Wrapping the Braveheart kilt

[Pleater]

In August each year I leave home for a week and in a hired van I go to a folk festival in the West Country.

I have done this for decades and the nights are warmer in these times, but the storms are more ferocious.

There are few nights when I do not have the side door of the van wide open and I usually close it part way to keep rain out only when the wind is blowing it inside. Duvets are not a good idea, as they become damp and unpleasant after a few days and I don't have time to air them. Woollen fabric is the ideal bedding and as top covers I use plaids as they can be taken with me and worn in order to air them. They really do make a very comfortable bed and I have twice laid down very cold and damp after being caught out in the rain on the way back from singing and woken warm and dry next morning, even if the weather had not improved.

Although I take a sheet with me I remove it if it is likely to get damp as wet cotton is very cold whilst damp wool seems to become warmer.

By the end of the week a lot of people are croaky and coughing after sleeping in their man made fibre sleeping bags which are getting damp and mouldy even in good weather, but I never have that problem.

I have caused astonishment on a couple of occasions by going into venues wearing layers of wet wool and steaming vigorously whilst others are shivering. Wet wool is more windproof than the same fabric when dry and a warm damp fug is easily developed under a couple of layers of it.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: