... Even fish can be used as weapons!

Just check out the "Fish Slapping Dance" From the old monty python group. Shouldnt be to hard on the internet.

I'd like to see some pictures of these bandana's marisa! Who knows... could sell some jemed bandana's

Hey rod, here are some pics of the bandanas I made. Like I said, they're very girlie Most are made from reclaimed/recycled vintage fabrics. They're not boring (I could make those, too)...moreso of spunky, funky, one (or several if I'm lucky enough to get enough fabric!) of a kind! Shitty fotos tho...





They're about 19.5"x19.5" or 20"x20" or around there. Bandandas..hey, they don't need to be "perfect"! But no rhinestones or gems...I'm practical!

And speaking of bandanas...damn..just look what you can pay for a 'name brand' bandana...
$18 bandana..I mean, get real! Okay, well you get 2 for $18...what a steal! *sarcasm*

Nice stuff marisa!

I'm thinking about sewing up one with a pocket in it like the link had...

Might have to go into production!

Found!

http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html

Fleece stuff...

http://www.fabrics.net/projects/fleece.asp

Travelling sewing club...

http://www.fabrics.net/passionTravel.asp

These guys sell wicking fabrics...

http://www.owfinc.com/Fabrics/NylonWoven/Misc.Woven.asp#T-shirt%20Tubular%20Material

A few more outdoor fabric/pattern retailers listed here:

http://www.fabrics.net/outdoor.asp

Thanks for the links, rod!

Another one for wicking fabrics:
http://www.rockywoods.com/wickaways_main.htm

http://www.mediatinker.com/blog/archives/008262.html

Fishermans pants...

Boredom strikes again...

sweet! I don't care what people say, but those Thai fisherman pants look so damn comfy!!!

I'm like you Marisa, I make quite a lot of my own stuff (my chalk bag didn't come from a store either!)
I tend to free-style with clothing, for some reason I just can't work a pattern, it always ends up too big or a funny shape (there's not logical reason from this, i just plain can't). I find i get much better results to find an existing piece of clothing I like the fit of and use that as a guide.
My concerns when making gear for travel/any activity that may put demands on the gear, are:
I have a normal domestic sewing machine, which is fine for tops etc, but isn't great for denim or anything made from heavy fabrics. The motor just isn't strong enough to push the needle through. I also can only use fairly standard cotton, I've tried heavier thread and it just didn't cope, which limits the strength of whatever you make. one day i hope to make an investment in an industrial strength sewing machine and overlocker.
I also find it very frustrating to know what I want to make and not be able to source the fabric I need. The cloth the fabric stores stock don't seem to be very good quality. They might be pretty, but they never seem to last as well as something I could have bought. What I would really like is to be able to buy the fabrics used by outdoors manufacturers so I can the quality, but my own designs, but i am unable to find somewhere the will sell these sort of performance fabrics to the public small enough amounts.
Sigh.

It can be more difficult to get the fabrics equal to those outdoor companies use. I've been wondering how to get at them myself. Some are patented but I believe that there are ways, possibly even legal ones) to get your hands on those non patented fabrics. If anyone knows I'd love to hear it.
Luke- have you tried a heavier duty needle? you'll still have the low power problem but it may enable you to use some heavier threads.

I speak that language. What are you looking for?

Hey Joe,
What I'd really love right now is some kind of light-weight, uber breathable, superfast-drying fabric to make pants for the hotter climes. All I can find locally is cotton or nylon (of the nasty sweaty variety!)

Only prob is I'm in NZ, not sure whether cost of getting fabric over here would make it all unfeasible considering I only want one pair of pants worth right now?
Sigh, island life, its not all its cracked up to be!

Callilucy:- yeah, I'd had that thought too. Doesn't work.
The gears on the machine just start slipping, even when I give up and wind the machine on by hand. I decided it might be better to put up with snapping needles left, right and centre than to strip the gears off my sewing machine.

Joe- I don't have any projects currently on the horizon but I'll know who to ask next time it comes up. Thanks!

Luke- How frustrating! I've been there myself and it is no fun to have a smoking sewing machine. If you sew frequently it may be worth it to invest the moolah and get a better machine. My mom has had the same beast of a husqvarna viking for about 30 years now and it'll sew anything!

Callilucy:-
Yeah, I think you're right. At the moment I'm trying to shed as many worldly possessions as possible, but I think once I establish I fixed abode again I'll definately have to look into it.

You know what I wish I could make and just don't see a possible way to? Shoes.

I really like shoes.

Me too, Luke..on the sewing machine and shoes!!!

I've seen this link on making sandals out of tires, but have never tried it on my own. Just thought I'd post the link tho.

WEeee! that is crazy! That guy is so cool!

I have to admit though, I really dream of pretty little girly shoes, the type I always try on in shops but never ever wear. Occasionally I think I'd like to be a girly-girl for a change and buy something pointy with heels, but I know they would just sit in my wardrobe and make me feel guilty for neglecting them in favour of my jandals/trainers. (knowing this doesn't always stop me buying them though).

My favourite shoes at the moment come from this cool place up in Raglan (NZ's premier hippy-surfer spot) which started out as one guy hand making shoes and grew from there (but luckily hasn't grown toooo much), so maybe there is hope for those with the motivation and technical ability. http://www.soulshoes.co.nz