Rather than buying an off the peg Helikon-Tex, I decided to buy a British army desert smock and modify it. I used my daughter's sewing machine. My sewing machine skills are not great and working with the smock was tricky. The sewing isn't very neat.
I first dyed it Espresso Brown. The colour and pattern have come out well. The light coloured synthetic parts are obviously still light.
I then removed the enormous overhanging front of the hood and tidied up the edge. I re-inserted the hood wire.
I unpicked the seams on each side and added pit zips.
I have not worn it outside yet, but may get the chance in a couple of weeks' time whilst marshalling at a scouts event in the hills.
I may treat it with Nikwax cotton proof to make it easier to dry if it gets wet.
I first dyed it Espresso Brown. The colour and pattern have come out well. The light coloured synthetic parts are obviously still light.
I then removed the enormous overhanging front of the hood and tidied up the edge. I re-inserted the hood wire.
I unpicked the seams on each side and added pit zips.
I have not worn it outside yet, but may get the chance in a couple of weeks' time whilst marshalling at a scouts event in the hills.
I may treat it with Nikwax cotton proof to make it easier to dry if it gets wet.
