Re: [Paddlewise] do it yourself wetsuits.

Hal Levine wrote:

> I thought I'd poll the wisdom and experience of ya'll and see if anyone
> has made use of any sewing plans and "fuzzy rubber" to put together your
> own wet suites (farmer john, tops or bottoms, etc.).  My wife found that
> the material is available and inexpensive at the Malden Mills outlet
> store and feels that she has to have a project for the remaining off
> season.  Does anyone have any recommendations on which patterns are the
> best?  Or I should ask has anyone ever done it?

I made a pair of shorts and a long sleeve top with this stuff on a regular sewing
machine.  I love the shorts, but never completed the top to the point of wearing
it (it's on my list of things to do).   My problem is that you really need a serger
to do the material justice.  I bought one for Christmas and am taking lessons in
a couple of weeks, so I may finish the top yet.

As for patterns - I unstitched an old cycling jersey for the top and used a pair of
cycling shorts as a pattern for the shorts.  Both required fiddling to fit just right.
After the serger course, I have to take a course in making and/or sewing from
patterns (most of my sewing is for packs and other gear).

Penny Schwyn's web site is great (see other person's message) and should link
you to shops that will have patterns for outdoor clothing.

Mike

PS - if you want to do neoprene, you pretty much need an industrial sewing machine.

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