it out just right on the blanket before I cut... I'm not going to say that the idea doesn't make me a little nervous, but I think that if I do it with old bedsheets first, I'll be more comfortable with cutting the blanket.
Ed
Quote from: VaScout on October 25, 2010
what I plan to do is make a mock-up with an old bed sheet... then I'll have my wife help me with laying it out just right on the blanket before I cut... I'm not going to say that the idea doesn't make me a little nervous, but I think that if I do it with old bedsheets first, I'll be more comfortable with cutting the blanket.
Ed
Here are those links I referred to, they should help you figure out the proper measurments;
http://www.inquiry.net/OUTDOOR/WINTER/gear/capote.htm
http://www.troop6idahofalls.org/capote.pdf
http://varsityrendezvous.com/pdf/clothing.pdf
http://woodbadge.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=1&Itemid=54
If you have any questions contact bulldog lady she is always generous with her suggestions and tips that she has learned from doing her own projects....
I personally have been wishy washy about making a copote, I just don't like the idea of cutting up a good blanket (could be the Scotsman in me) I have a blanket pin and when I get cold I grab one of the old horse blankets my grandmother passed down to me and wear it as a a covering. I like to think that I can make a blanket into 104 different items (necessity being the mother of invention) without cutting it up. Might not be pretty but functional and period correct.
Also don't forget the people we have on this and the other sites... if you are handy at the forge you might be able to set up a barter for something you know how to make and they might need!
I'm getting better at the forge... I'm still a neophyte, but I'm progressing pretty well.
There are some basic things that I've got down pat now, though.
Ed
I Like the mock-up idea if you use an old cotton sheet you will have made you an extra shirt as your getting the pattern figured out!
Save the Scraps you can make all kind of small bags etc... with them thmbsup
I was thinking about using a satin sheet so that I would have a Hugh Heffner style robe afterwards. ROFL
Just kidding... but I will probably make the mock-up out of something useful.
Ed
LOL! chrrs
What goes on behind closed tent flaps is your business Hugh Baby! chrrs I used a cheap fleece blanket for pattern and use it for housecoat- or if you use something a little heavier you can always convert into a hunting frock
Ed, You were asking about the Harbor Freight blankets for clothing. Here is a wrap blanket shirt I made as an experiment before cutting up my green Witney. The weave is not as tight and the blanket is not as thick as a Hudson Bay/Witney blanket but it will take the chill off on a cool day. You can take the itch out of it by washing it hot to shrink it, use fabric softener in the rinse and a dryer sheet in the dryer on hot. You'll loose about 2 inches each way but it'll make it better.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t152/deaddawg/001-4.jpg)
Here's a dress you should really make for your wife, she'll get all kinds of OOHHHs and AAHHHs all over camp.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t152/deaddawg/002-3.jpg)
ooh and awaws very nice and very pretty lady,
Looks like the pup wants to know what she's doin' with it's blanket.
That's some nice work.
Thanks for the ideas!
Ed
Ok... here's an update.
Through the generosity of William, I have purchased (for a VERY reasonable price) 3 nice blankets. Among these is a gin yooooo wine hudson's bay 4 point.
I'm now in the planning stages of making my capote. I have looked at several tutorials and articles about making a capote, and am almost ready to begin making the mockup.
Right now, I'm deciding on the details... I've read contradicting information about some of these things, but I'm leaning on the side of no fringes or pockets. I'm currently thinking about a very simple square-cut design with slightly tapered sleeves.
I've measured myself many times, and I'm very confident that my capote will fit well when I'm done.
I'll start a new thread when it's done, so I can show it off.
Thanks again William, for helping a newby get off to a good start!
Ed
If you don't need or want a hood you'll have more material to work with once you've cut the body out, maybe even have enough for pockets and a belt. The most impressive part of the capote that Bulldog Lady made for my father is the whip stitching along the edges. I've looked at the directions several times but still don't know how it's done; [hmm] Speaking of my dad, today was his birthday and I gave him his present;
(http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i79/Bull3540/dadscapote.jpg)
Whole point of this site is sharin, the trim on capote is a button hole stitch, just not done as close as for button holes. just like doing a whip stitch but you go under and over before going back into material, this makes the little ridge on top. Look in any needlework or sewing reference. More than glad to help any way can.
Found another place for making capotes; http://picasaweb.google.com/lonegreeneagle/SurvivalGear?feat=email#5409777707666736274
Quote from: VaScout on October 30, 2010
Ok... here's an update.
Through the generosity of William, I have purchased (for a VERY reasonable price) 3 nice blankets. Among these is a gin yooooo wine hudson's bay 4 point.
I'm now in the planning stages of making my capote. I have looked at several tutorials and articles about making a capote, and am almost ready to begin making the mockup.
Right now, I'm deciding on the details... I've read contradicting information about some of these things, but I'm leaning on the side of no fringes or pockets. I'm currently thinking about a very simple square-cut design with slightly tapered sleeves.
I've measured myself many times, and I'm very confident that my capote will fit well when I'm done.
I'll start a new thread when it's done, so I can show it off.
Thanks again William, for helping a newby get off to a good start!
Ed
Hey, you made any progress on that yet? We'd all love to see what you've come up with.
So far, I've screwed up two mockups LOL
the third looks good, though. I'm going to be out hunting for a week starting Friday, and when I get back, I'm going to start with the blanket.
Ed
Quote from: VaScout on November 30, 2010
So far, I've screwed up two mockups LOL
the third looks good, though. I'm going to be out hunting for a week starting Friday, and when I get back, I'm going to start with the blanket.
Ed
Good luck, hope you get to post a pic and a story about your hunting success.
I'm kind of guiding the hunting trip, so I will claim any success.
I wish I had the capote done... It's gonna be a cold week and I sure could use it LOL.
My hunting partner is bringing a camera, so I will be posting pics just as soon as I get them from him. We're hoping to tag out during the trip, so it should be plenty of pics.
Can't wait to get the capote done. It's going to be awesome!
Ed
Quote from: Bulldog lady on October 30, 2010
Whole point of this site is sharin, the trim on capote is a button hole stitch, just not done as close as for button holes. just like doing a whip stitch but you go under and over before going back into material, this makes the little ridge on top. Look in any needlework or sewing reference. More than glad to help any way can.
Bulldog Lady:
It sounds like a blanket stitch.
Hey Ed, you okay? What was the outcome of your hunting trip?
Hope he's okay. He didn't go bear huntin did he ???
Quote from: BrokenHawk on February 24, 2011
Hope he's okay. He didn't go bear huntin did he ???
I don't know what he was shooting at, but it worries me when someone says that they are going hunting and then they don't follow up. Hope for the best though.
Quote from: William on February 24, 2011
Quote from: BrokenHawk on February 24, 2011
Hope he's okay. He didn't go bear huntin did he ???
I don't know what he was shooting at, but it worries me when someone says that they are going hunting and then they don't follow up. Hope for the best though.
He has not been on the site since January...
Quote from: Red Badger on February 24, 2011
Quote from: William on February 24, 2011
Quote from: BrokenHawk on February 24, 2011
Hope he's okay. He didn't go bear huntin did he ???
I don't know what he was shooting at, but it worries me when someone says that they are going hunting and then they don't follow up. Hope for the best though.
He has not been on the site since January...
Anyone know what happened to him?