Making Your Own Bike Clothing

[pyxichick]

I've seen mention of some people sewing their own bike-related items.

Who among us has done this, and with what success?

I'm a relatively novice seamstress (I can make my own halloween costumes, and refashion old sweaters into hats and stuff) and I'm thinking about making my own arm warmers in something other than the usual boring solid colors.

Is this a good or bad idea?

My BF says arm warmers aren't that expensive, so why not leave it to the experts and get some good ones. I say I'm looking for another way to express my creativity :p

Kate

[dakay]

Armwarmers are a really simple way to start. They are just a tube. I just made some armwarmers and kneewarmers and they sure came in handy this morning.

Green Pepper and DK make patterns for shorts, tights and jerseys. Check out a place like www.seattlefabrics.com for fabrics and patterns.

Kathy

[HipGnosis6]

Just as a heads up, the Green Pepper patterns aren't great. The Jolie patterns are much, much better. Seattle Fabrics, already mentioned, is wonderful and so is The Rain Shed in Portland for finding fabrics.

I haven't made anything yet (I intend to, but I'm a little busy with fashion design school) - but a couple people have made some really great stuff. I hope they chime in!

[MomOnBike]

Unless you count the rain suit I made last year, I haven't made any bike clothing yet.

It's on my list, though. I don't see why you couldn't make your own stuff, all you really need is a serger and a pattern (to alter). And the courage to make a few mistakes.

As expensive as dedicated bike clothes are, it seems like a good idea, actually.

[miffy'sFuji]

I'm a pretty novice seamstress as well. I made a couple of bike vests from kwik sew pattern 2615. Kwik sew seemed to be true to the measurements, I didn't have to adjust the pattern, and it is somewhat fitted (I tried to show the side panel in the picture I took). I wasn't impressed with Green Pepper's patterns, but they sell a lot of supplies. I have plans to make arm warmers, a soft shell jacket, and knickers.

Irulan, who is on the board has a great website:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/tips.asp

Mary9761 has also displayed some of her wares:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=3985&highlight=pattern

I'd really like to hear from some who have mentioned making boleros or anything else.

Here is the vest I made:
http://tinyurl.com/o75q9

[SouthernBelle]

I plan on some simple arm and leg warmers. I have some leftover fleece stuck in the closet that I plan to start with.

[pyxichick]

Thanks everyone, for all the great information.

That specialty outdoors website is amazing. I'm sure nothing I make would ever look as good as her stuff, but it sure is an inspiration.