Re: [Paddlewise] Wetsuit patterns

Karen Hancock wrote:
> 
> Has anyone on the list made their own wetsuits? I've found a local source
> for neoprene but haven't seen any patterns (for jackets, specifically).
> 
> Karen

Yes, I have. "don't everyone faint!"

When I first moved down here from Alaska, I started to windsurf,and I did 
so pretty much all year long. I wore a full wet suit(from my Navy days) 
for colder water and days, but needed something less for warmer times.

I ended up making my own vest. It was a thick 6+mm. I just used a shirt 
that fit just so and used that for the pattern. Glued the pieces together 
and reinforced the seams with denim sp?. The zipper was also just glued 
onto the neopreme. 
Now this was not a fashion piece, but fit really well, and under my PFD, 
really worked perfect for fall and spring.
Still have the darn thing(and wet suit), so must have been sturdy.
Sadly, they have shrunk some!:-)

If you have sewn before and have worked with making your own or changing 
patterns, I'd say go for it. It will (can) be the same and never do 
anything but glue.

James

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