Insulated Vest

[ljcsov]

So far I've made myself a 9x5 tarp, a Henry Shires style tarp tent, and a backpack. I am contemplating moving on to trying some clothing items now that my skills have improved. However, I feel this is a different realm which may be much more difficult. What I would like to make is some sort of insulated vest. Here are my questions...

What type of insulation should i use?
What type of outer material? (assuming some sort of non-calendared ripstop, unless down) (If down, how much?)
Anyone have a pattern?
Am I in over my head?

I am curious to see/hear about what outdoor clothing items you guys have made!

[DaleW]

A vest would be a good step-up to making quilts too. Thru-Hiker has a kit that looks interesting:

http://www.thru-hiker.com/kits/minima_kit.php

[ljcsov]

Thats what I thought. Although I guess people tend to use sewn through baffles on vests from what I was reading. My game plan would be as follows

1. Cut out a pattern for a front and back using a shirt or something else that fits me correctly
2. sew the two parts together which make up from and back
3. sew down the middle of the front, cut and insert zipper (if i do pockets, they seem scarey, I'd prob do them here)
4. fill with down
5. sew bafflings
6. sew front / back together
7.clean seems up with gross grain or some other sort of tape
9. turn right side out, should be good to go!

[nothermark]

FWIW - Of of the best vests I have had was a fleece with a nylon cover. The nylon blocked the wind while making a layer for pockets. Dried very fast. Leave it open when not windy. Something like that would let you experiment with pockets and zippers with an easy insulation to work with.

As I think about it I have one vest that is along the lines of a suite pattern. No kidney flap. I think it came out of a jacket/vest combo. The issue is it makes an excellent layer under shell, no bunch up under a waistbelt, and not bad otherwise. I have not been able to buy another one but I will make one this winter. You might think about it. ;-)

[G.L.P.]

i'll be keeping an eye out on this thread since i wanna start making cloths as well.... but have not tried it yet

[ljcsov]

I am thinking about going with down for insulation. It should be a pretty cheap project. I only think I'll need about 2 oz as long as the fill is 800/900.

My questions:

How do I make pockets?

Do i sew a collar in separately?

The other stuff seems not all that difficult. My debate is whether the front should be two pieces to begin with or start with one piece and separate it and insert a zipper

[ljcsov]

http://www.questoutfitters.com/patte...ket%20Patterns

Quest has tons of patterns for those interested in trying to tackle some clothing options! They aren't kits so you can pick your own materials!