The Mastino Bushshirt.
Okay. I have seen it and it looks good. In fact better in the flesh than it does in the photos - please note that the photos here are of a half-finished garment - the hems, hood, neck closure and pockets have not been finished.
But there is good news and not so good news.
First, the not so good news. Kevin will only take, initially, 10 orders for the bush shirt. The reason for this this is workload (he is already busy and his seamstress has other stuff she is making, mending etc.) It will also ensure quality control. If this first 10 is successful then it'll be the next 10....or a waiting list...and so on. I'll come to details on the first 10 and waiting list, payment etc later in this email.
The good news is that the shirt is robust, comfortable, simple and thick and warm. Its not as heavy as I imagined. Even better news is that the basic shirt (including necklace closure, leather neck 'stop' detailing (tbc) and kangaroo pocket will most probably come in at £49. The shirt will be made to order and will be tailored for each individual using various measurements (belly, chest, arms, back, bum etc) to ensure custom fit. He should be able to cope with most sizes including our more 'robust' members
The good news continues....if you want to add extras then these can be added at £3/£5/£10 options : zip closure or button closure instead of tie closure on neck (£5), chest pocket (£3), full zip (£10)....side pockets, access pockets, chest/map pocket, hood volumiser, cuff strap and buttons can all be added as options.
In addition to this Endicott's can offer an "ENDY-Extra" of a 'LifeTime' Fix and Repair Service covering accidental damage or any other 'breakdown / repairs' etc. (P&P at customer's cost).
Finally, they will also be able to offer a 'Personal' detail (logo) or initials in the back inside or on the chest etc. making each one unique and bespoke.
Before we get to the order stage Kevin wants to complete the prototype, finish it to a high standard (hems and edges finished properly, neck-tie completed etc) and to test it. He would also appreciate sensible feedback as to changes and optional additions. I have some photos and some thoughts I have already passed onto him.
My thoughts as to changes to the shirt:
- Reduce the volume of the rear of the hood (ie get rid of the pointy bit at the back and round it out - see piccie 3 below)
- Slightly reduce the bulk/volume of the upper arms/shoulders
- Lower the 'roo pocket by 4 inches
- Put 'darts' in the seams bottom left and right to aid movement and relieve stress at these points - the point I mean is where the longer back joins the shorter front on each side - you can see where I mean in piccie 4.
- Don't use metal eyelets for the lace closure but stitched/thread holes as in my experience metal eyelets pull through the material over time.
I'll draw up a list of the first 10 to post in this thread - then request that everyone on that list confirms they want one. Those who drop out will be offered to the next person who originally posted. A 25% deposit will be required by each person to secure their slot and get the ball rolling on their bushshirt.
Once this 10 is out the way then - depending on feedback - the production will be rolled out on a waiting list basis. I hope the wait will not be too long...but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
