Wool Bush Shirt ...

sasquatch

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Jun 15, 2008
2,812
0
48
Northampton
Nice one Steve, that's dedication even if it was a diversion from collecting your wife! I suppose you want to get things just right for the journeyman course...Did Kev divulge any info on the washing/proofing side of things? I'm still curious if it's lanolin he'll be using. What options did you go for apart from the poacher's pocket?
 

Mesquite

It is what it is.
Mar 5, 2008
28,222
3,199
63
~Hemel Hempstead~
Nice one Steve, that's dedication even if it was a diversion from collecting your wife! I suppose you want to get things just right for the journeyman course...Did Kev divulge any info on the washing/proofing side of things? I'm still curious if it's lanolin he'll be using. What options did you go for apart from the poacher's pocket?

Sorry, I forgot to mention that
blighter.gif
I did discuss it with Kev and he told me the waterproofing will be done using the polartex. He's got a load of that in already and it would add to the cost of the shirts if he had to buy an alternative added to the extra time spent washing it in.

On the subject of washing he did tell me that he's washed the original demo shirt twice now at 30deg and there isn't any sign of shrinkage. The only time he's seen shrinkage with the blankets is occasionally they might shrink about an inch which on a 90" blanket is pretty neglible.

As for the options I'm going for the stacker kangaroo pocket and I really recommend this, Peggy and Kev have worked hard to get a really good design together for this option. It's neat and tidy and ideal if you want to carry maps etc. I'm also having leather trim round the neck closure and cuffs, cuff tabs and a breast pocket with flap closure
 

sasquatch

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Jun 15, 2008
2,812
0
48
Northampton
Sorry, I forgot to mention that
blighter.gif
I did discuss it with Kev and he told me the waterproofing will be done using the polartex. He's got a load of that in already and it would add to the cost of the shirts if he had to buy an alternative added to the extra time spent washing it in.

On the subject of washing he did tell me that he's washed the original demo shirt twice now at 30deg and there isn't any sign of shrinkage. The only time he's seen shrinkage with the blankets is occasionally they might shrink about an inch which on a 90" blanket is pretty neglible.

As for the options I'm going for the stacker kangaroo pocket and I really recommend this, Peggy and Kev have worked hard to get a really good design together for this option. It's neat and tidy and ideal if you want to carry maps etc. I'm also having leather trim round the neck closure and cuffs, cuff tabs and a breast pocket with flap closure

Cheers Steve! I'll have to do a bit of research on the polartex, I've not heard of it. Apart from the poachers pocket and leather trim I reckon I'm getting the same mods. Looking forward to pics when you get yours! Thanks mate.
 

JohnC

Full Member
Jun 28, 2005
2,624
82
62
Edinburgh
I bought one of these blankets and they are good... I really like the look off the shirt so far..
Do you think the team will sell patterns and how to's for this design when it's finalised?
I'va had a go at blanket shirts before.
 

BushEd

Nomad
Aug 24, 2009
307
0
35
Herts./Finland
What sort of time period are we looking at for making these? I only ask cos i'm no.7 and i had planned on taking this on the Arctic Exped on Feb 13th.

Not trying to rush anything!!! nor am i bothered if i won't get it in time!!!...i'd just like to know so i can arrange an alternative :) :240:
 

sasquatch

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Jun 15, 2008
2,812
0
48
Northampton
Typo on my part... Just confirmed it with Kev and it's going to be waterproofed with Nikwax Polarproof

Thanks Steve, I've got a gallon of fabsil but I'll stick with the nikwax and see how well it works. I can always retreat it with lanolin when needs must. Even though I'm 15 on the list I'm getting excited now. It's good to know shrinkage is minimal, those normal army blankets go to nearly half their original size after a hot wash. They're still nice as a coat in the winter so these will be class I reckon!
 

littlebiglane

Native
May 30, 2007
1,651
1
53
Nr Dartmoor, Devon
A couple of things to add/clarify.
The Polarproof is not a 'waterproof' treatment. Its a light water repellency. So it'll lightly weatherproof your garment but no more. Go out in the rain and if its anything but a brief shower you're gonna start to feel wet after a while.

There is a choice of two styles of neck opening - the more 'traditional' one which is a centre opening, gabardine neck bellows and lace (or button) closure. Near enough in style to Mastino's original. TeeDee has opted for this. I am sure Kev will give more photos of this soon. The second choice (and my personal favourite) is what Kev did originally with a left or right of centre storm flap which is buttoned or toggled. Behind this flap it is centre opening but the left or right of centre flap closure will stay as it is.

Thanks

LBL
 

littlebiglane

Native
May 30, 2007
1,651
1
53
Nr Dartmoor, Devon
What sort of time period are we looking at for making these? I only ask cos i'm no.7 and i had planned on taking this on the Arctic Exped on Feb 13th.

Not trying to rush anything!!! nor am i bothered if i won't get it in time!!!...i'd just like to know so i can arrange an alternative :) :240:

I personally think it'll be too close to call. Whilst I don't want you to go out and spend money on something else if the shirt then turns up I'd hate you to go cold in the Arctic if it does not! If it was me, i'd try and at least to source an alternative that you can easily buy at the last minute or nearer the time to departure.

LBL
 

littlebiglane

Native
May 30, 2007
1,651
1
53
Nr Dartmoor, Devon
Thanks Steve, I've got a gallon of fabsil but I'll stick with the nikwax and see how well it works. I can always retreat it with lanolin when needs must. Even though I'm 15 on the list I'm getting excited now. It's good to know shrinkage is minimal, those normal army blankets go to nearly half their original size after a hot wash. They're still nice as a coat in the winter so these will be class I reckon!

I'd keep to 30degrees on these shirts. A hot wash is just too much of a risk! :rolleyes:
 

littlebiglane

Native
May 30, 2007
1,651
1
53
Nr Dartmoor, Devon
I bought one of these blankets and they are good... I really like the look off the shirt so far..
Do you think the team will sell patterns and how to's for this design when it's finalised?
I'va had a go at blanket shirts before.

I am sure that in the meantime Mastino can help you out if he has time. He did the 'original' himself. See the link at the start of the first post in this thread.
 

sasquatch

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Jun 15, 2008
2,812
0
48
Northampton
I'd keep to 30degrees on these shirts. A hot wash is just too much of a risk! :rolleyes:

I did one of these out of a normal blanket a few months back and wanted to tighten the fibres before making it. I know they won't be waterproof as well. I have found some treatments go further than others with wool though. I don't really need one of these but I just can't resist the temptation! Plus my efforts look pants compared to this one...
 

littlebiglane

Native
May 30, 2007
1,651
1
53
Nr Dartmoor, Devon
Just as a little update. Kev has been away on business getting more stock for the store for a couple of days. He has outsourced the stitching of the leather elbow patches as his machine cannot stitch leather - this person has been away for four days. So there has been a little hiatus. Sorry about this. Things should now progress again shortly.

Mark
 

Mesquite

It is what it is.
Mar 5, 2008
28,222
3,199
63
~Hemel Hempstead~
Just as a little update. Kev has been away on business getting more stock for the store for a couple of days. He has outsourced the stitching of the leather elbow patches as his machine cannot stitch leather - this person has been away for four days. So there has been a little hiatus. Sorry about this. Things should now progress again shortly.

Mark

Thanks for the update Mark :)
 

legin

Tenderfoot
Nov 30, 2009
83
0
Spalding
Things should now progress again shortly
I hope so Mark. I think I really need mine for the back end of next month when I go to the Somme with a history trip from school. When we went last March, the wind was bitter and my ageing bones can do with the warmth. Whenever I get it, I am sure that it will give great service. I'm still making up my wish list for my ideal Mastino Shirt.


Nigel.
 

coln18

Native
Aug 10, 2009
1,125
3
Loch Lomond, Scotland
yes we know what extras we want, but the top 10 is an exclusive club, it really is the inner sanctum of bush shirts so we cant tell you outsiders LOL..

Colin
 
Last edited:

BCUK Shop

We have a a number of knives, T-Shirts and other items for sale.

SHOP HERE