>> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] : > > I'm making a 1770's colonial rural town crier. --------- You don't say how authentic you wnat to ooutfit to be. Assuming you want some, but not complete, authenticity, here are some suggestions off the top of my head. (Read between the lines) ---------- The waistcoat will be unbleached linen that has a pale bone/ > taupe look and that typical linen weave. I think I'll line it in some medium > brown cotton I have. ------- If it is hot I would strongly recommend lining the waistcoat and coat in linen, not cotton---MUCH cooler and wicks moisture away from the body better. (coming from a re-enactor in Virginia, where we know about hot weather) If you are interested in authenticity, you might try an lightweight natural-color linen. I think you would be happier making the coat lined rather than unlined, as you suggested. It will be receiving a lot of wear, presumably, and will last longer if it is lined. In hot weather, it will soon take on the slightly rumpled linen look you are seeking. ------- > And maybe some gaiters. I like the look of all those buttons up the outside > calf. But I do also have riding boots... but I'd have to put a cuff on them > and I don't know if he wants to fool with boots. Of course all the buttons on > the gaiters! Talk about fooling with something. -------- Riding boots would not only be correct for most 18th century men, but have you ever spent a day in riding boots? Tired, hot, unhappy feet will result. If I were a town crier spending my day on the streets, I would much prefer shoes. If you do not think that plain breeches and stockings are not sufficient, maybe you could consider half-gaiters or spatter-dashes, which do not cover the whole lower leg--cooler, simpler and more comfortable. -------- > > Which brings me to buttons. Gaiters, breeches, coat, waistcoat.... I need a > million of them. Anyone have a fave source? I like the idea of bone or horn > on the breeches and waistcoat and some metal on the coat and gaiters. ----------- Here are some sources of more authentic buttons: > http://www.hushcobuttons.com/Natural-horn-bone-leather.htm http://www.wmboothdraper.com/ http://www.gggodwin.com/page21.htm http://jas-townsend.com/index.php?cPath=18 ---------------- > How about a leather tricorn? Too "Pirates of the Caribbean?" ---------- WAAAY to POTC, to my mind. A plain wool felt cocked hat ("tricorn") would be more authentic and more comfortable in hot conditions. ------------ > > The only other thing I think he needs is a satchel. That could fulfill my > leather accessory need! Does any reenactor vendor make a military leather > satchel? It doesn't look like a difficult thing to make though. Or I wonder > in a > tack shop would have something like saddle bags that might work. Hmmmmm.... > ---------- If you are interested in authenticity, I believe a canvvas haversack would be more appropriate. Hope these suggestions help. Jane Pease _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
