womens rain gear

[gambit88]

I know I don't have time to get anything before this weekends event but what would civilians wear as far as rain gear specifically for women. Can I just make another gum blanket poncho for my girlfriend or is that not period correct? I tried searching the forum to no avail. They project possible rain for monday and I don't want her caught in it in just a dress. thanks


Gambit

[Spinster]

Yes. Out of time, as this is a project that takes a bit to gather the materials.

I can't paste links well from this phone, so you'll need to do a web search:

Materials: Oiled/waterproof silk
Available from time
to time from Fashion Fabric Club. I believe they are in Missouri

Patterns: Period Impressions or other good pattern for a woman's loosely cut sacque, with 'coat sleeves'

Line with a lightweight cotton. Cut generously, as it has to go over a dress. Use any good pattern for a corded or soft bonnet and make a head covering out of the same silk.

This stuff holds up well. After a couple of years, I had to renew the water resistance with Scotchguard.

As for the gum poncho---well really, it's a military thing and she would not have had it.

[MissMaggie]

Unless the forecast calls for heavy rain all day the lady will probably be ok with just a nice big two layer wool shawl. Pair it with a soft bonnet. She will get a little damp but shouldn't get to the point of dripping wet soaked during a soft steady rain.

[gambit88]

Yup I still need to buy her one of them. She has a straw hat but not a bonnet. I suppose I can put one of my blankets around her if need be but the chance of rain now is only 30 percent. As for makeing the other gear if i can find the fabric Im sure one of the ladys can make her one Im not nearly that handy. I cant even sew up a gunsock. Replaceing a button is about as far as I can go.

Gambit

[ElizabethClark]

For a good wool shawl, there's actually about zero sewing involved. You'll want a nice big 60" square of firmly-woven wool. Then, fringe out each edge about 1" to create the "hem". Fold into a triangle, and it's done.

If producing her things at home is not going to be an ongoing effort, then plan to start setting aside money. Sewing is skilled labor, and costs upwards of $20 an hour for most.

[gambit88]

Well she could probably make one I can't. She does a lot of my sewing projects for me. Do you think jo ann fabrics would have this kind of wool?

Gambit

[ElizabethClark]

*Maybe*. They don't tend to specialize in real fabric. She'd be looking for a lightweight, plain weave, 100% wool broadcloth. (Most of us end up ordering on-line.)

[Spinster]

He's in Michigan, so there is a chance.........

The Deep South Jo Ann's get about 1 bolt of real correct wool a year. Maybe.

[ElizabethClark]

You'd think we'd get it here in Idaho... nope. It's all polar fleece, and poly "wool". Still, there are the random gems! :)

[Elaine Kessinger]

Some favorite online wool shops:
William Booth, Draper: http://www.wmboothdraper.com/
B. Black & Sons: http://www.bblackandsons.com/fabrics-c-68.html?zenid=d642bea6449267d72d9848f448aa3cc9
The Wool Connection: http://thewoolconnection.com/index.php
Manhattan Fabrics: http://www.manhattanfabrics.com/catalogue.cgi?lookup=fbtype_desc&lupv=7
Denver Fabrics: http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/static/wool/wool-fabric.htm

With any fabric you purchase, look with care at the content.. sometimes apropriate blends are in the wool, like silk, linen, cashmere :) ...and sometimes it's our old foe, nylon. :(
Good luck with your project.

[gambit88]

Thank you. What would a proper wool blend be?

Gambit

[Spinster]

For rain wear, you will be best served with 100% wool. If you can find a tighty woven men's tropical weight wool suiting, that fabric will be exceptionally water resistant.

On a larger view, wool-linen (linsey-woolsey) is a period appropriate fabric, but this is not the best application for the fabric.

Less common in the period are other mixed fiber blends. Your main challenge will be avoiding the various manmade additions-nylon, polyester.