Homemade Gear

[WestTN_reb]

Re: Homemade Gear

It gets easier with time and practice.
So far, I have made probably 2 dozen haversacks, a couple of painted cloth belts, 1 cartridge box, 2 cap pouches, 2 mechanic's hats, countless poke sacks, a Federal issue shirt, and a pair of SA trousers. My next project is a SA fatigue blouse.

Keep at it, and you'll find that your skill will improve the more stuff you make.

[JLHurst]

Re: Homemade Gear

Mr. McGarrahan,

That was one of the funniest post I've heard in a while. I definitly feel your pain. But I agree with others here. KEEP AT IT! You'll appraciate it in the end. Also being able to not frown upon those $185.00 + trousers that just ripped. "I'll mend it in camp". Nothing authentic like a guy sewing with his housewife in camp. (not that housewife either!)

I recall the day one of my mess said "Let's make groundcloths".
4 ground. . .well they looked almost like them, later we had one. But now we could make a dozen! Just don't ask me to.

I'll keep at it if you do Mr. MacGarrahan. Good luck in your endevors. Thanks for the laugh. :D

[jgr1974]

Re: Homemade Gear

Looks Good to me!!! I agree keep going!!! You only learn by experience! Even the major dealers will tell you, They did have, and still do occasionlally have, a pile of rejects!!! The important thing is not to rush, and look at and study originals. Most reenacting gear is probably actually made to good!!! Some of the stitching i have seen on originals look like a 7 year old sewed them, and probably did if it came from the South!!!! Making your own gear does give one pride!!! Who knkows next year you will probably have your own store!!!

Jeremy

The Mad Mick!!!

[milo1047]

Re: Homemade Gear

My first project is a pair of drawers, and I have to say that they are progressing capitally (probably because I have the guidance of an experienced seamstress). I'm hoping to get a shell jacket made after this, though I am daunted by how complicated it seems.

[jfeagin]

Re: Homemade Gear

Congrats on your work. You have to start somewhere and as others have said, keep going. I started with a shelter half, Federal issue shirt (I am assuming your doing a Confederate impression so a Country Cloth Hollyday shirt pattern might be a good idea). Drawers, etc. etc. Keep on doing it ... every additional project will give you experience. With time and doing more period patterns correctly, you will be able to figure out how to do more complex patterns. Also there are many sites on the net that give advice and instruction on period sewing... http://vintagesewing.info/ is one that has helped me a lot. Use the search function here for more information as well. Another idea might be to get a kit. Mr. Waumbaugh, one of the approved vendors here, has them. I have learned a lot by sewing some of my own stuff and especially have gained an appreciation for the women who toiled making many of these items for pennies...

John Feagin

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Homemade Gear

...I just did not apply the cornstarch as good as I should have, so the paint went right through to the other side...

Brian, the finish should bleed through and not just stick to the surface of the obverse. You did it right.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Homemade Gear

Keep at it! Most folks don't even try, so your ahead of the curve in the attempt alone!

One thought:
Sewing canvas can be heck on the hands. You might try some easier fabrics first, so you can get your technique down. Hem a handkerchief, make some poke sacks, etc. ...small easy projects that don't take too much time or money (and won't break your heart or pocket book if they turn out cruddy). Once you have some practice and a bit of confidence, move on to a haversack, a shirt, and so on.

Keep at it!

[TobiasJones]

Re: Homemade Gear

Brian,

I feel your pain. I have been working on drawers for almost 2 weeks now. And what I have isn't perfect but it'll do. It turns out taking Home-Ec in high school was worth something after. I have shirt on deck. I'm just hoping it will be a little more straight forward.

Evan O'Dell

[btfire]

To all who make their own gear, my hat is off to you. To those who have ever wondered why quality gear is so expensive, try making it yourself. Over the last several days I have worked very hard to make a few things to add to my kit. A shelter half, a gum blanket, and then I tried a haversack. First, let me explain that I am not the greatest person with a sewing needle, and before three days ago I have never used a sewing machine in my life. So, here I am using my grandmothers 60 year old machine and practicing on extra material. I get confident enough to try the real thing and then it all goes to $#%*. I never made a single seam in that tent. The cuss words were flying everywhere, and then so was the tent. The gum blanket was not the worst thing ever to come out of South Carolina, but it was not the greatest either. I just did not apply the cornstarch as good as I should have, so the paint went right through to the other side. It is usable, I think, but I doubt an authentic gum blanket would have been this bad. In my defense; the measurements are in good order, the grommets are properly sized and spaced, and the black side is smooth and somewhat glossy. Now, to the haversack; I did not even think about trying this until I was really frustrated with the tent. The first attempt did not even resemble a mess, much less a haversack. But, I tried again and actually made something that resembles a working model. The stitching was not straight, the cuts were even worse, but I am still proud of it. The buttonholes were handstiched, and that was the hardest part. I really have no clue how to do this kind of work, but it was fun trying, and will try again. Nobody here, including myself, would ever wear such a poor reproduction, but alas, at least I accomplished something. So, here I will offer up an image of what I have named "Brians Poor Reproduction Cotton Haversack."