Slopmaker Cripps

First off.....I've never seen pictures of sailors in indigenous clothing.....would love for someone to show me some, but I haven't seen any to date.... Second....two words for finding out what the Indios wore.....Casta Paintings....They wore clothing distinctly different from even the poorest Spaniards..... Third....since it's not documented (yet), and we're in the middle of a Depression.....this reenactor isn't willing to pay much..... Cheers, Adam C.

His first name is Joe. I work with all the guys at the Spanish Quarter LH Museum and at the Castillo now. Cheers, Adam

I'm not sure if I saved it or not, but I came across a sketch of everything needed to hold mass aboard the ships of the Spanish navy in the 1720's. The sketch included everything from vestments to a chest to hold it all in. I'd try and find it again, but I'm in the process of packing to leave the country in the morning, so will have to get back to you on that. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man

Santeria is still practiced in Miami as well as other places down there. When my Dad was teaching down there, he had a student that was a practitioner of Santeria. The kid showed up everyday wearing white, and if I remember correctly some of their practices involve chicken sacrifices. You might also find hoodoo somewhat interesting. It is a Christian/voodoo cross that you can still find in the lowcountry regions in South Carolina. Not sure if you can still find hoodoo remnants down in the caribbean or not. Cheers, Adam C.

Redhand, We have stocks up at Ft. King George in Darien Georgia. I've spent hours in them unable to scratch the mosquitoes sucking all the blood out of me. Bloody miserable...literally.... But it was a learning experience and one I can discuss about with spectators with every bit of truth and honesty in me..... Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man

A little addendum...... I usually recommend guys in my group who are landsmen to pick up a pair of accurate slop-hose, shirt, short jacket, etc. etc. etc. as a basic kit. We occasionally go outside our normal period (1700-1749) into RevWar, but when we do it is always opportunities to wear work clothes, so slop-hose are good for that. By having the slop-hose, the new guys are able to do a wide range of events with us, on the basis that they'll constantly tweek and alter their impressions and kits to fit time period specific items. So, I would recommend slop-hose as part of a wide range generic outfit....but please eventually add trousers to your slop chest also.... Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man "Fish-Broth Society"

Kass, No, you weren't reading me wrong, I just presented the information wrong. These last three weeks has seen me sleep deprived, overworked, and just overall screwed over in the head. I just wasn't thinking straight when I typed the message. As for the slop hose versus trousers debate, trousers are a definitive winner. What I have a tendency to do is wear slop-hose when working and trousers when in port (this is mainly because I have a tendency to get messy in just a matter of hours...play with pine tar too much...). The switch is no big deal, especially since there are drawers underneath. Mostly what I have seen in GAoP period trousers are a slit or french fly, relatively fitted in the upper thigh area and then dropping straight from the lower thigh (hence my usage of that in the example earlier). Usually they're just above the ankle in length to mid-calf. I'd have to go back and look through everything I have regarding pockets. I have documented side seam pockets as far back as the 1730s, but can't remember if I have an earlier example on here. My favorite GAoP trousers pattern is the one I based off of the mock trial scene with the triangular pocket flaps. I'm hoping to get a lap top here in the next few months for my course work in the fall, and hopefully I'll be able to transfer pics onto that and then have them to spread out. In fact, I just spent that last hour scanning some pics of Spanish sailors into my comp to go along with the spanish line of sailors garb we're adding to Slop Shop.....if only I can get my computer to cooperate with forums and the like! Aye, curved seams were around, but I believe that straight rear seams were in the majority. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man

Pat, The picture you based your slop-hose on, was that the picture with the negro kid at the bottom left of the gallows? That one is among my favorite pics of slop-hose. It shows exactly the effect of the straight rear curve. The rear crotch seam is fitted to his bum shape, with the excess fabric folding over in towards the seam. The only way this effect can be achieved is by having a straight line, the exact measurement needed to run from crotch to waist hug the buttox due to the lack of a curve placed in. The excess fabric of course is achieved by extending where the sideseam would be if they were trousers and then gathering it all into the waistband, where it further below where the gathers doesn't effect the lay of the cloth it naturally folds to the only place (other than waistband) where the slop-hose are fitted....the crotch... Oh yeah, there is a rear vent, though you have to zoom in like mad to see it between the back slit in his jacket....it's circa three inches in length based on the sketch... Wonderful picture. Wonderful. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man P.S. The effect shown in the picture, given the lay of the fabric along with what it is doing itself makes it seem to me to be of a medium to heavy weight material.

Kass, I want to start off by saying that I worded my post poorly as I was in a hurry, and was in the middle of exam week (which mean my brain was stressed). Pat posted exactly what I planned to. What I was referring to was the front piece having the curved seam, but the rear piece having the straight line (since you do pattern drafting you understand the whole thing about the back curve being two inches in from the front point when drafting trousers, aye? It's just that but a straight line instead of curving up..). I did a LOT of experimentation (heck, I've been making 18th century sailors garb for years) and found that to get the proper "poof" in the buttox and fit in the crotch as shown in period artwork, the straight line is the way to go. I'm not saying that the curved rear seam is wrong and never existed. Heck, I wear a pair of slop hose with that feature myself (from my early days), but I still use the straight seam method on my garments today. Having drafted both curved and straight seamed trousers patterns, the straight seam is the easier of the two and it took me all of 20 minutes to teach a friend how to use it. It's simple, easy, and gives the right look instead of the "diaper butt" you see at most events today. When doing the straight seam as mentioned above, you just do the straight line equal to the measurement from where the seams come together in the crotch to the rear waistline. You then just put a line from that point down to the side-seam, and you get a pattern SIMILAR to breeches (difference takes place in the legs and the fact that the waistband seam has a lower slope do to the extra width of the legs). Whatever amount is in that rear piece is what you gather into the waistband. This is why you see the front pieces sized right, but gathering and baggy-butt in the rear piece. As for withholding pictures, I'd gladly give them, but my computer is a royal pain in the arse and won't work with me. I have a heck of a time just trying to email them, and even then it rarely works. I come from the school of researchers that believes knowledge is the property of the group, and therefore I am always willing to share what I have. The problem is just being able to get it out. I don't hide what I have, just don't always have the time or capability to get it out. I am with you on studying extant garments to a "T." In fact, I'm on a line right now regarding an original pair of slop-hose..... Oh yeah...these weren't government issued clothes...they were government regulated and sold at will through private entrepeneurs we like to call Purser's. Greg, There aren't any "slop trousers" I have ever seen. One time when I was bored, I made an elongated pair of slop hose and they didn't look anything like any pictorial evidence of trousers I could find. You are correct that they had baggy cut trousers, but the pattern is distinctly different than from slop hose (you can tell by how they're worn in the pictures the cut...things such as the baggyness below the knee is equivalent to the circumference of the lower thigh, etc. which enable you to draft a pattern and make up a pair that looks identical to the picture but sized to fit you). There are times when I wish I had the extra cash to get a pattern printer, then I'd just run off copies of all the ones I have..... Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man Slop Shop Reproductions

Oh yeah, some additional info regarding things above.... There is little evidence that Slop-hose had pockets of any sort until late in the 18th century. Also, the Kannicks Korner pattern is not even close to how the originals were cut. If you study period pattern drafting techniques in addition to studying the art left behind, it's obvious there are major pattern issues with them. For example, the breeches in this period shouldn't have the "U" shaped fore and aft crotch shape as late 18th and 19th century (and subsequently modern) pants do. No one is offering an accurate pattern commercially (I would, but I don't have room for or the extra funds at the moment to invest in a printer, and there's no local kinko's on the island or for a few hours drive thereafter). Anyway, I have another exam in the morning, so I need to get off the computer and get some sleep. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man

Greg, Shoot me an email as I had a source correct flax sailcloth (have a seabag made of it sitting in the other room). Not sure if it can be had anymore, and at what price, but I can try and contact my connection sometime next week. Just shoot me an email as a reminder. And Foxe nailed the usage of slop hose (NOT slops...you don't wear all your clothes and personal equipment over your clothes and personal equipment) on the head. As for correct weight for slop hose, a good medium to heavy weight fustian is your best choice along with a medium to heavy weight linen osnaburg. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man

Greg, My shipmate John was the first person to send out the spanish sailor info online (before it spread like wildfire all over the internet). The sketches were done in 1725, though the whole notebook spans from 1719-1756. It comes from the Marques de la Victoria's Notebook that is housed in the Museo Naval in Madrid. John sent me this stuff awhile back when I started researching spanish sailors clothing in hopes of producing a line. A bunch of us do War of Jenkins Ear guarda costa down in St. Augustine when we're not doing English. Anyway, the picture is from 1725 (shows the 1725 reforms in sailors garb). The notebook also includes tons of other pictures of interest if you're truly into the age of sail..... Cheers, Adam C. P.S. I am almost done with a prototype of the white linen shirt, and will let you know when I have pics up.

Jim, That looks like a blast! Have fun! If I had known about it I might have headed down. Oh well, the shrimp festival is 3 minutes from where I'm sitting right now, so it requires less planning to get to . Cheers, Adam

Jim, Ha ha, thanks. I wish I could say I know about that one, but for me it's the college that's holding onto the whole purse. On a completely off-topic note, I noticed you're just outside of Tampa, are you coming to the Amelia Island Shrimp Festival this weekend? If you are, shoot me an email and we'll meet up. Cheers, Adam

Everyone, Right now we're planning on re-opening shop towards the end of June, following the RevWar event at Williamsburg (UTR). Keep your eyes peeled for new and upcoming surprises and goods, such as our Spanish and French lines. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man

Callenish, Aye, larger sizes will be done. I'm a fat guy but also a weightlifter so I'm pretty big myself. In fact, I started sewing so I could make my own stuff in larger sizes back in the day, so it won't be a problem. Greg, That's right, you european guys have access to old materials. I really envy you. I will talk to my colleague about that, but we're definitely going to do slop shop "in-stock" instead of orders. We might be willing to purchase some fabric and just might happen make a garment in size, though. Let me talk to him this weekend at an event. Cheers, Adam

Listening to Folk Alley internet radio right now, but I'm usually listening to sea shanties or Ancient Greek/Roman music. Cheers, Adam C.

Foxe, We did the same thing with the harness and hook on the noose contraption back in December. It is a real crowd pleasure. Cheers, Adam C.

A few notes: 1. My friend was unable to find the plain kersey, so I'm back to nothing on that front. Personally, authenticity is a big deal to me, but I have had a few shipmates suggest using similar fabrics to the kersey since kersey just can not be had. Thoughts/opinions on that one? 2. When/if I re-start the business, it will be in-stock instead of on an order-by-order basis. If you suggest clothing items you'd like to see reproduced, I'm also interested in what sizes most people could use. 3. A shipmate of mine is working on a connection for hand knit goods, so we may be offering those in the future (mostly stockings since hats are relatively easy to procure). It has not been firmed up, but if we're lucky, we might have a source for them. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man Slop Shop Reproductions

Everyone, I am considering re-opening Slop Shop Reproductions, and was wondering what items you would like to see reproduced. My main focus is going to be War of Jenkins Ear items so I can supply the increasing WOJE maritime hobby down here, but I would be glad to do anything from 1700-1749. Now, I know that one of the first items requested will be slop contract coats. I have patterns and can make them, but will not be able to anytime soon. My source for grey wool kersey has run dry, and I have been unable to find another. There is a company which I can contract a run of cloth for, but it requires an initial investment of $7500 that I do not have (trying to save for tuition this fall) along with leaving me with enough cloth to make 41 jackets which is definitely more than people who want them. If someone has a source for the grey kersey, I'd be glad to start offering them again. A shipmate of mine has a lead on some undyed kersey that he's trying to dig up again, in which case I might attempt experiments with dyeing the kersey later on and offer them that way. Either way, for the time being, I won't be able to crank out Slop Contract coats like I used to. Just as a slop shop offered more than just clothing, I am open to suggestions for items other than clothes. Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man Slop Shop Reproductions P.S. I'm seriously considering one item that will make you pipe smokers happy.....

The frocks were just oversized shirts. Usually they are made of heavier materials such as linen osnaburg, fustian, and lightweight sailcloth (light enough to blow in the wind based on a later period painting...though it is clearly sailcloth even that late). Just taking a break....have to get back to my paper on *gasp* the 1680s pirate raids and the downfall of the Spanish mission system.... Cheers, Adam C., Slopman

Mr. Hand, I will try and get a picture as soon as I can. Unfortunately, it is going to be a few weeks at least as I am trying to get 5 papers done at the same time (one of which involves going out of town) along with all my normal work and duties around here. Shoot me an email at provincialnavy@yahoo.com and I'll see if I can find a way of getting the notes to you....or if I can find an hour in here....something better... Cheers, Adam C., Slop-man

Foxe, I have no clue about her wool source. Rob just walked up and slapped his on my head (and it was pretty cold that night) and I immediately warmed up. Then I spent 5 minutes gawking over how finely it was knitted. Needless to say the rest of the convo he was just to con me into making him some patterns, which I'll have to get to eventually.... Cheers, Adam

Foxe, I have a shipmate whose girlfriend makes AWESOME knit caps and is thinking of retailing them later this year (again, I already have a monmouth, or else I'd get one). They're are unbelievably warm and she's looking at about $40 for hers. The market price for monmouths was running around $35 a few years ago, so it's about time for the $5 rise in cost. Either way, hand knit caps are warmer than modern ones, which is why I always wear my hand knits in the winter while on patrol or working on the lighthouse instead of the normal military issue knit caps. Josh, Go ahead and give it a try. It'll take getting used to, but you will eventually. I've been wearing mine all year round (summer mostly due to high winds) for a few years now, so it doesn't bother me. Just wear it around as everyday wear for a month or two, break it in, and you'll get used to the hat on your head. On a side note, if you're ever in the Jacksonville/Amelia Island area, feel free to swing by (well until I move to St. Augustine in September for the fall semester). Cheers, Adam C.

Josh, I've worn a knit cap down here for a long time, and I must say it's more comfortable than the tricorn. It just takes getting used to it in the summer time. You find it on my head during windy days here on the island. Greenighs, You would get green from an indigo wash and a yellow wash. Cheers, Adam