MerOliver's first tail project: Fabric

So, now it is time to start my first tail project. Thought about going for a full silicone tail, but soon realized that it would probably better getting some experience in measuring and sewing first, the high cost not yet considered. Kind of learning to walk before you run :blush:.

Well, now it is fabric first. I decided to go for the double-seam method, watched the youtube video of Sasha explaining all the measuring, and the pattern was laid down in no time. The fluke will be build around my Mascotte monofin, so I'm done there. Nice side note: The Mascotte is slightly slimmer than a Competitor, so I can get the front and the back part out of one breadth (is the fixed measure called this?) of fabric.

Edit:
Found some nice fabric in a web shop! :) Especially the scale pattern is really, really nice. I will give it a try, even if it's kind of holographic print and probably won't last long.

Attachment 18276

really cool *_* I love that pattern

Awesome fabric and good luck! From what I've heard it better to start with a fabric or neoprene tail before moving up to silicone anyway, there's an entire thread talking about it.

Fabric is a great place to start! I made three fabric tails before I tackled silicone and it does help a lot to have some tailmaking experience first! I love the blue fabric! :)

So, the fabric order is out. Delivery time: 5 to 7 days..... *sigh*
Well, in the meantime I'll have time to think about some kind of belt, first to keep the tail up, second, to hide my waist (where is more Olli than there should be... :blush:), and third, to place some trim weights if needed.

Best option would be to go with some dive belt, I think. They come with a proven concept of quick release, are easy to use with standard dive weights and, most important, neither me nor my buddy would have to think how to operate it should the need arise. Only have to figure out how to make the buckle mer-like without compromising the function.

Yay! The fabric just arrived! :dance:The pattern is ready, and with luck everything works as planned.

Pictures coming soon!

glad to hear it! I'm happy for you :D

Finished cutting the patterns. Sewing will be on another day.:bed now:

Good luck! Looking forward to seeing the result :)!

So, now it's time for the promised pictures:
Attachment 18423
A test for the scale fabric
Attachment 18424
The monofin to go inside the tail
Attachment 18425
Pattern on the scale fabric
Attachment 18426
The cut-out and tacked body (left side out)
Attachment 18427
Cut-out fluke (note the different fabric)
Attachment 18428
Body and fluke laid out for sewing

I won't be able to get to sew it until Friday :(, so updates will have to wait until then.

To be continued... :p

I like the cut of the fluke! The three peaks remind me of the points on a trident. Also, what kind of monofin is that?

The fabric is amazing, and so far I think you are doing an epic job at this whole thing :-3

Thank you all for the encouraging posts. The monfin is an entry-level fin from an Italian manufacturer (Mat-Mas). It's fairly soft, as it has a polypropylene blade without ridges for reinforcement. The advantage of the plastic blade is when using it on rocky ocean sites I would just scratch the blade and not smash it. The disadvantage is that it gives way less propulsion than a bigger fiberglass fin (for example like a Competitor).

The main reason I used this in my tail is due to the tail pattern process: The Mascotte (as the fin is called) is less wide than my Competitor and so fits better to the fabric folded in half. When I did the pattern for ordering the fabric I wanted to at least to have the option of cutting the body and the fluke out of one piece of fabric folded in half, and the Competitor was slightly too wide for the scale fabric. Now that I decided to do the fluke out of a different fabric I could have re-done the pattern to fit the Competitor, but in fact I like the proportions of the design, at least at the moment. ;)

Basic sewing is finished! :dance: Tried it on, and it actually fits (and that although the last time I used a sewing machine was about 20 years ago...). Next step will be a lexan fluke for better support of the three tips and something about the upper hem (belt or something).
As usual, pictures will follow. :bed now:

After some final adjustments, including a rubber band in the upper hem, the tail is finished at last:
Attachment 18525Attachment 18526

The fluke needs some refinement, though. The polycarbonate for the shaped monofin is ordered already, and I'm working on the other details (footpocket , stiffeners, etc.).

Luckily I got permission to test it in a swimming pool next Friday, and maybe there will be some more pictures and videos from underwater. I'll keep you all informed!

That looks great! :D you did an awesome job :)

I'm hoping to see some swim videos ;) hehe

Wow you finished it so quickly! Or maybe it seems fast to be because I take forever to finish a project. You look fantastic!

Update: Just got a call from the dive shop that the pool day was called off. So the test today is cancelled and has to wait until next week. :cry:
No videos before then, I'm afraid.

great job! :D

Using two fabrics was a brilliant idea :)