Circa 1955 Scouts Soft Pack

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John Fenna

Lifetime Member & Maker
Oct 7, 2006
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I have been having a bit of fun making a "Retro" pack...
Following the instructions in the book "|Mid Moor and Mountain" by Melville Balsillie and Jim Westwood - first published in 1955 (two years before I was born) by "The Boy Scouts Association" (I have a copy of the 1961 reprint hard back) in Section C "How Shall we Do It?" sub section 2 Kit and Gear, I have made an authentic "Retro" pack...
I followed the materials list as closely as I could... from stuff I had kicking around... and the only real substitution is I cut one piece leather shoulder straps as I had no 2" khaki webbing in store...
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Now I am not knocking Mr Westwood (who wrote Section "C") but his cutting list and measurements do not exactly match up (if you cut a piece of fabric 12 1/2" wide and fold in 2 1/2" corners you do not get a 91/2" length between the corners...) and there is no mention of seam allowances anywhere ... and just compare the sketch of the bag with the photos - very vague schematic drawings to say the least... but I managed to work around all the minor issues and have a pretty useful and roomy pack - with loads of Real Retro Style! :)
I used some 8oz cotton fabric (as specified) a mix of buckles - brass and steel - but of matching styles, 2.5mm Veg tan leather, dyed with Eco-Flo mid brown, copper rivets, artificial sinew thread and brass coloured eyelets.
The fabric was sewn with polyester thread and proofed with Fabsil (I had no Mesowax as specified...) I cut a leather lace and cordlock for the drawcord closure.
I am quite happy with the results :)
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Woody girl

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Mar 31, 2018
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Wow that's realy neat.! Just exactly the thing I'm looking for except it doesn't have the leather edging on the pocket flaps like mine did. I may be comming to you if the next month or two doesn't turn up what I'm looking for.
Limited funds means a new battery for the bike is now a priority (as I discovered this weekend) John you are the bees knees when it comes to a sewing machine. Is there nothing you cannot make.?
 

Woody girl

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Once my battery is purchased and the money from my disastrous on line purchase is returned you may be able to make a bit of money from my purse. I'll let you know.
 

John Fenna

Lifetime Member & Maker
Oct 7, 2006
23,108
2,843
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Pembrokeshire
Once my battery is purchased and the money from my disastrous on line purchase is returned you may be able to make a bit of money from my purse. I'll let you know.
I would love to say I could - but I can't do commission work at the present - or foreseeable.... sorry!
 

SCOMAN

Life Member
Dec 31, 2005
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Lovely bag sir. I have a copy of the book but it’s in my ‘to read’ pile. My sewing machine skills would likely be found wanting too.
 

richardhomer

Settler
Aug 23, 2012
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STOURBRIDGE
Very nice retro pack mate. I hope you have many years of fine use from it. I’m a bit envious my sewing machine skills like others would also be found wanting.
 

Woody girl

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I would love to say I could - but I can't do commission work at the present - or foreseeable.... sorry!
:frown::aarghh::cry: You do realise I am now sobbing my broken little heart out now.! I'm just gonna have to try and make one myself . I'll be lucky if it lasts a week with my sewing. Now if you have a pattern for a knitted one......? (Only joking)
 
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John Fenna

Lifetime Member & Maker
Oct 7, 2006
23,108
2,843
66
Pembrokeshire
Knitting is a skill I would love to master - but I cannot!
I have no "left hand/right hand coordination" so cannot type (except one handed) knit or or play a musical instrument - all things I would love to do!
When I did my Btec OND in Fashion Design(as a Mature (?) Student) I bought a knitting machine and could use that, my "Swiss Darning" to make designs was creditable ... but hand knitting? - no chance!
And I detest hand sewing!
copyright

looks like a soviet army pack - doubt they will be knocknig on your door any time soon :D
Oh no - worse than that - it is "The Scout Assoc" - vindictive beggars them .. I know I was a "Leader" for 15 years! :)
 
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Woody girl

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Mar 31, 2018
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How many yards of material did that take? I have a very old bivvy bag I hate that I could cut up. Perfect weight and colour but the bottom is nylon so I have been wondering what else I could do with it. This looks like the perfect project. The leatherwork could be my downfall though.
 

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