Fabric for hiking pants - #2

[Meganw]

See if this post works this time.
I'm aiming to make some bushwalking pants that actually fit me, are comfortable under my pack waistbelt and only have the bells and whistles that I like. I know how to sew, and have learned how to draft pants patterns - but it's the fabric side of things that has me a bit stuck.

I know where to get fabric from overseas (eg Extremtextile, Shelby, RSBTR, Rockywoods, Discovery Fabrics) - but have any of you found a source in Australia ?

I walk in Tasmania, mostly off track, and have suffered from pants which were too hot in summer (it got over 25 degrees on a walk last summer OMG!!), and I don't want shorts, because I hate been torn up by scoparia - so am after fabric which is durable, light-midweight stretch woven, breathable, with a bit of stretch and dries fast (the holy grail!!). MYOG Australia hasn't yet got into this sort of fabric (hint hint).
PS - not cotton

Cheers
Megan

[ofuros]

Out of frustration with the lack of choice here, I usually buy the specialised fabrics i need from overseas, cross my fingers for a good exchange rate at the time or take the price/postage hit to bring my custom ideas to life...obviously more expensive but does bring your creative ideas to life.

Or modify what's locally available here in the fabrics you like.

Love my bushwalking shorts in 4way stretch fabric...

[Moondog55]

I simply use Taslan or a polyester trackie pant fabric and put up with the shortcomings. We won't use the huge amount in our stash so if you want a sample of the slick polyester PM me your address.
Bag the knees and you obviate the need for stretch a bit and a leg seam zipper helps with ventilation

[Lamont]

...am after fabric which is durable, light-midweight stretch woven, breathable, with a bit of stretch and dries fast (the holy grail!!).
Cheers
Megan

Megan, the holy grail are these qualities PLUS permanently waterproof.


I hope you find something, I reckon Oz is hopeless for materials that are any good for most clothes.
The one hope you might have is ...to be prepared to spend some time (perhaps a lot of time) and go into the big shop we all know, and look for stuff that's not marketed for what you want.


Let's know if you have any success-good hunting.

[Warin]

...am after fabric which is durable, light-midweight stretch woven, breathable, with a bit of stretch and dries fast (the holy grail!!).
Cheers
Megan

Megan, the holy grail are these qualities PLUS permanently waterproof.

Ewes forgot cheap.