i just wrote a post and aol quit on me
i'm attempting to make my first pair of chaps....i had bought the suitability pattern (www.suitability) pattern number2600. For my experament, i decided to make a pair for my son nate, for lead line classes...and to use a light tan ultrasuede i had gotten dirt cheap on ebay years ago.
first step was to draft the pattern--i used taped pieces of wax paper so as not cut the pattern itself. if i went by nate's measurements for thigh, ect...i'd be making a size 14. WAY to long for nate...so, i used size 8 and added to both sides of the leg equally. this also required me to draft a new cuff and top plackett....
ok, got the pieces cut out...and started last night sewing. I've always struggled the one or two times with ultrasuede in the past. this time, i bought leather needles and the viking likes them! sews beautifully, i now see why people like ultrasuede.
got the top and bottom cuff/placketts on, and tried the leg around nate. he was in PJ's and UHOH! this serves me right for not making a muslin...still too snug! i added 3/4" to the one side of the chap legs that wont have the fringe. I am going to make the grand assumption that since he's not actively riding in these, and will only use them on show days, that the zippers will hold up.
which leads me to this....i'm dreading putting the zippers in. I've never done it before...does anyone have any words of wisdom for me???
off i go to stare at the pattern again....
betsey