Message Forums

Hello

For some time now, I've wanted to buy a traditional style pure cotton windbreak to go with my mid-60s Commer campervan. 

I was just now about to place an order for a 7-pole Blue Diamond windbreak, and took for granted that they are made with 100% cotton fabric.  But are they?

Has any of you got one of these and know if they are? 

I'm just asking as I have burnt myself in the past buying what I believed was pure cotton camping equipment, as they look as if they are when you see photos of the articles.  When you get them, however, they often turn out to be made of synthetic materials of all sorts - just made to look like the real thing.  I'd hate to fork out a considerable amout of money for a cotton windbreak, and then find out that its actually not made from cotton at all..

Call me obsessed if you like, but to me there is nothing like that old soft cotton feel when it comes to camping and holidaying

Many thanks, Mike !

I sent and email to Blue Diamond earlier today to ask (as I couldn't find the info on their website), but they haven't replied yet.  I'll wait and see what they say.

But thanks for your info, though.  Really useful facts you provided.

I'll post their reply

-

Loads of storage under the seating (-boxes) in the rear of our campervan, so that shouldn't be an issue for us either.

Thanks :)  Yes, it's an old van and 50 years off modern standards, but we love it.  Slow progress, admittedly, and camping in an altogether different tempo in more ways than one.  But all the more lovely for it :)

Hi, I have seen the blue diamond ones in Towsure and they are definately not cotton, they are a lightweight synthetic probably rot proof material, I think they call it 'parc'.  It is the same type of material as you find on the bottom of upholstered chairs/sofas.  It is a very cheap material to buy, does not fray and is also water resistant.  I made some bunting last year from this material as it does not fray.

Why not make you own, very simple to do, just a straight running stitch is needed.  I purchased a cheap windbreak from Tesco last year in the sale for around £3.50, used the 'plastic' material as a measuring template, then discarded and used the poles for my new stripey one I made.  I used about 5 mtrs of cotton fabric to make a six pole one.  It took me around 4 hours from start to finish including measuring, cutting fabric and sewing.  Best thing is, it does not rustle, you can choose your own colour and is original, no one else on the campsite is going to have the same.

Regards Janette

Quote: Originally posted by Janette Rix on 10/7/2013

---

Hi, I have seen the blue diamond ones in Towsure and they are definately not cotton, they are a lightweight synthetic probably rot proof material, I think they call it 'parc'.  It is the same type of material as you find on the bottom of upholstered chairs/sofas.  It is a very cheap material to buy, does not fray and is also water resistant.  I made some bunting last year from this material as it does not fray.

Why not make you own, very simple to do, just a straight running stitch is needed.  I purchased a cheap windbreak from Tesco last year in the sale for around £3.50, used the 'plastic' material as a measuring template, then discarded and used the poles for my new stripey one I made.  I used about 5 mtrs of cotton fabric to make a six pole one.  It took me around 4 hours from start to finish including measuring, cutting fabric and sewing.  Best thing is, it does not rustle, you can choose your own colour and is original, no one else on the campsite is going to have the same.

Regards Janette

 

---