craftyourclothes
Beginner
IRELAND
Member since 1/7/07
Posts: 10 |
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Date: 1/22/07 10:27 PM An upcoming move to Dublin has led raincoats to a place of prominence in my sewing plans. I'd like to try making a very simple one (an unbelted trenchcoat style thing), but I'm not sure where to get the right kind of fabric, or what you call it. I asked at Jo-Ann's, but their only suggestion was a bright purple prism-y fabric on the Holloween clearance rack- not quite what I had in mind. Does anyone know what I should be looking for, or where I might find it? Thank you!
-- Edited on 1/22/07 10:29 PM -- ------
Christina
http://craftyourclothes.blogspot.com |
Nikki
 
Advanced
MD USA
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 2425 |
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Date: 1/22/07 10:58 PM FFC has some microfiber rainwear fabrics - it is lightweight, drapey, and seems to be at least reasonably waterproof, without a plasticy backing.
Fabricline has some performance fabrics, and will send swatches. Their "Dry-X" fabric is a bit stiff, and has a plasticky backing - I have some and found it difficult to work with because of the sticky backing. They also have some fabrics that have been treated with DWR to be water resistant with various properties.
Some other vendors are
Rockywoods fabrics
Seattle fabrics
Textile outfitters (canada)
I recommend ordering swatches if possible so you can get a feel for the fabrics and maybe test them out on your machine, as some can be fussy. There is also a handy book, _Sewing Outdoor Gear_, by Rochelle Harper, which might help you. ------
mmmmm woooool |
Lorna C. Newman
Intermediate
ON CANADA
Member since 8/10/02
Posts: 2463 |
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Date: 1/23/07 8:51 AM wazoodle has a selection of barrier type fabrics as well that would be great for rainwear. Green Pepper Patterns has a nice trench styole raincoat as well as ponchos and anoraks. ------
Like Miss Frizzle says "Take chances, make mistakes ..." isn't that what fitting is all about? I am happily taking chances and making mistakes as I fit muslin after muslin ...
newmansneedle.blogspot.com
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Michelle T
Intermediate
BC CANADA
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 4178 |
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Date: 1/23/07 10:16 AM I live on the West Coast of Vancouver Is. Also know as the Wet Coast. We know rain here.
If you are looking for a coat to keep you dry, you will need something like:
Canadian Living Coat
Another style
or this:
I realize that these are not necessarily fashionable, but they will keep you dry when made with the proper fabrics. Add a hood to keep your hair dry, then your hands will be free. You may also want to look at drover coats
Look for waterproof breathable fabrics such as gortex and seam sealing tape.
Remember to keep your feet dry too.
------
Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student |
Heidi H
Advanced Beginner
AZ USA
Member since 11/25/06
Posts: 80 |
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Date: 1/23/07 12:00 PM I made my daughter a rain poncho and I used fabric call Supplex DWR (Durable Water Resistant) Before surgery I was selling this type of fabric on eBay for a business up the street. They are selling it for $3.25 a yard.
Heidi |
craftyourclothes
Beginner
IRELAND
Member since 1/7/07
Posts: 10 |
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Date: 1/24/07 12:55 PM Thanks for all the fabric ideas! This will be a big help getting started in the right direction. Just wondering- is there any way to waterproof fabric yourself? Ireland more often has drizzle than complete downpour, so I'm wondering if a canvas coat could be treated with something to make it waterproof enough when used with an umbrella. Thanks! ------
Christina
http://craftyourclothes.blogspot.com |
Michelle T
Intermediate
BC CANADA
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 4178 |
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In reply to craftyourclothes
Date: 1/24/07 1:34 PM Check with Textile Outfitters they have a number of wash in waterproofing products.
They also have water resistant fabrics too. You will need to have a tightly woven fabric. I would stay away from cotton as it will eventually absorb water.
I do not know if you have lived in a wet climate before and I do not know if Dublin gets windy, I imagine the temperatures are similar to here. You need to protect yourself from the damp as well as downpours. Damp makes you feel the cold as much as a downpour, makes you wet. If you add some wind to the mix you can get chilly quickly.
But depending on your lifestyle, you may not need to be outside much. I have kids and a dog, I have to keep my hands free. I am so used to wearing waterproof jackets that I rarely ever think to grab an umbrella, even if my hands are not otherwise occupied. ------
Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student |
craftyourclothes
Beginner
IRELAND
Member since 1/7/07
Posts: 10 |
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Date: 1/24/07 5:01 PM Michelle- thank you for the link and the detailed suggestions. As it turns out, I'm amassing a bit of a raincoat wardrobe. I have a couple heavy duty raincoats already, meant for cold and serious wet (and one "batten-down-the-hatches" jacket for dog walking :-) ). I don't really have anything a bit more lightweight though. As I understand it (and I hope this isn't an overly rosy picture!) there's a possibility of some light rain many days, but it doesn't rain heavily all the time. So, I'd like something light and casual to wear with jeans or whatnot, that won't make me feel like I'm in a portable sauna if the weather turns out to be nice, but that won't get instantly soaked in a bit of rain. I know...picky, picky! But since I'll probably need a raincoat more days than not I figure it's a good idea to have some options. ------
Christina
http://craftyourclothes.blogspot.com |
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