Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[AZReenactor]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

The Cotton In The Quilt Will Somehow Draw The Coldness To You.

Unlike wool, cotton will indeed draw heat from the body if there is the least bit of moisture. Even mere perspiration can cause cotton to chill a person. Wool next to the body with cotton on the outside usually works better than cotton on the inside and wool on the outside. I've even found that taking off a damp cotton shirt and just wearing my sack coat can make for a much better sleep on cold nights.

[Spinster]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

Had we not recently lost so much, a quick and easy boil down of this discussion would be available through a judicious use of the search function.

However, nothing learned is ever lost, and a good place to start relearning it would be here

http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts/newspaper_titles.htm

where a quick search on "quilt" and "blanket" will find the multiple appeals to send blankets and carpets to the soldiers, and leaving quilts at home to warm those left behind, as well as numerous accounts of the various fundraising sales of quilts, especially the highly ornate 'gunboat' quilts, some of which are still extant today. A through read will negate the need for speculation, spoon feeding, or pomposity.

Frank's voluminous project detailed in the 2001 thread was later written up in a wonderful multi part article----again, one of those lost discussions, that lead us to the conclusion that quilts were indeed a poor substitute for a blanket or even a carpet, and extremely difficult to properly reproduce. His finished quilt remains a work of art that few would have the fortitude to attempt to duplicate--or shiver under.

Women all over the South worked and sacrificed so that proper blankets would be sent to the front. Old women with gnarled hands taught young women to card, spin and weave by hand, skills that may not have been in use in decades, in order to supply the military. Others risked their lives to bring much-needed machinery to manufacture goods for the war effort. Others pulled the blankets from their beds and the carpets from their floors.

Those people were not stupid--they knew a quilt was a poor thing to keep a man alive in the cold, and did not expect him to use one for very long. Exceptions were made for wool quilts, but the major calls are for blankets and carpets.

For those who wish to use this as a means to emphasize the sacrifices of the Southern soldier during the war, and the sometime poor state of his supply, realize that in over emphasizing the useage of quilts in all but the very early months of the war, you are making light of the sacrifice and work of those on the home front, who gave up much so that soldiers would be provided for.

[Mutt]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

Mrs. Lawson,

Thank you so much for adding your response to the question at hand and adding several remarks. Quilts have recently been on my mind and added to my research pile. I'd love to start making a quilt with my girlfriend for a few reasons: for fun, for something to do over winter, to use and as a memory. Of course, research, time and help will be necessary. I'll turn back here I'm sure.

Also thank you to all others who have provided valuable input on the matter.

Regards,

[Spinster]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

Mutt,

You'd be well served to get a copy of Frank's multipart article ( I believe it was in the Camp Chase while it was still under the direction of Mr. Hughes, well before said publication started its blithe journey to the netherworld in a hand basket).

It contains numerous references, resources for period reproduction fabrics, and methods. The final product was a tied quilt (using some of my cochineal red yarn) and a fine fat wool batt. I finally got to see it some two years after its completion, last year at Athens, Missouri--at a milita event where its useage was certainly proper.

As you review the various period reproduction print fabrics available, do so with an eye towards period color combinations. Often the modern quilters' reproductions are made to please the modern eye, and the colorways have been altered, even though the scale and print remains the same.

But, in the right place, at the right time, it IS a noble undertaking. There are far too many perfectly good 1930's era quilts being drug around various battlefields, with incorrect prints and pieceing patterns, being destroyed forever as proper represenatives of their own eras, by those who have picked them up in an attempt to portray a poorly supplied confederate soldier. Those 1930's quilts are just as out of place in an 1860's context as a 1990 orange polarfleece.

But then, you know that, and in your case, I'm preaching to the choir. Some of us are cogitating on a quilt for Perryville On the Farm next summer, even as we speak.

[79th N.Y.S.M.]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I believe it depends on the person. It is true that many dropped their packs while on the march but I would not have. I have done 21 miles in under seven hours with all my gear, it may be my youth but it did not effect me. Not everything can be generalized so easily.

[Infantry_PVT]

Where to get a gum blanket

I am new to this reenacting thing and i got most of my stuff. I am looking for a gum blanket though. Where is the best place to get it. Thank you for your time. Steve Trupe

[VaTrooper]

Re: Where to get a gum blanket

Bottom right.

http://www.nj************.com/newsletter/1006/1006.html

[Western Blue Belly]

Re: Where to get a gum blanket

Look through the approved venders list found at the top. You will find everything you need and more. Off of the top of my head I believe E.J. Thomas has gum blankets. I think Skillet Licker has them too, at least he did at one point. Carter and Jasper carries them as well.

[JerseySkilletLicker]

Re: Where to get a gum blanket

E.J. and Carter & Jasper have them at $98 per. Best one on the market too...right weight, stamped , correct grommets etc.

[Fenianboy]

Re: Where to get a gum blanket

Check out the new ones Nick************ is making.EJ Thomas and others are carrying them and they are on the money. Bud Scully 13th NJ Co K Mess

[Charles Heath]

Re: Where to get a gum blanket

I am new to this reenacting thing and i got most of my stuff. I am looking for a gum blanket though.

Steve,

Take the time to pick up and read a copy of Mike Woshner's book entitled India-Rubber and Gutta-Percha In The Civil War Era for some background.
You may find some pleasant surprises.

CRRC-1 article II-12 is good, as it includes an examination of several original gum blankets, and a poncho.

[Bummer]

Re: Where to get a gum blanket

Check out the new ones Nick************ is making.EJ Thomas and others are carrying them and they are on the money.

This is the sort of comment that kinda burns me up. First off before I start, I might mention that I have bought one of these from them so it isn't any kind of sour grapes or anything on my part here.
but
Whenever I mention something being good or bad on a forum I always tell why it is so--as compared to an original, it isn't a personal evaluation, but more observation because I am lucky enough to have access to originals.
That's the sort of thing a forum is all about.
But when you see someone making an unqualified evaluation--with nothing in the statement to back it up other than pure visceral opinion, well, it defeats the purpose of this or any serious fora.

As it happens the aforemention gum blankets are NOT 'on the money'. They are for one thing glued together rather than heat vulcanized--with plenty of excess glue exposed. They are still about the best thing on the common market these days, but unless you are intimately familiar with the original material object PLEASE do not use superlatives when discussing something that is still not perfect. Or at least give meaningful comparative observations.

Thank you,

[dusty27]

Re: Where to get a gum blanket

Do your own research

[Dale Beasley]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

Blanket Roll...but do think anyone is reading this thread anymore?

[Balthauser]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I have to add my vote for knapsack too. I find blanket rolls, though lighter, tend to be more awkward and clumsy at times. It really depends upon the scenario, too. But if given the choice, I'd rather tote a lightly-packed knapsack over a blanket roll anytime.