Flower Gasket Rain Jacket

This instructable teaches you how to make a clever and durable hooded rain jacket out of simple and inexpensive materials.

This project was conceived during my studies at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation in 2006 (and is the reason why I had access to a Laser Cutter - no longer).

Step 1: Materials

Materials for the Flower Gasket Rain Jacket are listed as follows:

1. E.V.A. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Foam Sheet, 2mm Thickness, with a variety of colors to choose from (this may come in stock sizes, try to get Approximately 4+ yards material)

2. PVC Clear Vinyl, 12 Gauge or thinner. This should be very flexible, with little rigidity. Approximately 4+ Yards material.

3. Sewing Pins

4. Heavy Duty Nylon Thread

5. Fabric Measuring Tape

6. Tape (optional) - for taping together printed pattern

7. Fabric Shears

8. Printer (or large plotter is easy if accessible) to print pattern

9. Heavy Duty Sewing Machine for Leather/Canvas (if you do not have a heavy duty machine, consult a tailor/upholsterer for assistance)

Computer and Drawing Software (I used AutoCAD, and then Adobe Illustrator to create pattern)
Laser Cutter (to cut patterns)

I purchased the E.V.A foam and PVC Vinyl from Canal Rubber in New York, NY. There are many other rubber/vinyl distrubutors of this kind.

Comments

[Startrelle]

Love it! Very unique and original.

[Madrigorne]

I want to add LEDs or EL cording so it is lit from inside. its just so dang PRETTY

[LottaTroublemaker]

This jacket is just awesome, love the pattern and use of gaskets to create it! I would love to hear how the material AND the pattern fit though, how comfortable it is to wear. One thing I'm thinking of, is the unusual sleeve pattern as well as wearing something made from both vinyl sheets and foam sheets, which is quite thick and with a very different drape than ordinary fabrics meant for garments. It is real cool though to explore new ways of using modern man-made materials! I wouldn't be able to make this (or it would be very expensive/difficult), do not have local sources for materials and machinery, but I really enjoyed your instructable and seeing the result of your work! It really should be exhibited somewhere for more people to see, very inspiring! :)

[inkstainedheart]

I don't have access to a laser cutter, but I could definitely use AutoCad for patterning. Thanks for the idea!

[DragonessD]

Very cool. I'll probably never have access to a laser cutter, but it definitely gives me ideas for mapping out my own pattern on paper - have a roll of large brown paper that work just fine.

[pocketwatch]

Your jacket is beautiful-does it feel comfortable?

[nylon]

With a rain coat like this I think it is about time that umbrellas are outlawed. They are dangerous and take too much space on the street. I really hope you can attain access to a laser cutter again soon so that production of these super coats can resume !

[DotatDabbled]

This is just fabulous. Way too hard for my skill level, but I can dream!

[jsethedwards]

awesome!

[maplepapercuts]

Candy for the eyes! I love it - just wish I had access to the right tools. Someday I shall have one of my own :) Thanks for the project!

[cenorman]

who thought ecological design and technology had to be oxymorons! i love it. i wonder what a snow or pollution one could look like!

[cgtrudell]

it's beautiful. i like the use of a mechanical form (the gasket) to create a floral pattern. i will try to make one, but perhaps it will be a spring jacket which just leaves the holes open (w/o vinyl). great instructions.

[mito25]

This flower gasket rain jacket, demonstrates the creative potential of the laser cutter. No longer relegated to industrial applications, laser cutting can now be applied to the most demanding of creative projects. Projects like this are successful, since the precision of the ideas matches the precision of the instrument used to realize them.

[mito25]

This flower gasket rain jacket, demonstrates the creative potential of the laser cutter. No longer relegated to industrial applications, laser cutting can now be applied to the most demanding of creative projects. Projects like this are successful, since the precision of the ideas matches the precision of the instrument used to realize them.

[AnthonyDeVito]

This jacket will do for fashion what Jackie Robinson did for baseball...break color barriers. This jacket could make dogshit look like a diamond. Its like my eyes had AIDS all these years, then I took one look at this jacket and was cured. This jakcet could make Mary Kate look like Ashley Olsen. Even Kimmie Gibbler could get a date in this jacket. Invention of the year, hands down!!!

[Chunga]

This is the most elegant and inticate rain jacket I have ever seen! Can I order one like it? Amazing what you can do with a laser cutter...

[mwong]

I second that- I also wish I was a Lady.

[KTFARAH]

This is one time in my life I wish I was a Lady so I can wear it. Looks grrreat. +5

[GorillazMiko]

Wow... looks amazing! Nicely done Instructable, looks great. +1 rating.