Anorak

[Costin Moga]

Following my interest in WW2 winter cloathing, I finally succeded (not mentioning after how many months) to produce a 'gebirgsjager' waterproof and windproof anorak. It's not an exact copy of an original, but very similar. I've added the back pockets of the swedish snow smock.
Tailoring pattern was designed by a specialised company.
Since I was not happy with only windproof fabrics and wanted waterproof and breathable and 100% natural, the only choice was Ventile cotton:
http://www.ventile.co.uk/
I will probably produce and sell a few of those. For who might be interested:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270624670015&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

 

[StetsonHomburg]

I wish I had found this sooner! But more importantly I wish I had the money for it!lol

 

[Dudleydoright]

I would be very interested in one that is NOT lined. (Too hot for me to use doing any sort of activity).

Please e-mail me on pilgrim632000@yahoo.co.uk about sizing and cost as you can't accept can't PMs yet.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[H.Johnson]

Home-made Gebirgsjager windbluse

Coincidentally (why do these things happen?) earlier this year I finished a copy of a late-war Gebirgsjager windbluse as my 'apprentice piece' - a very experienced seamstress took on the daunting task of teaching me pattern-making and 'making up'. This project marked my 'passing out' in her estimation.

Previously, under her patient instruction, I had copied increasingly complex garments (e.g. US army denim fatigue pants, Indian pattern topical BD blouse,1950 pattern bush jacket, tropical airmans' trousers) but this windbluse was right 'off the scale' in terms of its complexity and complication.

In effect, you have to make two near identical anoraks from the same pattern in contrasting materials (I used L34 grade Ventile(R) in stone and white). I based it on an Extreme Clothing Company windbluse * but modified the pattern slightly to be in line with photographs (I have never handled a real example). Thanks also to Talbot Weaving, especially for their website, which helped with the seam construction.

People who know what they are talking about say the finished copy is quite accurate apart from the buttons and the wrist adjusters. I am working on both - I have a found a source of the correct Arno adjusters, but they don't have the right size. I vacillated over buying paper buttons from an English company that has just gone out of business, so I must start again! Does anyone know where I can get WW2 paper buttons in white and stone?

It hasn't yet been tested in serious rain or snow, of course, but knowing Ventile (R) well I don't see why it shouldn't be at least showerproof. I intend to wear it in Wales over the next few weeks and on a trip to the Alps in the Winter.

* (A plug - EOC is IMHO one of the best places for serious specialist modern outdoor wear, I thank proprietor Keith for his help).

 

[H.Johnson]

It passed the test...

After a couple of weekends wearing the home-made windbluse under as near to Alpine conditions as we get in the UK (only down to -15C but lots of wind and blown snow), I can say that it has passed the test as mountain clothing.

It isn't properly waterproof - even double layer Ventile (R) can't really aspire to this without artificial proofing - but it is breathable and keeps out the wind and snow very well.

Also, it is warmer than I expected it to be.

 

[Costin Moga]

on sale

I finally succeded to produce some anoraks to list on ebay.

Starting with this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270705537822&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

 

[Dudleydoright]

I've just received a green anorak from Costin. It is an awesome anorak with a high quality of workmanship and very, very practical.

The thin wool, blanket lining is not too heavy and will really insulate although, obviously, not for very highly aerobic activites as i imagine it would be a bit heavy when full wet. But he does an unlined version that would do the trick for skiing and hiking etc.

I went for a bottom drawcord and the German, pebbled buttons. The latter really accent the anorak nicely IMVHO

Costin is a great guy, very friendly and with a level of English that betters my own ! I can't recommend him or his anoraks highly enough.

Dave