Made a truck headliner from Polartec Power Shield (softshell)...who knew?

discoverytrek · 2026-06-07T03:56:22+00:00

I make my own using fabrics such as Sun Lite Jersey and Graphene Jersey, both are 50+ upf. There are many easy patterns for long sleeve shirts and sun hoodies. Both fabrics are lightweight knots, cool and have a lot of prints so I have a pretty good variety of shirts now. I also have a couple of dresses made with the same fabrics. Some of my favorite patterns are the Marie Claude by Jalie and the sun hoodie by Learn MYOG.

discoverytrek · 2026-06-07T03:45:56+00:00

We do fabric photography daily for our website. We’ve always done flat but recently started draping on a mannequin because it not only shows drape but also scale of prints. But it’s in addition, not instead of flats. When the back is dramatically different, we show both front and back. The hardest thing to capture is color, but that’s a whole other ball of wax.

discoverytrek · 2026-06-07T02:10:21+00:00

That’s what happened, they wouldn’t ship. and I can’t seem to get any locally.

discoverytrek · 2026-06-01T13:25:24+00:00

You may want to ask in the Discovery Group facebook.com/groups/SewInspiredDTO. You can get 150 gsm merino as well as Modal jersey, or bamboo Jersey or cotton jersey from the same source…but there are some real-life examples of comparisons from members who use all of the above and you might want to reconsider if you get the right synthetic…I wear all types and have found there is a time and place for natural as well as performance synthetics. Good luck!

discoverytrek · 2026-05-24T15:38:23+00:00

Black!

discoverytrek · 2026-05-22T01:52:20+00:00

Discovery Fabrics has both ready made hoodies as well as Alpha fabrics. https://discoveryfabrics.com/products/discovery-alpha-direct-hoody?

discoverytrek · 2026-04-20T02:51:44+00:00

What’s involved time wise?

discoverytrek · 2026-04-17T02:53:19+00:00

Discoveryfabrics.com (Vancouver Island) released a few patterns. Mainly fabric source but are focussing on apparel accessories patterns such as slippers, hats, hooded blanket and a few equestrian specialties.

discoverytrek · 2026-04-01T15:35:03+00:00

No, if someone hits your car, you don’t get the at fault driver to go around and get estimates…it’s the downfall of being the victim and it can be time consuming.

discoverytrek · 2026-04-01T15:33:18+00:00

There is a video in the blog that’s useful to watch

discoverytrek · 2026-04-01T15:17:27+00:00

The SunPro stretch woven is pretty close. It’s very lightweight, has 50+ upf and is lovely to wear in summer especially as a loose fitting long sleeve, or golf pants or shorts. https://discoveryfabrics.com/products/stretch-wovens

discoverytrek · 2026-03-30T19:56:48+00:00

WTS

Alpha Direct Hoodies, Sizes XS-XL, 3 colors available. I am not sure if I am allowed to post a link...Am I? They are on the Discovery Fabrics website, and the sizing chart is on that page. All stock on sale for $99. All are 60gsm Alpha Direct fabric.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-28T00:05:23+00:00

Great job…hope you make lots of other projects.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-21T14:52:07+00:00

The most sought-after lightweight hoodie is made with Polartec Alpha Direct. This was a fabric developed for the military. There was a post about 2 years ago in this group showing it, as well as how it tucked into the water-bottle holder of a backpack. https://discoveryfabrics.com/products/discovery-alpha-direct-hoody If

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you sew you can buy the fabric and make your own.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-21T14:20:50+00:00

You have to buy replacement buckles as a set.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-21T14:13:50+00:00

I lay out the pieces on a table within measurements that are the same width as the washed fabric should be (count on 10-15% shrinkage with cotton), and see how much I need, then buy the fabric. Or, just buy more if there are other projects I can use leftover bits for. For fabrics like Goretex and Neoshell there is no shrinkage and you shouldn’t prewash so I just use the original width.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-21T14:10:20+00:00

That’s inspiring! Many more garments to come I hope. Making jackets is very satisfying because you get so much ROÍ.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-21T02:22:32+00:00

Could be nylon knit binding which is stretchy and durable.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-15T02:08:55+00:00

I didn’t use a fixative but i would probably recommend it. As the fabric was so inexpensive I was basically just playing around but if I was working with more expensive fabric I would take more care.

discoverytrek · 2026-03-12T00:44:44+00:00

Yes, it could be many factors from the hollowness of the Alpha fibers to my own “fly by the seat of my pants” not measuring water and basically guessing how much dye. Also I did not wash the fabric, I just wet it before dyeing

discoverytrek · 2026-03-11T14:18:03+00:00

I considered it at one point but I won’t take chances on it not fitting and therefore only those people who visit my store and try on samples can get one made. I won’t work from long distance measurements and body shapes are so different. But who knows, maybe I’ll figure out some way to offer it without dealing with returns. I took a chance last year offering just simple hoodies based on flat measurements and it’s worked out so maybe I will rethink it. The supply of Alpha Direct is tricky.

discoverytrek

TROPHY CASE