Shawls ?

[Longbranch 1]

Just thinking through the " Inverness Cape " thread. Seems to me that would be a private purchase ( $$$$$$) , Staff officers or civilian use predominately.
Not likely in the field.

In my reseach, I have come across numerous citations of "shawls" . Both sides, recieved from home, items.

My assumption, ( Yes ,I Know! ), is that a shawl would be the same today.
Hand knit in a cape configuration.

Anyone have any insights or provenances pertaining to 18XX shawls?

Just Curious
Thanks,
Kevin Ellis

[KarinTimour]

Dear Kevin:

Men as well as women wore shawls, especially at home or in winter camp, they are great for putting another layer between you and the cold. They weren't all knitted -- there is quite a bit of documentation for woven shawls as well. Shawls in our period tended to be large and could be shaped as a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a square or a "double square." Abraham Lincoln had at least one famous double square woven shawl that he wore in the White House.

Circles and squares would be folded in half -- fold the square on the diagonal and you've got a double triangle -- two layers of fabric to keep you toasty.

My favorite shawl shape is a woven double square made of a really thin wool -- it's 120 inches long and 60 inches in width. I fold it in half so that it's a square (two layers of fabric) then I fold it on the diagonal and it's a huge triangle with four layers of fabric between me and the cold. If you want one like this, it's wise to get a nice medium to thin piece of 60 inch wool fabric. You don't want a really thick coat weight wool. Because you want the wool to drape around you and trap the warm air. If you've ever tried to fold a thick blanket several times and then wrap it around you, you know that thick wool is too stiff and it won't drape.

And if I need a thin extra layer of blanket, unfolded it's 60 x 120 inches of good wool.

Probably not something that a soldier would have had on campaign, but I'd think it would be very useful in garrison or especially in winter quarters, when you're living in those drafty tents.

Hope that's helpful,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com