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To all who make their own gear, my hat is off to you. To those who have ever wondered why quality gear is so expensive, try making it yourself. Over the last several days I have worked very hard to make a few things to add to my kit. A shelter half, a gum blanket, and then I tried a haversack. First, let me explain that I am not the greatest person with a sewing needle, and before three days ago I have never used a sewing machine in my life. So, here I am using my grandmothers 60 year old machine and practicing on extra material. I get confident enough to try the real thing and then it all goes to $#%*. I never made a single seam in that tent. The cuss words were flying everywhere, and then so was the tent. The gum blanket was not the worst thing ever to come out of South Carolina, but it was not the greatest either. I just did not apply the cornstarch as good as I should have, so the paint went right through to the other side. It is usable, I think, but I doubt an authentic gum blanket would have been this bad. In my defense; the measurements are in good order, the grommets are properly sized and spaced, and the black side is smooth and somewhat glossy. Now, to the haversack; I did not even think about trying this until I was really frustrated with the tent. The first attempt did not even resemble a mess, much less a haversack. But, I tried again and actually made something that resembles a working model. The stitching was not straight, the cuts were even worse, but I am still proud of it. The buttonholes were handstiched, and that was the hardest part. I really have no clue how to do this kind of work, but it was fun trying, and will try again. Nobody here, including myself, would ever wear such a poor reproduction, but alas, at least I accomplished something. So, here I will offer up an image of what I have named "Brians Poor Reproduction Cotton Haversack."
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