I like to make most of my gear because it becomes personalized to my specific need. No 'dead weight' or useless features, right down to the tags, buttons, and zippers. Yeah, I've noticed a retail movement to the 'ultralite' side, but still, it's generic to the masses, trying to please everyone and offend no one......like bland lite beer.

Today was a good example. I've been struggling with what to wear under my kayaking drysuit, living here in Texas. Fleece? Long Underwear? Flannel jammies? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> No local stores carry what I wanted. They are all starting to stock spring/summer stuff. REI is an hour away, and is usually way overpriced for what I want. Mail order takes at least a week and there is no guarantee the item will work. So, I went into the local sewing store and bought a couple of top/pants sewing patterns. In a couple hours I'll have exactly what I want, as many as I want to sew, in any fabric I'm willing to buy.....or salvage from something else....and be able to customize later as I see fit. I think I'll start with a nice Polartec 200 fleece, or maybe some of that $1 a yard Walmart fleece, or maybe cannibalize an old wool military blanket and go from there....decisions, decisions. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Making your own stuff allows a huge amount of flexibility and the skills learned along the way are priceless. I've probably ruined as much materials as I've successfully fabricated, so saving money probably isn't a valid benefit with me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> But I keep trying. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

ps....I do own a Glen Van Peski 4 pack, back when he sold 'em from his house.
They've changed since then.


Edited by Dryer (01/22/08 09:18 PM)
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paul, texas KD5IVP