How To Make A Bush Shirt From A Wool Blanket.

In this video I will be making a woollen bush shirt from an old wool blanket, cosy and warm and ideal for bushcraft and sitting around the campfire. I start by dying the blanket, before cutting out the component parts and stitching them together into an over-the-head smock style hooded top. I hope you enjoy the video and it inspires you to have a go yourself. Thanks for watching!

[@lucyb15]

You can always add an underarm gusset for more comfort in movement and an easier on and off. Merely open the underarm seam and insert a diamond-shaped piece. It would also make it fit better over other layers.

[@bigoldgrizzly]

After all the years of washing, that wool will be devoid of lanolin. Lanolizing the shirt is cheap and very well worth it to restore the wool's ability to shed water and also to make it way less itchy on the skin. Plenty of videos on youtube on how to do this

[@nowthenad3286]

Nice one bloke in the woods. I love the big pocket.

[@laurafern]

beautifully done! I love how you solved any problem on the go, very creative!

[@john25112882]

Awesome video, going to make mine but with a longer back so a belt can be worn

[@bradtharp9037]

Simon, you need another wool panel between your chin and the strings, will also help keep the wind out.

[@jamesbaird2126]

Hey Canadian truck driver here i work in extreme temps i love this hoodie good job

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers James! 👍

[@kungracke5717]

Well done!👍🏻

[@jamesleslie7007]

You see like a pro! Jolly Good!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks James (it’s all in the editing! 😂)

[@justythrasher]

I wish I had a sewing machine rn. That is an awesome bush shirt. Brilliant.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Nick. 👍

[@andrewhoward7200]

That's terrific.

[@MrMarecki1975]

Great job !!!

[@K1ttheGreat]

Simon, you put the CRAFT in Bushcraft :D. In awe as always.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! Thank you - I like that! Cheers!

[@labellaescrima1996]

A zipper could do the job or my all time favourite velcro, you seem to be good enough with the sewing machine to manage that, well done mate, looking good! Also since you sleeves are long you could do a cut so you could put your thumb in it so it would keep your hand warm also...just saying!

[@whocares0011]

Exactly what I wanted to do. Thanks! Nothing new under the sun!

[@inomad1313]

New sub here. Nicely done. I’ve never been a fan of pullovers (I prefer open fronts to regulate temperature.), but this was really well done. When I built my wool sleeping/hooded cape system, I purchased the wool at a fabric shop. No finished edges to start, but that was easily overcome. In hindsight, I would have purchased another yard, but doing it is how we learn.

[@donaldstotmeister3838]

I'd buy that hand made shirt in a heart beat. Great job Simon!

[@TheMrWillje]

This looks fantastic. Going to find a really thick blanket. Thanks!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

A good project for this time of year - in time for the cold weather!!

[@TheMrWillje]

@@simonablokeinthewoods definitely! I already have a Varusteleka Jämä blanket shirt which is very good, but I want to make a larger one and line it with something. Maybe even sheepskin!

[@FlukeTog]

That’s awesome. For a brief sacrilege moment I glanced at my grandads 2 USMC blankets from after the pacific. No way. But man would I love to find that same exact quality old green wool. Those old blankets are the best. Cheers brother looks like it’ll last the rest of our days. I’d love to try this. I’d probably use buttons or Velcro for the neck yea big buttons. Neat project. You did a great job.

[@paddor]

Check out the huge heavy wool blankets made by Arcturus and Ektos. Those should be at least as good as an old military blanket. I, too, once thought military blankets are something special but they’re not really, apart from sentimental value.

[@pikeoutside728]

Great job, brother! Scout Lakai mentioned this tutorial. You two have inspired me to want to do one of my own. I'll let you know if I ever get up the gumption to make it happen.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks for coming over! Good luck with the project. 👍

[@mr99boxer30]

Terrific Wool Bush Pullover ! The color and design are true Bushcraft ! I would buy one easily from the camping store. You have many talents Simon. Good for a Bushman. Most of us have no patience to sew, don't know how to use a machine or we don't know the tailoring tricks. I like the design of your hood. Very cool ! Almost Navy Seal in design ! The only change I would make is a little longer "V" opening with more of the laces showing on your chest and just 3 or 2 laces on the bottom of the hood for closure. But I really think you will wear this pullover more with the hood open or down rather than laced up. Your videos never cease to amaze me "Captain" Simon ! Cheers !

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I’m quite pleased with it - I’ve still got to get around to tweaking the hood a bit, but is is very comfy and very warm! Cheers, Simon

[@mr.fisher3973]

Beats the heck out of spending $200-$300 !!! Although G. Fred Asbell sells some amazing stuff at a fairly reasonable price. Great job and once again great skills.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Yep, I agree with you there - plus there’s that nice feeling you get using gear you’ve made yourself! I’ll take a look at G. Fred Asbell - not heard of him before. Cheers, Simon.

[@lanegardinier760]

Really nice pullover, thanks for the video!

[@arliss123]

Well done! Color me impressed! I would lace the front in the reverse direction; from the bottom up...

[@blister4walken]

Must try something like this. Great project.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Super warm and hardwearing. 👍

[@mickbadgero5457]

Nice video. Thank-you. I hope to make a shirt like this.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Micky, it’s quite a straight forward project, the hood is the only tricky bit, but it could be simpler than I made it!! good luck with your shirt! Atb, Simon.

[@GunsKnivesandBeer]

Great instructions! I'll be giving this a try.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers, it’s fairly straight forward to make and lovely and warm! Atb, Simon.

[@jeffnix3270]

Good video Simon, is there no end to your talents mate. All the best.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - Yes....hoods! Cheers Jeff, Atb.

[@6brettes]

could you now show us a video? of how to make this shirt? back into a blanket?!! thanks dave :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Ah! That’ll be the next video! 😁

[@6brettes]

Simon, a bloke in the woods yes the last woollen blanket i looked at was bright orange with large aztec or s west american indian art pattern prints allover it id have looked like clint eastwood in high plains drifter walking into the bar on edge of dartmoor smoking a chiroot!! id like to get holds of the same type of cloth as all wool serge brushed gabberdine the jkt i have inherited is a hunting jkt not my style but the fabric is absolutely ace top notch you can go out in it in any weather ive even worn it in emergency with nothing but my pyjamas on underneath and in really bad weather felt warm and comfortable im trying to source it now but being in france its not so easy!! its starts at about £29 per metre!

[@xaraxania]

maybe if you have a little fabric left you could sew a panel for the front and use a velcro fastener, no annoying bits in yer face then :D, you're a very talented chap. thanks for sharing :D

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good idea! I’ve kind of got used to the cords now 😂

[@cafn8ed74]

I like it. I'll bet it feels great on a cold day. As for the saggy hood, it's been a while since you finished this project, so by now you've probably either addressed it or learned to live with it. In the past, I've had hats with floppy brims which I've been able to stiffen up by running string trimmer line (monofilament / weed wacker line) through the hem. It's flexible, and does not hold a kink when it gets bent. Something similar might do the trick if you have some around. Just wanted to share. Thanks for the video.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I’ve just got used to it to be honest haha, I may still add something to scuffed the hood - good idea using strimmer wire. 👍

[@affalaffaa]

Good to watch, cheers. Maybe some animal horn toggles tied on with leather cord for the neck section? Should look good.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks! I like the idea of toggles and the antler would look nice and traditional too - thanks for the idea! Atb, Simon.

[@daz.j]

some cord loops on one side and some sort of toggles on the other instead of the cord might be better looks good

[@sosteve9113]

awesome made,good skills Simon

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Steve, needs a bit of tweaking in the hood area, but I’m happy with it - lovely a warm! Atb, Simon.

[@RobertsBulgaria]

Came back to look again at this video from March this year. I had seen a Canadian wearing similar and discovered they're termed ''Boreal Shirts'' and I also discovered that you can buy a Pattern for them too albeit, I only found a supplier in Seattle so far. Anyway, until I get a sewing machine, it is on the back burner. I wonder if you did fit some coat hanger wire or similar into the peak of the hood? For another mod, I might suggest sewing in button holes for your thumbs to fit through, this ensures your wrists are warm and stop the sleeves riding up. I think that the traditional answer to the neck fastening is leather thong, but I think that Toggles from horn or similar would be better. Anyway, very useful video and next you will be making the Clint Eastwood Fist Full of Dollars Poncho. wink.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - I like that idea - got to love a poncho! Im thinking about adding a cable tie to stiffen the peak (suggested by a viewer) like the thumb hole idea too - I have them in my fleece and really like them on a cold day! Toggles too! Yes! Cheers mate.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

We are cut from the same cloth Simon! (no pun intended) I've been planning on attempting this very project. I have a pattern set aside for the job. I shouldn't be surprised that after scrolling through your videos, you would have a tutorial on this project. I myself rather make it instead of buy it. Thanks again friend. Wish me luck! Now let's see what else you have on this channel?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Kevin! Always nicer to make your own gear - good luck mate! 😁👍

[@m005kennedy]

Nicely done!

[@janlovesmany6058]

I love it.. What a nice job!

[@abefrohman1759]

Very nice, well done. 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I’m really pleased with it. Atb, Simon.

[@WiltshireMan]

Nice project Simon. Your sewing machine sounds like a Vickers gun. I shall have to get one!! A sewing machine that is:) Sandy

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! I’m going to think of that whenever I use it now! Ratatatatatat! Cheers Sandy, Atb, Simon.

[@tonyboloni64]

For some reason brown dyes are always red based and end up looking maroon or purplish. If when dying fabric you add one or two boxes of green dye, the green counteracts the reddish undertones in the brown dye.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That is superb advise! I wish I’d known that when I dyed it - do you think overdying with green would have the same effect? Thank you! Simon

[@tonyboloni64]

@@simonablokeinthewoods It should. One of the things I learned in art classes was mixing complementary colors: red/green or blue/orange will produce what the professor called "murk" should work just fine.

[@zoehancock]

​@@simonablokeinthewoods it works to remedy teenaged girl's hair experiments...

[@sargintrock2538]

Really most excellent!

[@germanredneck9019]

Wow, well done! Respect from Germany, your GR🤘

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! Atb, Simon.

[@rachaelwyatt754]

Simon, my suggestion would be something like a cable tie for the peak of your hood. They come in varying lengths and thicknesses and I have used them for the boning of a corset (as I used to do re enactment), so I know that they work. for your neck lacing another idea might be to use Velcro, they are inexpensive. My personal choice would be soft leather thong once you have your grommets or maybe shock-chord. this could also be fitted into your cuffs in case you wanted to cinch them to maybe fit inside your gloves. Thinking about your gloves, I have found it always a good policy to have at least 2 pairs of gloves as there is nothing worse than cold hands and only wet gloves. On that theme and remembering the Velcro, it is a handy idea to also fit a plastic "D" ring to your gloves and a small Velcro strap as this can be attached to your pack or your belt if you are not using them all of the time, plus you do not lose them. These are just a few ideas, (remember that i am a teacher albeit retired) and I have many more that I am happy to share. Yes I am also disabled and yes I recently made it to the 65th turn of the seasons :) Now, here is the rub :) How much would you charge me to make a fold-able saw like yours. I saw you make one in the wild and loved it even though I would not be able to do it myself. I do not live that far from you so you would not have to export it :) Do not worry about me becoming a stalker as to complete that task I would need you to slow down frequently and allow me to catch up, defeating the whole point of the exercise. Alternatively you could offer to make me one as a gift as you have thought about the ideas I might have stored away and it could be a good trade? Keep making videos as I love watching them. "Keep the spirit alive" Until the next one. Rach

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Rach - great tips! I’m also a big advocate of the spare gloves policy! My hands suffer with the cold - buffalo mitts - that’s my tip! Once you’ve used them, there’s no going back!! As for the saw, it’s a question I’ve been asked a few times before and am always flattered to be asked! Time is the only issue for me - I just don’t have time for making additional gear - I obviously do bits and pieces for the purpose of filming and replacing personal gear that breaks or wears out, but beyond that, my time is taken up with full time work, family commitments and all the other daily stuff. There are folk who make collapsible buck saws to buy - try eBay, etsy etc or if you want the Ferrari of bucksaws - try the Ray Mears store haha! Thanks again! Simon

[@rachaelwyatt754]

Simon, I totally understand and I will of course try myself. It is not a problem if a little disappointing, but I am seeing a friendship happening and I am more than happy to have that. The tips will continue either on the channel or via other mediums. "keep the spirit alive" Until the next time. Rach

[@2manysigns]

Nice

[@MrRamyourcar]

Very nice.simon

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! All ready for winter! Atb, Simon

[@6brettes]

a cross tab on the lacing that toggles up just below chin or nose its easy to fumble with in colder weather i use wooden toggles like a duffel coat to sinch it in or across at the key point level? let the gusset fold over itself and just sinch it in at the top level just below yer chin or nose level and put in a loop to receive the toggle made of paracord keep it under tension as you stitch so as its a snug fit in all weather give it a tighter or looser position fit by placing in 2 loop positions for the same toggle!! so if weather less inclement you use the looser toggle setting!! ?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I’m going to need a schematic diagram for that one Dave - I sounds like a great idea, I’m just not sure I follow exactly - but I’m easily confused!!

[@savedby_gracethrough_faith]

I love that!

[@madseeds]

Great work. How about using the idea from "Fjallraven Anorak No. 8 M" for the neck / paracord problem?

[@drlehman73]

Nicely done! What about buttons or snaps for the front opening so you can close as much or as little as needed. Or, maybe a Velcro type closing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Darren, I like the idea of buttons or perhaps toggles, I’m going to play around with a few ideas - thanks for the ideas! Atb, Simon.

[@jamesshoffner409]

Great design ! May I suggest buttons in lieu of laces.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good suggestion - think I may go for toggles or buttons - got a few tweaks to do on the short when I get around to it. 👍

[@SarahTree]

Nice! I think you did a great job on your shirt. Nice to see someone who can make stuff like that. Thanks for sharing. :-D

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Sarah! 😁👍

[@Forestowo]

Wow. You have some skills!!! :)

[@Woodsman_wildcamper]

The bush shirt looked great, Simon. I was thinking with the neck closure, you could maybe sew on buttons. Maybe a few deer antler buttons. They would keep the traditional look. Thanks for sharing, buddy. Take care.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Andy! I like the idea of using antler, nice and traditional, I’ll have to pop down to the pet store again!! Thanks mate, Simon.

[@intothefoxhole7985]

An epilet (tab/strap) on one side that spans accross to a button. This will get the front out of your face when you have it open.

[@jeffreycoulter4095]

The hood could be like those worn by monks. Deep head hood

[@3112magic]

Very good , kendo nagasaki !

[@rageagainstthestoneage7865]

my girlfriend is a seamstress and she is very impressed with your effort. What do you do for a living?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I’m a carpenter. 😁🔨

[@micstica]

What seam allowance did you use whilst making thr pattern?

[@porkbap55]

Great vid simon again you certainly are not scared of making stuff one thing though who is the best at making clothes you or mrs simon lol well done mate atb matt

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Matt! Put me in front of a sewing machine and I’m a happy boy! When it comes to making clothing generally though, my wife Sarah definitely has the upper hand - she knits!! 😁 hats, jumpers, scarves, socks, gloves, you name it! Atb, Simon.

[@AndrewSmith-xb2jk]

Hi Simon, great bush shirt, can you explain how did you do the seams on the shirt ? Its a great way to finish them and id like to know how you did that. many thanks

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Andrew - the blanket stitch seams were the original ones on the blanket itself, all the seams that I sewed were either single folded or folded twice then stitched to contain the raw edge within the hem. 👍

[@ctcollinthib]

This looked great! Is there a pattern?

[@РембоЗадунайский]

Я бы сделал подмышки сетчатые, а часть спины и ключицы из кожи, для защиты от влаги и трения лямок рюкзака

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Спасибо, это хорошая идея! я, вероятно, не буду использовать его с рюкзаком часто, просто для холодных вечеров вокруг огня, но сетка действительно поможет в вентиляции. Все лучшее из Англии! Simon.

[@danyoung399]

Great video. What thread did you use??

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I used Gutterman sew-all polyester thread, just the general purpose stuff - I’ve not had any problems using it even on big projects - tents etc, I do tend to reinforce the start and end of each seam to be sure. Cheers, Simon.

[@danyoung399]

Simon, a bloke in the woods. Thank you for the reply. Looks pretty descent. Now i need to hit the local charity shops for woolly blankets. Cheer.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

MajorSelfPain - good luck!

[@williamfalcon7351]

Hi Simon, great vids, are you a former military man ?

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

Fashion designer too??....ugh, we can't keep up as it is... :) Merry Christmas!

[@donnabootes7272]

Who taught you to sow brilliant 🙂👍

[@stephenb.rhodes2369]

Simon, is there anything you can't do or make. Good vid , cheers Steve

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Stephen! Well, this was version 2 - I made one a couple of years ago and that one was a disaster! I didn’t pre-dye the blanket, opting to dye it after I made it - wrong choice!! It shrunk so much I couldn’t get it on!! So it doesn’t always turn out well - plus I’ve got the advantage of editing, so I can make things look better than they actually are hehehehe! Atb, Simon.

[@Laiynnalaiynna]

Great video, instant sub :)!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! And thanks for the sub! Atb, Simon.

[@dianejacklin4338]

Velcro may be the answer.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

So more than a year on, do you still wear it? Have you progressed ?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I think I wear it more now than I did when I made it - I never did get around to altering the hood/laces, but I’ve got used to them now! I used it a lot in Sweden - perfect attire for around the campfire. 🔥😁

[@2manysigns]

Hey man , those Weather Wool bush shirts are $800.00 US and yours less than $2.00 US . LOL Not sure you know the nice one that is popular in Scandinavia, I forget the name but Susan Williams bushcraft chick has a vid w/review of it . Anyhow , I was thinking maybe your pocket might not suffer a functional accent like that one has . That pocket needs something but otherwise it's really great work . Hahaha .......... lol lmfao only 1 pound !!! ; ) Your Brilliant !

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Geoffrey, yes it’s always a nice smug feeling when you make something that would otherwise cost you a small fortune!! Hahaha! I’ll check out that Scandinavian one (especially as I’m in Sweden on holiday at the moment! Cheers, Simon.

[@bobbrua8758]

nice job simon how much too make me one in xxlarge love it how much is that in american money? willsubscribe

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

1001 uses for a 1950's Witney blanket! Is there enough left over for a pair of mittens?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

There might just be - I used the off cuts from the main panels to make the pocket and the hood, but there were bits left. 👍

[@johnfuller6338]

simon, what are the blankets dimensions, I take a 2x size so I'm trying to figure how big of a blanket I should look for, thanks for any info you can give me.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi John, thanks for watching. The blanket I used was approximately 2m x 1.8m and there was JUST enough to make the shirt, I’m normally a large, so for a bigger shirt, I think you’re going to want to start with a bigger blanket or two smaller ones. Atb, Simon.

[@6brettes]

not so good if you are crossing the road? tho pop them down always if you are in any kinds of a dangerous place!! i seen too many near misses!! :(

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! Should have read this before replying to your last comment!!

[@loaferx5409]

You have a rare combination of talent, skill and ambition. As usual, I'm impressed.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you for your kind words! It’s amazing what a bit of editing can do! If only you could see the uncut clips - my true skill levels show then! Cheers, Simon.

[@donnabootes7272]

I agree Simon you multi talented very clever great video thanks I love your videos I'm really enjoying them 🙂

[@justoutdoors2591]

Mate your a friggin GENIUS.... not only did I copy your lavvu mods. But now I have another project to copy. Thank you so much, but I think I'll be copying this one as well. Keep up the good work and thanks again.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - sorry about that!! It’s fairly straight forward - especially compared to the lavvu! Good luck! Atb, Simon.

[@malcolmsmith9232]

Such a good job, it deserves leather lace to replace the paracord. Looks great, colour is fine.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Malcolm, I like the idea of using leather - I might go down the button/toggle route, but leather loops and fasteners for the buttons would look nice. I don’t mind the colour too much either - even if I look like a blackberry! Atb, Simon.

[@taxusbaccata3001]

@@simonablokeinthewoods the colour is absolutly great. If i can choose my colour i allways go for brown or olive. But looking at your shirt maybe i go for something more colourful next time :D

[@magpyeminifree5612]

You've inspired me. Got some wool that will be going camping now. One suggestion for stiffening the hood edge is to thread a zip tie in the hem.

[@johnrhodes3350]

Or a length of solid copper wire from a domestic twin core cable. Put a tight little loop on the ends too stop the wire poking through the fabric.

[@MHarenArt]

Just because a man can build a beautiful canoe from wood, doesn't mean he can sew a sweater!!! Or does it! Great job Simon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! I shan’t be going in to production that’s for sure!! Cheers Maggie! Take care, Simon

[@josephinecronin1195]

Excellent. My late father taught me how to sew. He would’ve loved this vid.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Josephine! Sounds like your father was a top bloke - not shy of the thread and needle and passed on those essential skills to you. Make do and mend, or something like that! Cheers, Simon.

[@johnmichaels4330]

I never learned to sew when I was a kid. For some stupid reason I just thought that was a "girl" thing and stayed away. When I joined the military I was deployed and ended up working with a Navy Seal team. My pack got a tear in it and I didn't fix it, just moved stuff to a different pocket which threw off my weight. One of the Seals asked why I wasn't repairing my equipment and asked if I forgot my sewing kit. Long story short, I learned being able to maintain your gear and staying fighting effective is not a "girl" thing, it is a life and death thing. So he taught me how to sew between missions. Now I'm teaching my daughters and son how to sew and make their own gear. Dad's shouldn't be afraid of doing anything that needs to be done. Sounds like your dad was the type of guy I'm still learning to be. 👍

[@germanwoodlore256]

23 min Video, Not a single ad:) Awesome video. Good work 😁👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Max, I’ve only just started having ads, but didn’t want them popping up all over the place during the video, so just opted for a skippable one at the start. Hopefully a bit less annoying for the viewers! Cheers, Simon.

[@kennethstensrud669]

A very nice idea. But to make it a tad more comfortable, you should see in a square of the blanket in the arm pit. This will give you just a bit more ease when wearing it. If your sewing machine does have automatic button hole setting, you could just sew round button holde instead of metal grommits. And you could put in a stiff interfacing in the front of the hood in order to keep is standing properly.

[@rickywoodcock7222]

To keep the hood shape i would use a thick long cable tie Great work as usual Simon

[@02petal]

A seamstress and I believe you did a sterling job. Well done. Don't be too OCD lol

[@tomaswmitchellphotography]

Great video! I told my wife I want one of those and I pulled three old wool blankets out of a trunk I have and showed her. We just watched your video and loved it! By the way we spent 3 weeks photographing in the UK in 2014 and really fell in love with England and Scotland. I’ll be watching more of your videos!

[@wolf1066]

Awesome project. I would have thought that toggles would be the way to go for the neck opening - attach loops of paracord on one side of the opening and then thread short lengths of paracord through wooden or antler toggles and stitch them to the other side. Very retro/traditional look.

[@iGregory67]

Brilliant! I think I need one of these now:) One add-on you might want to consider -- stitch a 12 in x 12 in square of some water proof material (maybe some of that water proof coat you used for the hood pattern?) to the bottom of the coat to act as a sort of water proof 'seat' -- this way, you can sit on a wet log and not worry about getting your butt wet. I saw this on Les Stroud's wool camping coat during his Survivor Man episode where he simulated a crashed plane. Here's the link to his commentary for that episode. I think he talks about his seat modification. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4aqqJqkZ56SsNE

[@mrfairycake4333]

Great video simon :) what model is that jones sewing machine your using? Thanks

[@tyoberg]

Thx Mano. I like the detailed account. I’m About to step off into making one of these and this was super useful.

[@billygoatfilms7531]

As I’ve said before Simon ‘what a talented young man you are’. Can’t see Kath letting me put dyes into her washing machine! I’ll simply have to stick with my Berghaus or Buffalo shirt. Cheers ⛺️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Mike!! You can’t go wrong with Buffalo as I always say - great shirts! I did have to do the dying stealthily when Sarah was out - but once you’ve run an empty cleaning cycle afterwards you can’t tell - phew!! Atb, Simon.

[@mattyp80]

@@simonablokeinthewoods HA HA HA HA!!! I'd never get away with it!!!!!

[@barneybudgie3114]

Absolutely fabulous, and a good alternative to fleece, which I'm avoiding nowadays because it sheds microfibres into the water system. One suggestion might be to use really heavy-duty interfacing to stiffen the hood, and to line it with a stiff canvas.

[@flyndutchmn]

I don't like fleece as well, it always pills up and gets itchy.

[@grazannis5782]

omg! so brilliant. you are so neat and tidy with the stitching, looks very professional! definitely doing this! thank you

[@jamescarryl9690]

Simon,. I have a paper pattern I found in a women's dress shop. Sadly they weren't selling wool for dresses. They were quite amused when I made the purchase. I will go to my local Surplus Army Navy supplier to purchase a wool blanket. But it's in the works. But on the back burner. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe in the woods.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - I can imagine the look on their faces! Good luck with the project James! 👍

[@Voodoo_Ray]

Great vid Simon. Shirt looks great. Certainly better than my two previous attempts to make one. As for the hood fastening..what about wood or antler toggles /buttons ..like on a duffle coat

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks, I made one previously a few years ago, but made the mistake of sewing it all together before dying it! - it shrunk so much, I couldn’t get it on!! You live and you learn!! I like the idea of buttons or toggles, might give that a go, cheers! Atb, Simon.

[@mrblacktrh]

I totally agree. I think buttons are the way to go. That way you avoid the Dr Lecter look when losening up the lacing across your face.

[@judyofthewoods]

@@mrblacktrh lol, Dr Lector came to my mind too when he had the lace across his face.

[@sullysullivan9320]

That looks mighty toasty, perfect for a chilly evening.

[@12313846]

The piece on your chin needs to overlap and then you can velcro it.

[@JRMny-nl4ut]

Nice. Did inspire.....

[@Loribyn]

Great job! By the way, if you want a dye to hold in natural fibres, use salt or vinegar depending on what you're dying -- for wool, use vinegar. You're aiming for a pH of around 4 ~ acidic enough to open the fibrils, not acidic enough to destroy them (and be gentle with wet wool, especially when you're dyeing with vinegar, ensuring you use a good wool wash afterward ~ to put some of the condition back into the fibre).

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

Ohh nice idea, i do struggle to get dyes to take on wool, i'll test next time with some vinegar.

[@TrailguidePictures]

That's awesome Simon. Are you taking orders?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! Only if you like wrestling with a paracord cats cradle whenever you put it on or take it off! Actually it would be perfect for working around your bushcraft shelter in the Canadian winter! Easy enough to make one if you have a pattern (another top) to copy. Thanks Jason, Atb, Simon.

[@highadventuremoto2023]

@@simonablokeinthewoods I have seen hoodie where they put a flap of material behide the cord. This way it keep the cord in one place and away from your face. Also, I would put an order in!