Boiled wool

[Woodsheal]

That boiled wool looks like lovely stuff, but expensive. More affordable period-correct wools are here (check out the broadcloth and worsteds):

http://www.wmboothdraper.com/

I've never noted leather trimmed button holes, etc. on 18th C. garments, leather-lined pockets, yes - especially for carrying musket balls, flints, etc.

Epaulettes - no. A common method used instead: sew a button on the left shoulder of your coat/jacket. Sew a small fabric loop to the top edge of your plaid at the center. When you belt your plaid on, simply fasten it up using the button and loop. Period images show this method (see below).

Pewter or brass buttons are fine, especially the latter. Brass was used alot in the Highlands....



BTW, regarding the Champion's coat cuff in this pic - normally it would be buttoned or folded up, revealing the shirt cuff beneath. It was a common practice for swordsmen to unbutton their cuffs and turn them down to give better protection to their wrists during sword fights....

[Dale Seago]

Somehow I never noticed before that he appears to be holding a pistol in his left hand, behind the targe.

[Mark E.]

Somehow I never noticed before that he appears to be holding a pistol in his left hand, behind the targe.

Good point. I have never used a targe, but have used a pistol-and two in the same hand are not a good match, I don't think. The wrist on that musket to the left is rather grotesque-too thick.

The button is a good idea-I would probably use a leather strap with a button hole at each end though-my plaid travels, depending on weather...would lend to more versatility, at least.

[Woodsheal]

Good point. I have never used a targe, but have used a pistol-and two in the same hand are not a good match, I don't think. The wrist on that musket to the left is rather grotesque-too thick.

The artist is rendering the distinctively Scottish "heron-butt" fowling piece. I once got to handle an original, and they shoulder and point quite well!

[Mark E.]

[QUOTE=Woodsheal;907046]The artist is rendering the distinctively Scottish "heron-butt" fowling piece. I once got to handle an original, and they shoulder and point quite well!


I am familier with the style-the wrist comment was in reference to the rendering, not the style. The Rifle Shoppe sells parts sets for these, too, if anyone is interested. I'm sticking with the Early English snaphaunce from them, though...

[Pleater]

Boiled wool has become a popular fabric amongst machine knitters in the last few years, so you might be able to source some fabric from a local knitter - the process is simple enough if you care to undertake the boiling yourself. It requires heat, agitation and soap, and most washing machines will provide two out of three of those.

To stop the edges rolling up the piece of knitting is loosely tacked onto an old cotton sheet, and that prevents folds of the knitting felting onto itself - though of course for extra thick fabric you can tack the knitting to itself, folded double, and it will weld together in the process of thickening.

The same process is used for making bonnets, berets and similar headgear. The knitted balloon like shape is felted down onto a form to make the correct shape for the style required, then left to dry before the edgings, lining, tapes and ribbons are applied.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: