[Mike Kelly]

My 2 cents worth

The canvas made in the 1940's would be 100% cotton duck - it has a coarse weave compared to modern canvas which is nearly always a fine cotton/polyester mix. One of the last places left making pure cotton canvas is India/Pakistan .. I bought a pure COTTON 16oz canvas tarp from a on-line dealer here in Aust. 9'X12' for 60$ - MADE in Pakistan.... they sell bigger sizes too. Canvas has a bias and it shrinks more in one direction than the other-it is very important to allow for shrinkage ... some of the modern stuff is pre-shrunk. Upholsterers usually cut it diagonally cos its easier to shape it for curves if the bias is with you.. not against you .

Depending on the quality.. $500 for a repro 15 cwt van tarp is very good value .. it's a steal . The lady may not realise how much work is involved ... it looks easy in a photo ! She won't be making much profit at that price . If you can find an original 15 cwt WW2 tarp as a pattern .. then your cooking with gas.

Mike