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? Hal Wilton, NH " Power your boat with carbohydrates, not hydrocarbons." http://www.jlc.net/~hlevin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hal 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.). Snip My spouse has made several of this type garment using Malden thermal stretch, before the fuzzy rubber became available, and while we were still living within driving distance of the Malden outlet. I regularly wear a vest and shorts in the spring and fall and a long sleeve with long bottom outfit in the winter when the weather is too warm for the dry suit. Similarly, she has made vest and long bottoms for our daughter for whitewater kayaking. She made her own top patterns starting with a tee shirt pattern, fitting the garment to the wearer. For bottoms, she used a windsurfer pattern by either Green Pepper or Kwick Sew, not sure which, and again fit the garment to the wearer. She is thinking of making me another shorts/vest outfit but we haven't found the fuzzy rubber fabric. Good luck. Richard *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hal, I've made four sprayskirts and one hatch cover out of 2mm and 3mm neoprene, and I looked really macho while I was sewing them on my wife's sewing machine. Sewing neoprene with a regular home sewing machine is difficult, because the home machine isn't heavy duty enough and the neoprene is thick and kind of sticky with being like rubber. I even tried all kinds of needles and tension combinations on the machine. I was able to sew the neoprene, but the stitching didn't look very nice. My mother, an expert sewer and former part time employee at one of those fabric stores tried and didn't have much luck either. Your wife may want to experiment with some small pieces of neoprene before you two invest much in materials and patterns. If she is able to sew the neoprene well on the home machine, please tell me how she did it. Duane Strosaker Macho Sewing Man! <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/pirateseakayaker/index.html">Pirate Sea Kayaker</A> *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> If she is > able to sew the neoprene well on the home machine, please tell me how she did > it. Sounds like your mother is a better seamstress as I am a seamster, but I assume you tried a teflon coated foot. -- Gabriel L Romeu http://studiofurniture.com ------------------> furniture http://users.aol.com/romeugp ------------------> paintings, prints, photos and stuff http://members.xoom.com/gabrielR -----------> A Daily Journal of Observations *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Gabriel L Romeu wrote: > > > If she is able to sew the neoprene well on the home machine, please tell > > me how she did it. > > Sounds like your mother is a better seamstress as I am a seamster, but I > assume you tried a teflon coated foot. I think the Teflon works better in politics than in neoprene <g>. A walking foot might be useful, though -- it has teeth on the top of the fabric which also move in synchrony with the teeth underneath the fabric. Mausered seams are prefered in wetsuits -- less bulk to chafe you. I'm really curious how this all turns out. I have to repair a wet suit that got slit up the leg from ankle to crotch to get a broken leg out of it. I think I may just rejoin the edges with Aquaseal and call it good. The part of sewing seams on a tailored wet suit that boggles me is making a Mausered seam up the arm or leg -- how do you get the arm of the machine inside the (small diameter) tube? Only thing I can figure is that the commercial manufacturers use a special, verrrrrry looong, veerrrry narrrrrow free arm. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Arthur Hebert wrote: Does anyone have any ideas on a brand and model sewing > machine that could handle neoprene and heavy nylon? > Duane, if you decide to instruct sewing classes sign me up! I was recently given an singer 210-12 industrial machine primarily to do the upholstering in our furniture. I had to do a bit of work to get it up and working, bu it is a rather nice straight stitch machine. My partner thought we should have a walking foot machine so we decided to find out the price with trade in of this one. The singer place said that it wasn't worth more than about 120. US. thought they may be available fairly cheap around you as well. This machine had no problem sewing through a VERY heavy woven strap for the tow belt I just constructed as well as the rip stop nylon bags (opposite ends of the spectrum in fabric 'cept both were slippery). Even fed nylon thread with no difficulty. It does not have the ability of a zig zag, which would be seemingly appropriate for fleece if you don't have an overlock machine. the overlock that I have (White-color and manufacturer, 4 thread) is not really good for woven stiff frayable fabrics, though i used to use it on them for it's trim capabilities as a support for a straight stitch. The overlock may be just fine for neoprene because of the fabrics sponginess, it may pull the thread tight. Kayak-wear could inspire a lot of tool buying. Gabriel L Romeu http://studiofurniture.com ------------------> furniture http://users.aol.com/romeugp ------------------> paintings, prints, photos and stuff http://members.xoom.com/gabrielR -----------> A Daily Journal of Observations *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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.). Have not tried any fuzzy rubber myself, but this lady (http://www.nextdim.com/users/pschwyn/tips.htm) is a professional sewer who seems to be on top of stuff like this -- she is very free with advice and everything she has told me I could check was accurate and useful. I had a relief zipper installed by her, and the work was first rate. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>Duane wrote; >I've made four sprayskirts and one hatch cover out of 2mm and 3mm neoprene, >and I looked really macho while I was sewing them on my wife's sewing >machine. Sewing neoprene with a regular home sewing machine is difficult, Duane funny you should bring up sewing. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a sewing machine for repairs and possibly making skirts and other paddling gear. Does anyone have any ideas on a brand and model sewing machine that could handle neoprene and heavy nylon? Duane, if you decide to instruct sewing classes sign me up! I promise I won't tell anyone. Maybe we can put together some skirts and model them on the cat walk, the "macho models". Arthur Hebert *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 1/18/00 4:36:39 PM Pacific Standard Time, Strosaker_at_aol.com writes: << I've made four sprayskirts and one hatch cover out of 2mm and 3mm neoprene, and I looked really macho while I was sewing them on my wife's sewing machine. >> I grew up diving and surfing in sunny southern California, and being able to do repairs and modifications on neoprene was just part of the game. Over the last ten years or so I have made more then a dozen sprayskirts, hatch covers, and cockpit covers from neoprene. I didn't sew any of them. If you properly build up the glue before adhering, the seam is the last part to wear out. I have never been so bold to attempt a wet suit, but I suppose in high stress areas a sewn seam might have some advantages. Then again, in virtually all of the high stress areas of my older wetsuits the sewing is the first thing to go. I say at least with neoprene, bag the sewing machine and learn how to make proper glued seams. Scott So.Cal. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>> Sewing neoprene with a regular home sewing machine is difficult, because the home machine isn't heavy duty enough and the neoprene is thick and kind of sticky with being like rubber. >> Wouldn't it be easier just to glue it? I once made a sprayskirt with a neoprene deck and a nylon tube. Instead of trying to sew the tube to the deck, I glued a one-inch high circle of neoprene to the hole in the deck, and then glued the nylon tube to that. I used wet suit cement to assemble the pieces, because it works as a contact cement. To reinforce the seams, I ran a bead of Aquaseal over them afterward, having tested both glues and found the Aquaseal stronger. I never had one of those seams blow out on me. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 04:48 PM 1/18/00 -0500, Richard L Wilson wrote: > >My spouse has made several of this type garment using Malden thermal >stretch, before the fuzzy rubber became available, and while we were still >living within driving distance of the Malden outlet. Out of curiousity, where is the Malden Mills outlet? Greg Welker Current Designs Pisces CLC Cape Charles Modified West Wight Potter P-19 #448 "Wight Magic" "Good seamanship is using superior judgement to prevent the need to use superior skills." *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
gwelker_at_erols.com wrote: Out of curiosity, where is the Malden Mills outlet? Malden, Mass. (about 20 miles north of Boston) Hal Wilton, NH Power your boat with carbohydrates, not hydrocarbons. http://www.jlc.net/~hlevin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Wed, 19 Jan 2000, Hal Levine wrote: > gwelker_at_erols.com wrote: > Out of curiosity, where is the Malden Mills outlet? > > Malden, Mass. (about 20 miles north of Boston) Malden is about 5 miles north of Boston. Lawrence Mass (primary home of Malden Mills) is about 30 miles north of Boston. There's a Malden Mills outlet on Route 28 in Lawrence about a half mile south of the Methuen line. I have no idea if there is an outlet in Malden... I live about a half mile from Lawrence, and have never actually been in the Lawrence Malden Mills outlet. I have driven by several times. My wife has been in and said the fleece is usually on commercial rolls - 3 foot diameter 10 feet wide. Just think about wrestling those up to the cutting table... kirk *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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