Skiing is one of the most exciting winter sports. It has a unique appeal that draws people from all over the world. Many people can’t wait for the winter season to begin so that they can hit the slopes again. The same enthusiasm can be applied to camping, particularly when it comes to backpacking. Having your own gear for these outdoor activities makes you feel like a real hardcore camper. It’s the best of both worlds. You get the excitement of the outdoors without having to rough it. This blog post will tell you how to make your own ski pants.
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The Designers’ Take
Kurt Adler is the creative director for Mountain Laurel Trading Company. He has been designing and making outdoor gear for 20 years. His company is one of the biggest suppliers of backpacking gear in the world. He had this to say about the design process behind Mountain Laurel’s waterproof/breathable Merino wool ski pants.
“The process started with a couple of prototypes, a pair of ski boots and a ski jacket. The aim was to create a modern reinterpretation of the classic ski jacket, based on contemporary materials and designs. These three essential pieces of gear are staples in any skier’s bag. The jacket provides protection from head to toe, the boots provide support and the ski pants connect all three. It was important that the functional and technical aspects of the product were maintained while still adhering to the vintage ski jacket design. So I drew upon my extensive knowledge of outdoor apparel and my love for vintage fashion to bring back the spirit of skiing in modern form. For example, the materials we used for the jacket itself are light yet strong, yet supple and tactile, yet water-repellent. This is in keeping with the principles of breathable textile design and construction that were first developed for use in outdoor sport activities, such as mountain climbing and skiing. We also used supple materials for the interior lining of the jacket and the knitted fabrics for the sleeves and collar. With these elements in place, the next step was to add the finishing touches. This involved studying the human form in motion and understanding how each element of the design interacts with the other pieces in movement. It’s all about the dynamics of the three-piece outfit, not about the individual pieces when examined in isolation. Studying how each element moves in relation to the other was an enlightening exercise that made it easier to see the final design in my head.”
The Materials You’ll Need
The material you’ll need for this project isn’t hard to find, it’s just expensive. The biggest cost is the raw materials themselves. You’ll need four or five different kinds of natural textiles, all of which are imported from abroad. Some of the most common ones are polyester mulberry silk, tartan twill and merino wool. The best way to find out what type of fabrics are suitable for this project is to look at the list of materials for your ski outfit. Typically, the jacket, pants and ski boots will be made of leather or synthetic materials, while the liner of the ski jacket and the pant’s waist are more often than not made of a natural fiber, such as denim or canvas.
An Outdoor Activity
Even if you’ve never given it a thought, you probably know that being out in the fresh air is good for you. The same could be said about skiing. It’s not just about the skiing itself, it’s the act of getting outside, feeling the wind on your cheeks and hearing the crunch of snow under your feet. As someone who’s been skiing for most of his life, Kurt Adler knows all about the therapeutic benefits of skiing. Most of the gear you’ll need for this project is designed with this in mind and it adapts to your body shape to ensure you have the right fit for maximum comfort while skiing. You don’t want to be straining yourself all day, so make sure you’ve got all the proper fit before you hit the slopes.
The Tools You’ll Need
The best tool for the job is a good pair of needle-nose pliers. These are essential for snipping thread and removing laces and zippers. You also need an awl, for making holes in thick fabrics, and a leather punch, for pucnhing holes in thick leather pieces. You can also use the awl to make holes in the leather pieces of the jacket and ski boots to let the air in. This tool will be your best friend in keeping your clothes looking as good as new.
Sewing
You don’t need a lot of tools to sew. In fact, you only need one. A sewing machine. Having a pair of scissors is also handy for cutting the thread when you’re done. You can use a small pair of nail-nose pliers to help you pull the needle through when using a machine. The best tool for the job is a good serger. It can make sewing easier by automatically connecting the layers of the fabric together as you work. You don’t want to be using a needle and thread for this task, as it will be time-consuming and tiring. A good pair of sewing shears is also helpful for cutting threads when you’re done. A ballpoint needle is ideal for your home machine. It’s thin and has a small eye, which helps prevent accidents. You can get these scissors at any hardware store.
How Long Will It Take?
It depends on your experience. If you’re a beginner, it will probably take you about a week to make one pair of skiing pants. The time will fly by once you get into the swing of things.
The Result
When you’re done, you’ll end up with a functional and stylish ski outfit that will have everyone talking about you. Your clothes will stay waterproof and breathable, thanks to the materials and the construction techniques employed. These garments will provide you with warmth during those cold winter days on the slopes and comfort while sleeping under the stars. And best of all, you’ll be wearing the symbol of rebellion against the tyranny of fashion—the iconic black and white striped jumper.
To learn more about creating your own ski suit, check out the Mountain Laurel website. You can also keep up with the latest news and offers by subscribing to their newsletter.