Littleneckhalfshell Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I have been noticing in the many pictures of people in their garb that so often it looks too new. (nothing against those who are out there putting stuff together, you all seem to be doing a great job) I am just wondering how many pirates would have slops that were still white, or not stained with at least 'tar' somewhere? or patched? Are there any of you out there who have found good ways of distressing your garb? Anyone ever try to simulate or actually give the kit some powder burns to simulate close combat? I would guess that a pirate would want his stuff in good repair, not run around in rags if he could help it, but unlike today where a stain will get an item discarded, I would expect, an evident repair or a stain that just won't come out, would be the norm for the time period. So, 'how about getting dirty? ' No Fear Have Ye of Evil Curses says you... Aye,... Properly Warned Ye Be says I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casketchris Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 my hollywood pirate gear is very aged i used a mix of spray paints coffee sand paper and my greasy mechanic gloves at work kenneth did some powder burns on his jacket right after making it and the damn thing caught on fire as for my new "historica' er looking gear im waiting till its all done that way i only have to get dirty once... Nautical acquisition and redistribution specialist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abrams Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Well... Do stuff. Do stuff that a sailor (or someone from the period) might do. Hang around the beach, do woodwork, fire some guns! Do something with tar. Find out how / if period sailors washed their clothes, and try and simulate that. The real stains will stay in, probably. Try not to bleed on it, but it'd look alright. Don't fray your hems pn purpose -- a sailor wouldn't want to ruin his clothes... I've got the heart of a pirate, just not the garb... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casketchris Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Try not to bleed on it, but it'd look alright. well with my hand sewing i cant help it Nautical acquisition and redistribution specialist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenneth Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I put my Justacorp thru the ringer...Shot at it, stabbed it, sand papered it, repaired it, shot at it some more, brown ritz dye in a squirt bottled it and then caught it on fire. Then I buried it in the mud for a week, dug it up and washed it and turned out great. Then I realized I could have just worn it doing my weekend honey do's around the house and it would have looked just as great. Who knew wool was so flammable? "Without caffine, I'd have no personality at all" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilgemunky Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Who knew wool was so flammable? That seems an entirely signature-worthy quote. Or maybe I'm just drunk. Probably a little bit of both. I AM BILGEMUNKY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casketchris Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 and then caught it on fire. ya that was a big oops i remember the call "dude i think i just f**k up my coat" Nautical acquisition and redistribution specialist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Hand Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 With my old cotton slops, I had no problem distressing them.... I looked at where I wear-out my normal jeans, and attacked them with sand papper, and some ash frrom the inside of an oil lamp..... But with my new hand finished hemp slops....... eeergh..... I might let them wear naturaly..... I will have to waRsh them befor going to PiP..... after wearing them last weekend at the Rendezvous, they got nicely authentic.....I just don't think whoever sits next to me on the airplane trip out to PiP would appreceate the authentic smell tho........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCholeBlack Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 - stop washing, at least anything more than your shirt/shift and especially stop washing in the machine with bleach and modern cleansers. If you *have* to wash something use lye soap, boiled on the stove and hung on the line. - stop being prissy while camping. Sorry, but it's true. Sit in the dirt, kneel on the ground while starting the fire, gather fire wood with your apron, wipe your hands/nose on your pants/shirt/sleeve/apron etc. clean your gun with your neckerchief. Our dry sponge was too wet during one battle a few months ago so we dried it on my apron, darn things never looked better! - sleep in your clothes. Seriously. When at an event just don't take anything off. By day 2, you'll start looking pretty "authentic" & smelling that way too. - have the bare minimum of clothes. less clothes = more wear over the course of a season. HTH "If part of the goods be plundered by a pirate the proprietor or shipmaster is not entitled to any contribution." An introduction to merchandize, Robert Hamilton, 1777Slightly Obsessed, an 18th Century reenacting blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Hand Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 stop washing in the machine But waRshing in a michine does wear clothing out faster...... On my cotton slops, I sanded the seams and top of the legs (where I get the most wear on my jeans) then throw them into the waRshing machine.... they got durty quick enough at an event.... A few carefully sewn on patches also help.... but sew them on the same way you'd patch a sail...... The soot from the inside of an oil burning lamp (but not too much) will grunge up clothing..... sprinkle just a little onto the clothing.... then try to get it out.... It will eventully waRsh out... but it takes forever...... Or just go camping for a weekend wearing yer garb..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fox Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 For those looking for truly authentic dirt, I am prepared (for a reasonable fee of course) to wear your clothes to work. Worked on all my kit! Chole also has some very good points. I clean my shirts and stockings, but the rest of my clothes I just leave hung up to air for a few days between events - it stops them smelling too much of B.O. without affecting the dirtiness. Most importantly, live in the clothes when you're wearing them. One of the points I made in my lecture at RF2 is that smelling like a sailor will add a great deal to your impression. I don't notice it any more, but I'm told that a stink of hemp and tar precedes me at events. But if you really must distress your clothes aritificially, I've found nothing better than fullers earth and a cheese grater. Foxe"With this Fore-Staff he fansies he does Wonders, when, God knows, it amounts to no more but only to solve that simple Question, Where are we? Which every chi'd in London can tell you." - Ned Ward The Wooden World Dissected, 1707ETFox.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Sterling Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 If you have the type of yard where you don't have to worry about someone disappearing with your kit, then by all means, hang it outside and leave it there... the weather will do a nice bit of aging, especially allowing the sun to fade the fabrics, turn it every day, simple but very effective. I also recommend sand paper where you lean your elbows upon the table, knees from kneeling, tail from sitting, and any other spots that would have been rubbed regularly whilst working... example, hems, cuffs, buttonholes... You can also sand down buttons that are bright and shiny. And there is nothing easier than "losing" a few buttons here and there...or mismatched buttons. Experiment first with Bleach. A solution of Bleach and water, can be used to do a quick fade on linen fabrics. One of Foxe's great suggestions at RF2 was to store clothing, between events, in a large rubber tub with a sample of tar... the fabric will pick up the scent in no time and holds it for long periods. We have grown so used to the odor that we no longer notice it, but kids at events will be more than happy to tell you, you stink... so you will know its working... Also, why not just tar items that they would have tarred? Whatever you do, keep in mind the desired result, for once you "age" you can't make it new again. "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Actress Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 To 'season' my kit, I have made it a habit to wear my working class mantua while raking and burning leaves. The odor of smoke and dirt clings to damp wool like you wouldn't believe! After working out in the yard the items go straight into a plastic tub. I'll love to see the faces of the airport security when they look through my bag! Member of "The Forsaken" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Sterling Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 For bloodstains, use tea dyes. Start out weak and work your way darker a bit at a time... Remember blood stains do not remain red but turn dark browns. Real blood, well if you're healthy,...why not? But remember certain diseases can last awhile even in dried blood, for example Hepatitis can last at least a week... "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Actress Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 (Looking somewhat concerned...) Well...let's see what ailments were 'in fashion'... Abortive Apoplexic Cancer Childbed Chrisomes Collick Consumption Convulsion Dropsie Fever Flox and small pox Flux Gout Grief Griping in the guts Jaundice King's Evil Lethargy Plague Rickets Sciatica Scowring Scurvy Spotted fever Ulcer Vomiting Winde Wormes Pick one.... Member of "The Forsaken" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Sterling Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Huh? Okay my question would be how prevalent are moth holes for men not stationed on land for long periods of time? "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ransom Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I don't know about moth holes, but there's got to be some kind of vermin on board that would snack on your wool clothing. As for aging stuff, I thought about it, and decided I would let mine age on it's own. The only thing I have washed so far is my shirt. My linen coat, never. At the two events I've attended, I had to fly in, and my frock coat is too bulky to pack, so I wear it, or I sling it over my shoulder. On board I used it as a blanket or rolled it up into a pillow. Then, at the events, I live in it. Both times it's been rained on, and dried while still on me. In fact, I'm developing quite the love affair with my trusty coat. Next, linen britches (so I can ditch the black jeans) and a new shirt (my current one is cotton muslin — very cheap). My belt is an old leather saddle cinch, very used, and my boots (no, not bucket boots, but boots none-the-less) I wear with street clothes as well, so they are getting aged nicely and naturally. I'm not a garb purist, but I think I'm looking okay for a beginner. ...schooners, islands, and maroons and buccaneers and buried gold... You can do everything right, strictly according to procedure, on the ocean, and it'll still kill you. But if you're a good navigator, a least you'll know where you were when you died.......From The Ship Killer by Justin Scott. "Well, that's just maddeningly unhelpful."....Captain Jack Sparrow Found in the Ruins — Unique Jewelry Found in the Ruins — Personal Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-Handed Jill Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Your garb did look good! I'm mostly letting my garb age on its own as well. My white shirt has permanently grey cuffs and some interesting stains here and there. The dark red shirt is starting to get some other colours on it as well. My black linen pants, well, I have two of those so it's taking longer to get those to show wear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Dreadlocke Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 I'm about to go outside an experiment with pool acid and bleach on some scraps. Past experiences says bleach will leave white or lighter colored frizz around any holes it produces. Hoping the pool acid won't disturb the colors. Ya wanna distress that shirt? Eat a few jack in the box tacos whilst driving cross town PIRATES! Because ye can't do epic shyte wi' normal people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janette Morgan Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 Mmm... great tips here, great tips. If I ever find m'self needing to distress some pirate garb, I'll make sure to take your suggestions... although folks at the dairy where I find m'self employed may look a little strangely upon that sort of clothes! (Also, I dun'believe Essence of Cow is exactly authentic pirate odour.) Interesting story with your coat, Ransom. Reminds me of a few articles of clothing I've had over the years; one that comes to mind is a pair of sandals I'm currently retiring into pirate footwear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theM.A.dDogge Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 welll...ifn anyones havin trouble aging ther clothes....just let me or me brother wear at an event em at an event fer ...oh ...about an hour... ..nevr had trouble ruin stuff..... my trouble is tryin to keep stuff clean!!! mostly just use the same dinner habits as they did....wipe the guiness from yer beard with yer sleeve....wipe off the durty blackpowder residue off a yer weapon...with yer beard.....wipe yer beard off wit yer justacorps......wipe yer justacorp off wt yer britches......shine yer shoes wit...wit.....did i say beard again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Fiddle Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 I got a lot of grief for being too clean, and I still get grief for being to neat. I am shooting for the look of one who cares about appearance and yet wears the same clothes all the time by necessity. I like cooking in garb, its a great way to pick up stains that never come out completely, plus you get to stretch fabric reaching for things and soak up more precious smoke. Walk around in lakes and rivers on hot days. I also store my tobacco with my kit, so I tend to smell of the weed. Your most and obliged humble servant, William Dezoma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain_MacNamara Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I've made it a habit to clean my guns/cannon with my shirts It started out by accident really, the first few times I fired off my cannon, a bit of the burnt powder got on my shirt and never came out. Then I just started "adding" to it here and there. Nothing says authentic like the smell and stains of gunpowder and rum Captain of the Iron Lotus It is the angle that holds the rope, not the size of the hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quartermaster James Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I have shamelessly hickory smoked my gear. The ladies constantly compliment me on the aroma. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oderlesseye Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 For bloodstains, use tea dyes. Start out weak and work your way darker a bit at a time... Remember blood stains do not remain red but turn dark browns. Real blood, well if you're healthy,...why not? But remember certain diseases can last awhile even in dried blood, for example Hepatitis can last at least a week... Eye have a blood stain spatter patern on my right side to coinside with and open flesh wound i create ((with make up) Another subject entirely) I blacken my face to look like grungy black powder and dirt stains...along with the cotton shirt. ... Funny the topic came up..Eye will be dissstressing my shirt more tonight for Cutthroats of Corona. http://www.myspace.com/oderlesseyehttp://www.facebook....esseye?ref=nameHangin at Execution dock awaits. May yer Life be a long and joyous adventure in gettin there!As he was about to face the gallows there, the pirate is said to have tossed a sheaf of papers into the crowd, taunting his audience with these final words: "My treasure to he who can understand." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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