Have some extra fabric; What should I make?

[HatEnjoyer]

So I was digging through my sewing/fabric supplies the other day and I came across several yards of mixed gray wool fabric from wmboothdraper that was leftover from a War of 1812 Roundabout jacket that a friend commissioned from me.

My question is this: what should/could I make out of this fabric? I was thinking about making a CSA Columbus depot (or any other confederate depot, it doesn't really matter to me) shell jacket, but I don't know if this fabric would be correct for that because as far as I know (and I don't know much haha) wool-cotton jean was much more common. What do ya'll think?

A few types of shell jackets I think look cool to make:

 

[captaindrew]

Most of the depot jackets would've been made from jean if using domestic fabric. Later on they'd be using imported English wool that was a blue/grey color. You have enough for a civilian great coat? Something that would've been a private purchase or made at home from someone with the means to purchase some broadcloth. A nice vest maybe? If you made a generic shell jacket you could always say it's a commutation which would've been privately purchased or made at home.

 

[Northern Light]

A uniform for a small drummer boy?

 

[Story]

That havelock on the right looks like it does double-duty as a breadbag.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.​

 

[Northern Light]

That havelock on the right looks like it does double-duty as a breadbag.

Oh, I thought that was a dishtowel! for wiping sweat!

 

[Story]

Oh, I thought that was a dishtowel! for wiping sweat!

He's swarthy enough, perhaps the Civil War's only Rastafarian?

Then it'd be a ...

Dread Bag

 

[HatEnjoyer]

Most of the depot jackets would've been made from jean if using domestic fabric. Later on they'd be using imported English wool that was a blue/grey color. You have enough for a civilian great coat? Something that would've been a private purchase or made at home from someone with the means to purchase some broadcloth. A nice vest maybe? If you made a generic shell jacket you could always say it's a commutation which would've been privately purchased or made at home.

Thanks for the reply! I really like the idea of making a greatcoat or vest, I'll definitely consider those. Another question though, how often were homemade sack coats/shell jackets seen? I'm looking to put together a Florida Volunteer impression so I'm wondering if such an item would even be appropriate.

 

[captaindrew]

Thanks for the reply! I really like the idea of making a greatcoat or vest, I'll definitely consider those. Another question though, how often were homemade sack coats/shell jackets seen? I'm looking to put together a Florida Volunteer impression so I'm wondering if such an item would even be appropriate.

A particular Florida unit in mind? Most of the Florida boys got sent off to either the ANV or Aot with the exception of the Cow Cavalry and the guys under comand of the Swamp Fox. Homemade stuff and private purchase stuff was common early on but the depot systems really did do a pretty good job of issuing uniforms as the war went on.

 

[HatEnjoyer]

A particular Florida unit in mind? Most of the Florida boys got sent off to either the ANV or Aot with the exception of the Cow Cavalry and the guys under comand of the Swamp Fox. Homemade stuff and private purchase stuff was common early on but the depot systems really did do a pretty good job of issuing uniforms as the war went on.

I would like to do 7th Florida, AoT during the 1862-1863 timeframe.

 

[captaindrew]

I would like to do 7th Florida, AoT during the 1862-1863 timeframe.

You'd definitely want a Columbus Depot jacket then

 

[captaindrew]

Early on Florida had no resources at all of their own. They begged borrowed and stole from what they could get from surrounding states to give their guys something. In the photos you posted the man on the right is wearing a Georgia State jacket. By mid to late 62 though the depots were getting their act together so they would've been supplied by them. Paging @tullock he might have some specific returns from the 7th.

 

[captaindrew]

Oh and welcome to the forum by the way!

 

[HatEnjoyer]

Oh and welcome to the forum by the way!

Thank you for the warm welcome and great info!

 

[captaindrew]

Thank you for the warm welcome and great info!

My pleasure, I reenacted if Florida for a while so it's something I've studied a bit although I was in the 8th so did an ANV impression. Need any help always feel free to ask.

 

[HatEnjoyer]

Need any help always feel free to ask.

Thanks! The subject of confederate jackets confuses me terribly, so I'm sure you'll be hearing more from me later haha

 

[Northern Light]

Oh dear, I didn't realize you were new to the group. A warm welcome from the Frozen North, which isn't all that frozen just now.

 

[captaindrew]

Thanks! The subject of confederate jackets confuses me terribly, so I'm sure you'll be hearing more from me later haha

If I remember I'll send some links to some good reading material on the subject when I'm home and have my computer handy, bug me if I forget.

 

[HatEnjoyer]

Oh dear, I didn't realize you were new to the group. A warm welcome from the Frozen North, which isn't all that frozen just now.

Thank you! Summer is coming to an end though, so I'm sure the frozen North will freeze up once again in no time haha

 

[HatEnjoyer]

If I remember I'll send some links to some good reading material on the subject when I'm home and have my computer handy, bug me if I forget.

That would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[captaindrew]

That would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Ok, so to get started on the basics of CS jackets the best place to start is Les Jensen's article on the subject, note it's in 3 parts, there's tabs to click to the next part as you read. https://www.military-historians.org/company/journal/confederate/confederate-1.htm Then I'd check out Fred Adulphus's site. Read this one first http://adolphusconfederateuniforms.com/basics-of-confederate-uniforms.html then at the top of the page click on New Research to see the rest of his articles. It's a tremendous resource. Of course theres some great books on the subject but this will get you off to a good start.