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With only a few post to my credit, I hope this is the correct location for this one.
Using home dye recipes, I recently dyed some cotton fabric with black walnuts. It came out a perfect dark brown. I will use this to make my own shirts from period patterns, I have made 3 from undyed cotton and ticking. The process was as simple as boiling water. It would have to be for me to do it. I do not think I can get much more authentic as far as shirts go than making them myself with hand sewing. My wife advises me. She gets a kick out of it and thinks it is funny to see me sewing shirts and patching trousers. I have thought about getting a spinning wheel and loom, again she thinks it is funny.
During my research I found a report to a newspaper that said 3/4 of captured confederate coats were of cotton and only 1/4 had any wool at all in them. The artical was supposed to reflect the lack of quartermaster's goods in the South. I think perhaps climate may have played a role. I have read where South Carolina Troops recieved "undyed cotton" coats and trousers as issue uniforms. The opposing Union troops were impressed by the enemy soldiers attacking in their "death shrouds". I think the book is called "The Life of Johnny Reb", I have it at home. I wonder if cotton is under represented as a uniform fabric for Southern Troops, I tend to think it may be. I am a member of a mainstream group in Texas who are beginning to move more progressive, some of us anyway. I would appreciate any advice or comments regarding the use of home dyes and cotton fabrics for projects. My current kit is a ways from "authentic" but progressing well.
Arthur Maxwell
Shepherd Texas
Using home dye recipes, I recently dyed some cotton fabric with black walnuts. It came out a perfect dark brown. I will use this to make my own shirts from period patterns, I have made 3 from undyed cotton and ticking. The process was as simple as boiling water. It would have to be for me to do it. I do not think I can get much more authentic as far as shirts go than making them myself with hand sewing. My wife advises me. She gets a kick out of it and thinks it is funny to see me sewing shirts and patching trousers. I have thought about getting a spinning wheel and loom, again she thinks it is funny.
During my research I found a report to a newspaper that said 3/4 of captured confederate coats were of cotton and only 1/4 had any wool at all in them. The artical was supposed to reflect the lack of quartermaster's goods in the South. I think perhaps climate may have played a role. I have read where South Carolina Troops recieved "undyed cotton" coats and trousers as issue uniforms. The opposing Union troops were impressed by the enemy soldiers attacking in their "death shrouds". I think the book is called "The Life of Johnny Reb", I have it at home. I wonder if cotton is under represented as a uniform fabric for Southern Troops, I tend to think it may be. I am a member of a mainstream group in Texas who are beginning to move more progressive, some of us anyway. I would appreciate any advice or comments regarding the use of home dyes and cotton fabrics for projects. My current kit is a ways from "authentic" but progressing well.
Arthur Maxwell
Shepherd Texas
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