Latest purchase

[Catllar]

From my man in Figures. The black and white is a textured scuba - I asked for 1.5 mts and he gave me 2.5mts as it was the end of the roll. The floral is a lovely italian  viscose rayon - gorgeous hand and a silky feel- bought 2 metres of that and the third one is another Italian border print viscose again I got a couple of metres. Would have been rude not to.

[Vegegrow]

Would have been rude not to.
Definitely... in fact you may have to visit again to buy more

[b15erk]

Oooh, they are beautiful!  Love them all.

Any plans for making up?

Jessie

[Catllar]

Honestly J? No. Just a vague idea the border print would make nice loose pants for the summer here or even a tabard-y thing to go over the (proposed) stash bust Style Arc pants in blue.  The black and white could make Love Notions Sabrina Slim pants and the floral - no idea yet.

[Gernella]

I keep seeing Scuba but I've never actually felt it or bought it.  When I hear the name all I see is a man wearing a black scuba dive suit.  What is it like to feel, sew and wear? More importantly does it show your lumps and bumps?

[Francesca]

I keep seeing Scuba but I've never actually felt it or bought it.  When I hear the name all I see is a man wearing a black scuba dive suit.  What is it like to feel, sew and wear? More importantly does it show your lumps and bumps?

No not really. It's not neoprene.

It's essentially a knit. Close to a double knit, slightly ponte roma feel but it uses polyester and is a lot more lightweight. Because of it's light weight it doesn't drape the same as a ponte roma would do at that thickness. It also has a lustre over it and is very smooth on the surface and spongy too. It's an odd thing to describe. Think of those lustred materials used in exercise wear that are very smooth and have very good recovery. It's like that stuff, but instead of a single jersey it's a double.

It is quite hot to wear, I had a scuba top and couldn't handle it even in the winter but then I am a hot person in general and I get public transport and run places because I am always late 

It'd be perfect for a winter fancy event IMO.

[UttaRetch]

Pretty much what Fran has said.  Scuba knit, as it should properly be described  is otherwise double knit and is smooth and cool to the touch.  It doesn't fray and needs no finishing.  However, if you are menopausal or prone to heat flashes, steer clear.

Neoprene is spongey and has neither warp nor weft.

[maliw]

Lovely fabrics, I like the border print. I must admit I didn't know what scuba was but when I did get to experience it I'm not a great  fan unless there is a thinner one than some of the ones I've seen.

[Fabric Lover]

Love the fabrics, I really like the look of the black and white one. Grateful for your detailed description of scuba knit, Fran, I had always wondered!

[Gernella]

Now that is interesting, put me off I suppose, but just as well, I hate mistakes on fabric when you expect one thing and get another.  They are tempting because they are usually gorgeous patterns. 

[Marniesews]

Absolutely love the scuba - I've sewn it a couple of times and it's very well behaved indeed. 

Skims your lumps and bumps very nicely and if you use it for a bodycon style it's supportive, soft like lycra but with far less stretch. Not so breathable as has already been mentioned, catllar, so you may want to reconsider trousers in your climate.

The border print reminds me of folkart patterns, I think of Hungarian maidens with big aprons & plaits. Lovely 

[Catllar]

I'm not sure about plaits - but the big apron and the dirndl skirt - yodel -ay-hi hoooooo!

[Catllar]

I'm popping down to Spain tomorrow - might just call in to see my fiancé - need some black scuba.

[Vegegrow]

I'm sure he'll persuade you to buy other essential fabrics as well...

[Tamnymore]

And some fabric for the bridesmaids' dresses.