Friday, March 11th, 9 - 11:30
Numbers Leather Loft
Leather, Modern, Tartan, Utility Kilt, Leather, or Shirtless
50/50 and Door Prize Draws
Membership: $5/event or $20/year
Play Party @ M2M After
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Aye Pervert
UP YOUR KILT Party
Friday, March 11th, 9 - 11:30
Numbers Leather Loft
Leather, Modern, Tartan, Utility Kilt, Leather, or Shirtless
50/50 and Door Prize Draws
Membership: $5/event or $20/year
Play Party @ M2M After
Friday, March 11th, 9 - 11:30
Numbers Leather Loft
Leather, Modern, Tartan, Utility Kilt, Leather, or Shirtless
50/50 and Door Prize Draws
Membership: $5/event or $20/year
Play Party @ M2M After
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
NW Sash Bash Review
(images pending;))
ABigKid, Tuchus and I did the six-hour trek down to Portland last weekend to check out Northwest Sash Bash. It was my first time in Portland so I was excited, however late last week a bug that was dogging me for days finally went critical and I had such a bad head cold by Friday I was debating cancelling the weekend. I persevered, however, and tried to keep my infection zone to a minimum in the vehicles while we were travelling south. We stopped in Seattle to pick up BigRedSatyr and MyKindofRain. Due to the 'gay men = cat herding' principle, we didn't land in Portland until close to midnight, so we basically stopped by the Eagle for a beer and headed to the hotel with the intention to get a good sleep and take everything up a notch on Saturday. Tuchus and CumPigCub also stayed at the hotel.
ABigKid had picked up his new Alien Egg toy, and we gave it an initial test run on Saturday afternoon after a few stops at Home Depot and Walmart to pick up necessary accessories. Afterwards we dressed up and took the MAX into downtown for the Leather & Lace Show at Embers. We enjoyed the show and tried to win some auction items but there was miscommunication as some points and fellow travellers were out-bidding each other due to the lighting in the club! LOL ABigKid and I ran into Rubberasylum and a couple other Portland guys on our way out, it was good to see at least a bit of rubber representation at the party :)
We went back to the hotel and changed for the Eagle Uniform party, but first ABigKid and I decided to stop by the pansexual play party at the Conservatory to demo the alien egg. The demo went over almost too well, as we spent two hours there instead of one, got about six people into the egg, and as we left, got an ovation! It may not have been our target market for Rubbout promotion, but they certainly enjoyed having us there. The Eagle is pretty small so we figured that was the better place to demo.
We ended up at the Eagle around 11:30 and I think a large number of the guys had already left, but it was nice to meet new guys and reconnect with some old acquaintances and friends there. ABigKid and I stayed until close to 2am then we went back to the hotel, changed again and checked out the play party in Tuchus and CumPigCub's room. Things had already devolved into fucking and fisting so we joined in for awhile. I finally got to bed around 5am.
Sunday morning came early. We packed up, headed out for food. ABigKid and I stopped by friends' place in Vancouver, WA en route back north for a quick visit, then it was pretty much beeline back to Vancouver, BC save for a stop in Seattle at the Cuff and Doghouse Leathers to drop off some more promo stuff and pick up a sponsorship prize package from Jeff at Doghouse Leathers (thanks Jeff! :)).
Portland is a neat town, I would love to go down there again in the summer when everything's green and lush. It's only a six hour drive, it will be a definite place to return to!
The Portland kink community is small but resilient, and very welcoming and fun. Thanks for the fun weekend guys! Until next time!
ABigKid, Tuchus and I did the six-hour trek down to Portland last weekend to check out Northwest Sash Bash. It was my first time in Portland so I was excited, however late last week a bug that was dogging me for days finally went critical and I had such a bad head cold by Friday I was debating cancelling the weekend. I persevered, however, and tried to keep my infection zone to a minimum in the vehicles while we were travelling south. We stopped in Seattle to pick up BigRedSatyr and MyKindofRain. Due to the 'gay men = cat herding' principle, we didn't land in Portland until close to midnight, so we basically stopped by the Eagle for a beer and headed to the hotel with the intention to get a good sleep and take everything up a notch on Saturday. Tuchus and CumPigCub also stayed at the hotel.
ABigKid had picked up his new Alien Egg toy, and we gave it an initial test run on Saturday afternoon after a few stops at Home Depot and Walmart to pick up necessary accessories. Afterwards we dressed up and took the MAX into downtown for the Leather & Lace Show at Embers. We enjoyed the show and tried to win some auction items but there was miscommunication as some points and fellow travellers were out-bidding each other due to the lighting in the club! LOL ABigKid and I ran into Rubberasylum and a couple other Portland guys on our way out, it was good to see at least a bit of rubber representation at the party :)
We went back to the hotel and changed for the Eagle Uniform party, but first ABigKid and I decided to stop by the pansexual play party at the Conservatory to demo the alien egg. The demo went over almost too well, as we spent two hours there instead of one, got about six people into the egg, and as we left, got an ovation! It may not have been our target market for Rubbout promotion, but they certainly enjoyed having us there. The Eagle is pretty small so we figured that was the better place to demo.
We ended up at the Eagle around 11:30 and I think a large number of the guys had already left, but it was nice to meet new guys and reconnect with some old acquaintances and friends there. ABigKid and I stayed until close to 2am then we went back to the hotel, changed again and checked out the play party in Tuchus and CumPigCub's room. Things had already devolved into fucking and fisting so we joined in for awhile. I finally got to bed around 5am.
Sunday morning came early. We packed up, headed out for food. ABigKid and I stopped by friends' place in Vancouver, WA en route back north for a quick visit, then it was pretty much beeline back to Vancouver, BC save for a stop in Seattle at the Cuff and Doghouse Leathers to drop off some more promo stuff and pick up a sponsorship prize package from Jeff at Doghouse Leathers (thanks Jeff! :)).
Portland is a neat town, I would love to go down there again in the summer when everything's green and lush. It's only a six hour drive, it will be a definite place to return to!
The Portland kink community is small but resilient, and very welcoming and fun. Thanks for the fun weekend guys! Until next time!
Tom of Finland Art
Tom's minions in rubber!
As part of my Mr. WCR package, the men at the Tom of Finland Foundation in Los Angeles were gracious enough to offer me a limited edition first run print of Tom's men in "Commander" for either my personal collection or to auction off for charity. It arrived yesterday. The print is beautiful in its simplicity; I can't wait to get it framed and hung. I was debating putting it up for charity right away but I think I will enjoy it for myself for a while first. :)
Environmentally Friendly
Thirteen Recycled Steampunk Gas Masks
By Simone Preuss
September 15, 2010 1-800-Recycling.com Fashion
Leatherwork studio Bob Basset and artist Tom Banwell both focus on steampunk art works. By repurposing something as practical as a gas mask, the form is turned into something fantastic.
At the intersection of futurism and romance, steampunk marries Victorian steam power with science fiction technology. Think of the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, or, from a more modern perspective, BioShock and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
There’s not much that embodies the ideas of steampunk more than these steampunk gas masks — creations of leather, resin, brass and copper that, in an eerie and freakish way, show our fear of a dystopian future disaster. Ukrainian workshop Bob Basset and American leatherwork artist Tom Banwell are masters when it comes to repurposing unwanted materials and recycling them into steampunk works of art!
13. Sentinel
Sentinel is a creation that combines a fire helmet, a gas mask and a collar that seems to be modeled on a medieval design. In any case, this reddish brown and gray creation is supremely stylish.
12. Pachydermos
If an elephant were ever in need of a gas mask, it could wear this amazing creation, called Pachydermos. Each detail has been painstakingly put together from repurposed, recycled materials. The trunk, for example, was once a commercial vacuum cleaner hose that Banwell covered in lambskin wrapped with waxed thread.
11. Victorian Stormtrooper
This next piece, the only one in a lighter leather tone, seems to provide evidence that stormtroopers existed even in the Victorian age. Just imagine the British Empire guarded by a legion of spacemen, under the not-so-evil emperor, Queen Victoria (always dressed in black, mind you).
10. The Steampunk Diver
Bob Basset is the name of a workshop in the Ukraine that makes unique, high-quality steampunk art, mainly consisting of masks, but also including sculptures and armor. The workshop team consists of Oleg and Sergey Petrov and Andrei Patlin and Andrey Makaruk, who have 20 years of experience in leatherwork. They use materials like stone, metal, resin and glass, and their steampunk gas masks feature brass, copper and leather as you will see.
9. The Steampunk Freak
The leather and brass elements that make up this amazing construction have been brilliantly repurposed and adapted to their new function. The mask’s lensed eyepieces and covered mouth are more than a little reminiscent of the gasmasked Hellboy villain Kroenen.
8. The Sidekick
Since starting out with dragon bags and sculptures in 2008, the Bob Basset workshop has become an underground success. The four artists have since moved on to leather vests and creepy octopus masks (check them out!) and to this series of stunning steampunk gas masks.
7. Steampunk Insect
Combining black leather with shining metal details, this piece looks positively medieval. Reminiscent of a gladiator’s helmet and of an executioner’s cowl, there’s an awful lot going on here — and you can just imagine this Victorian spaceman striding across a could-have-been battlefield of a future that never came to pass.
6. Steampunk Diver Meets Nuclear Disaster
The next mask features lots of brass, copper and leather, so you’re sure to create some attention wearing this cool piece. If you’re not wading at the bottom of a lake, that is.
5. The Anteater
This deluxe version of a steampunk gas mask looks positively stormtrooperish. The tiny brown buttons look like microphones that connect the wearer with the outside world. Or maybe they directly transmit the wearer’s thoughts. We wouldn’t be surprised.
4. The Friendly Bear
Tom Banwell is another artist who focuses on steampunk art — gas masks, fire masks, underwater equipment and helmets in particular. Amazingly, Banwell is self-taught and received no formal art training. Before turning to steampunk art, he tried out a variety of media, including batik, woodcarving, mixed media art dolls and leatherwork. The Penn Valley-based artist explains his preference for steampunk: “Creating art in a steampunk genre suits me exceedingly well because it combines several of my interests — history, costuming, mechanics and fantasy — and I can bring these together and get wildly creative in my leatherwork.”
3. Victorian Gas Mask Chic
Banwell scours his neighborhood, from junkyards to yard sales, for just the perfect piece that will fit his creations — “yardsailing,” he calls it. Then, each recycled piece is adapted to the design and often given an antique look to achieve the desired effect. The design in black above, for example, almost seems to be winking at the viewer with its two brass eyes.
2. The Cyclops
Ah, finally a gas mask for a cyclops — or possibly a triclops! Not only can the middle eye finally see, but it is also concealed as a fashion accessory among the two regular eye slits.
After designing, making and selling Western leather men’s hats throughout the U.S. for many years, Banwell now focuses on custom designing and creating resin pieces. For his own creative leatherwork, Banwell uses this experience and incorporates resin components into his artwork. He says about his preference for headgear and masks: “Today I find my greatest creative expression in fantasy masks and helmets. I love experimenting and seeing how leather will behave when cut and soaked and twisted. I love the shapes and the colors, and how my masks and helmets can instantly transform the wearer into a whole other character.”
1. Fire Master Helmet with Gas Mask
Banwell’s most amazing design comes complete with a fire master’s helmet, reflecting the artist’s love for details and authentic design. This trooper is apparently assigned to the “Gryphon Interplanetary Aeroship Expedition,” where firemen will presumably be much needed!
We really don’t know which one of the 13 amazing steampunk gas masks featured here is the best, but the fact is that all of them are incredibly creative and crafted with love and incredible attention to detail. As for the practical purpose of these bizarre, custom-made oddities, many get used on the sets of movies and shows, such as So You Think You Can Dance. The next time you watch TV or the movies and find a creation that looks oddly familiar, you might be looking at the designs of Tom Banwell or Bob Basset.
Images by Tom Banwell, Bob Basset, and via Walyou... more at Walyou.
By Simone Preuss
September 15, 2010 1-800-Recycling.com Fashion
Leatherwork studio Bob Basset and artist Tom Banwell both focus on steampunk art works. By repurposing something as practical as a gas mask, the form is turned into something fantastic.
At the intersection of futurism and romance, steampunk marries Victorian steam power with science fiction technology. Think of the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, or, from a more modern perspective, BioShock and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
There’s not much that embodies the ideas of steampunk more than these steampunk gas masks — creations of leather, resin, brass and copper that, in an eerie and freakish way, show our fear of a dystopian future disaster. Ukrainian workshop Bob Basset and American leatherwork artist Tom Banwell are masters when it comes to repurposing unwanted materials and recycling them into steampunk works of art!
13. Sentinel
Sentinel is a creation that combines a fire helmet, a gas mask and a collar that seems to be modeled on a medieval design. In any case, this reddish brown and gray creation is supremely stylish.
12. Pachydermos
If an elephant were ever in need of a gas mask, it could wear this amazing creation, called Pachydermos. Each detail has been painstakingly put together from repurposed, recycled materials. The trunk, for example, was once a commercial vacuum cleaner hose that Banwell covered in lambskin wrapped with waxed thread.
11. Victorian Stormtrooper
This next piece, the only one in a lighter leather tone, seems to provide evidence that stormtroopers existed even in the Victorian age. Just imagine the British Empire guarded by a legion of spacemen, under the not-so-evil emperor, Queen Victoria (always dressed in black, mind you).
10. The Steampunk Diver
Bob Basset is the name of a workshop in the Ukraine that makes unique, high-quality steampunk art, mainly consisting of masks, but also including sculptures and armor. The workshop team consists of Oleg and Sergey Petrov and Andrei Patlin and Andrey Makaruk, who have 20 years of experience in leatherwork. They use materials like stone, metal, resin and glass, and their steampunk gas masks feature brass, copper and leather as you will see.
9. The Steampunk Freak
The leather and brass elements that make up this amazing construction have been brilliantly repurposed and adapted to their new function. The mask’s lensed eyepieces and covered mouth are more than a little reminiscent of the gasmasked Hellboy villain Kroenen.
8. The Sidekick
Since starting out with dragon bags and sculptures in 2008, the Bob Basset workshop has become an underground success. The four artists have since moved on to leather vests and creepy octopus masks (check them out!) and to this series of stunning steampunk gas masks.
7. Steampunk Insect
Combining black leather with shining metal details, this piece looks positively medieval. Reminiscent of a gladiator’s helmet and of an executioner’s cowl, there’s an awful lot going on here — and you can just imagine this Victorian spaceman striding across a could-have-been battlefield of a future that never came to pass.
6. Steampunk Diver Meets Nuclear Disaster
The next mask features lots of brass, copper and leather, so you’re sure to create some attention wearing this cool piece. If you’re not wading at the bottom of a lake, that is.
5. The Anteater
This deluxe version of a steampunk gas mask looks positively stormtrooperish. The tiny brown buttons look like microphones that connect the wearer with the outside world. Or maybe they directly transmit the wearer’s thoughts. We wouldn’t be surprised.
4. The Friendly Bear
Tom Banwell is another artist who focuses on steampunk art — gas masks, fire masks, underwater equipment and helmets in particular. Amazingly, Banwell is self-taught and received no formal art training. Before turning to steampunk art, he tried out a variety of media, including batik, woodcarving, mixed media art dolls and leatherwork. The Penn Valley-based artist explains his preference for steampunk: “Creating art in a steampunk genre suits me exceedingly well because it combines several of my interests — history, costuming, mechanics and fantasy — and I can bring these together and get wildly creative in my leatherwork.”
3. Victorian Gas Mask Chic
Banwell scours his neighborhood, from junkyards to yard sales, for just the perfect piece that will fit his creations — “yardsailing,” he calls it. Then, each recycled piece is adapted to the design and often given an antique look to achieve the desired effect. The design in black above, for example, almost seems to be winking at the viewer with its two brass eyes.
2. The Cyclops
Ah, finally a gas mask for a cyclops — or possibly a triclops! Not only can the middle eye finally see, but it is also concealed as a fashion accessory among the two regular eye slits.
After designing, making and selling Western leather men’s hats throughout the U.S. for many years, Banwell now focuses on custom designing and creating resin pieces. For his own creative leatherwork, Banwell uses this experience and incorporates resin components into his artwork. He says about his preference for headgear and masks: “Today I find my greatest creative expression in fantasy masks and helmets. I love experimenting and seeing how leather will behave when cut and soaked and twisted. I love the shapes and the colors, and how my masks and helmets can instantly transform the wearer into a whole other character.”
1. Fire Master Helmet with Gas Mask
Banwell’s most amazing design comes complete with a fire master’s helmet, reflecting the artist’s love for details and authentic design. This trooper is apparently assigned to the “Gryphon Interplanetary Aeroship Expedition,” where firemen will presumably be much needed!
We really don’t know which one of the 13 amazing steampunk gas masks featured here is the best, but the fact is that all of them are incredibly creative and crafted with love and incredible attention to detail. As for the practical purpose of these bizarre, custom-made oddities, many get used on the sets of movies and shows, such as So You Think You Can Dance. The next time you watch TV or the movies and find a creation that looks oddly familiar, you might be looking at the designs of Tom Banwell or Bob Basset.
Images by Tom Banwell, Bob Basset, and via Walyou... more at Walyou.
Coming Out of the Darkness....Finally?
I dream of the day I can go out in sunlight without paranoia or fear....what a wonderful day that will be! LOL
If anyone has tried or will try this out, please let me know what your observations are! :) Some people are big fans of Armor-All, which has UV protectants in it, and I'm curious whether this is just as effective or not. Some more testing/experimenting might be required.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Full Rubber Wank Series
Go Rubberriggerpig go! I'm inspired by the well-fitting transparent latex....wearing my own today. I'll have to go and relieve myself shortly after watching this one. He needs a polish though, I'd gladly volunteer!
Mr. David6574 is still prolifically videotaping his wank sessions in the deliciously form-fitting suits he creates himself. They fit him like a glove, appear to have no entry points whatsoever, and have access holes in all the right places! :D
Mr. David6574 is still prolifically videotaping his wank sessions in the deliciously form-fitting suits he creates himself. They fit him like a glove, appear to have no entry points whatsoever, and have access holes in all the right places! :D
On The Move
Off to NW Sash Bash in Portland tomorrow. Things have been moving very quickly lately. It seems everyday we have a new development in the Rubbout planning (which I think is fantastic)!
I'm off to Sash Bash with ABigKid, Tuchus, BigRedSatyr and Mykindofrain. It will definitely be an interesting weekend! We're hoping to get there in time to catch the Meat and Greet, and there is a play party and uniform night at the Eagle in Portland on Saturday. ABigKid is also picking up the new Recon Alien Egg that we will hopefully test out this weekend as well. Hopefully we'll find time to do some Rubbout promotion!
After our last Rubbout meeting on Tuesday, I volunteered to organize the RECON Dark Party on Friday night. It was suggested that we do a rubbermen series of images on the bar monitors and screens as part of the theme for the night. Of course, since I have thousands of rubbermen pics I was volunteered to put together the collection. I have to be careful though....I don't intend to use any profile pics from Recon, Gearfetish, or Rubberzone, however unintentionally some might find there way in there since I don't believe there are any watermarks on Recon pics. Gearfetish and Rubberzone watermarks are obvious. I'm hoping that guys that have taken marvellous pictures over the years in my collection aren't offended if some of them end up on the screens. As long as they are watermarked I don't think there will be a problem as the rest of them would be public domain.
The loop is only for atmosphere during the events; they will not be given away or redistributed in any way. Do you think this is an issue? It's a one-time thing.
Anyways, I won't be starting this stuff until next week. Gotta focus on having some playtime fun this weekend! :D
As for posts for the rest of this week, I could post some nice new vids posted on Guyzingear or XTube, but some of my fellow bloggers that are on the ball have already done so! Right, Rubberedstud?
I'm off to Sash Bash with ABigKid, Tuchus, BigRedSatyr and Mykindofrain. It will definitely be an interesting weekend! We're hoping to get there in time to catch the Meat and Greet, and there is a play party and uniform night at the Eagle in Portland on Saturday. ABigKid is also picking up the new Recon Alien Egg that we will hopefully test out this weekend as well. Hopefully we'll find time to do some Rubbout promotion!
After our last Rubbout meeting on Tuesday, I volunteered to organize the RECON Dark Party on Friday night. It was suggested that we do a rubbermen series of images on the bar monitors and screens as part of the theme for the night. Of course, since I have thousands of rubbermen pics I was volunteered to put together the collection. I have to be careful though....I don't intend to use any profile pics from Recon, Gearfetish, or Rubberzone, however unintentionally some might find there way in there since I don't believe there are any watermarks on Recon pics. Gearfetish and Rubberzone watermarks are obvious. I'm hoping that guys that have taken marvellous pictures over the years in my collection aren't offended if some of them end up on the screens. As long as they are watermarked I don't think there will be a problem as the rest of them would be public domain.
The loop is only for atmosphere during the events; they will not be given away or redistributed in any way. Do you think this is an issue? It's a one-time thing.
Anyways, I won't be starting this stuff until next week. Gotta focus on having some playtime fun this weekend! :D
As for posts for the rest of this week, I could post some nice new vids posted on Guyzingear or XTube, but some of my fellow bloggers that are on the ball have already done so! Right, Rubberedstud?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Latex Thickness Guide
Here's a blog post Archean from Fetlife I saw this morning. Useful guidelines for latex repairing!
She talks about what thickness of latex is best for what application. It's meant as a rough guide, but since I get a lot of questions about latex gauges I thought you guys might find it helpful... This is a cross-post from the "Making latex clothing" group, but I thought you guys might also be interested in this information, since it applies to buying clothing as well as making it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you know what gauge of latex sheeting to buy, or what gauge will work for a specific garment? That's a question that, as a sheeting supplier, I'm faced with almost daily. With that in mind, I decided to compile an index of latex sheeting gauges and how they're typically used. This is just a rough guideline, not a fixed rule, but hopefully it will dispel some common misconceptions. Please note that thicker DOES NOT always mean more durable. In some cases it can mean just the opposite. Thick latex, when used for the wrong application can be overstretched, and can cause seams to burst. It's also worth noting that thinner sheeting (0.20mm-0.50mm) that's glued to very thick sheeting (1.0mm and higher) is very susceptible to tears at the seams. The reason being the difference in stretch between the thin and thick sheeting will put undue stress on the thinner stuff. I'll get into further detail about how to prevent that in a later blog post.
Before I begin - a clarification: I'm going to be talking about "form-fitting" garments as well as garments that "shape" the body. The distinction is as follows: form fitting garments, like a pair of leggings, sit flush against the skin. Garments that "shape" the body are closer to control-top pantyhose or a push-up bra. They may sit flush against the body, but they are typically a little more constrictive to tuck in a push up unsightly areas (or give you that nice bondage, "tight latex" feeling).
Very thin latex - less than 0.20mm
This gauge is great for draping or flowing garments. Capes, cowls, circle skirts all work really well in thin gauges. It's the toughest latex to work with as it curls quite severely when thinner and glue are applied and can puncture easily. Seams made out of 0.20mm latex are incredibly stretchy. This is not a good gauge for items that you want to sculpt the body and if the garment is too small it will not stay in place (i.e. a tank top that's too small will roll up instead of covering your stomach).
Thin latex - 0.33mm
This is typically the thinnest one would go for a form-fitting garment. It's got a great strength:durability ratio but will not shape the body very well. While it will work for form fitting garments, it's also got a nice flare, making it very versatile. Transparent sheeting (either natural or colored) are usually sold in this thickness as it is more transparent than thicker sheeting. Because it's easier to work with than 0.20mm latex, it's ideal for ruffles, or anything that requires both sides of the sheeting to be glued (i.e. glue front and back).
Standard latex - 0.40mm-0.50mm
This is what I recommend to beginners. It's a good all-around thickness. Easy to work with, while still being thin enough to conform comfortably to the body. This is also the gauge that I most recommend for shaping the body. It's still quite comfortable, so it's got some give (give will also mean durability because you won't be busting out of the seams!). Not great for flared items or anything that has to "flow" this gauge is best used for the skin-tight look. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to go much thicker than this if you want a durable (but still comfortable) outfit.
Thick latex - 0.65mm-0.85mm
At this thickness, it becomes harder to make a form-fitting garment. Because there is little stretch in the latex, there will be little stretch in the garment... so if it's too tight on someone, the seam can burst. If you're getting something made from this gauge, your best bet is to either get it made to measure (if form fitting) or something a little lose (jeans, kilts, jackets). This is also a great gauge for bondage items like vacbeds, armbinders, straightjackets and muzzles.
Very thick latex - 1.0mm and higher
There is practically no stretch here, so it's unsuitable for form-fitting garments. As with the 0.65mm-0.85mm latex, too much stress on the seams will cause them to burst, so anything form fitting, should you go that route, must be carefully sized. This is corset-grade latex, so it's best used for items that need little flexibility - jackets, corsets, belts, bondage items and other structural items. Note that while some think this is the most durable latex, it's very low stretch, meaning it will not work for improperly sized items! This is a really common misconception (thicker latex = ALWAYS better). It's also not always ideal for bondage items - a vacbed with top and bottom 1.0mm latex will not stretch as much and thus won't conform to your body as well as a vacbed with a 0.65mm top.
She talks about what thickness of latex is best for what application. It's meant as a rough guide, but since I get a lot of questions about latex gauges I thought you guys might find it helpful... This is a cross-post from the "Making latex clothing" group, but I thought you guys might also be interested in this information, since it applies to buying clothing as well as making it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you know what gauge of latex sheeting to buy, or what gauge will work for a specific garment? That's a question that, as a sheeting supplier, I'm faced with almost daily. With that in mind, I decided to compile an index of latex sheeting gauges and how they're typically used. This is just a rough guideline, not a fixed rule, but hopefully it will dispel some common misconceptions. Please note that thicker DOES NOT always mean more durable. In some cases it can mean just the opposite. Thick latex, when used for the wrong application can be overstretched, and can cause seams to burst. It's also worth noting that thinner sheeting (0.20mm-0.50mm) that's glued to very thick sheeting (1.0mm and higher) is very susceptible to tears at the seams. The reason being the difference in stretch between the thin and thick sheeting will put undue stress on the thinner stuff. I'll get into further detail about how to prevent that in a later blog post.
Before I begin - a clarification: I'm going to be talking about "form-fitting" garments as well as garments that "shape" the body. The distinction is as follows: form fitting garments, like a pair of leggings, sit flush against the skin. Garments that "shape" the body are closer to control-top pantyhose or a push-up bra. They may sit flush against the body, but they are typically a little more constrictive to tuck in a push up unsightly areas (or give you that nice bondage, "tight latex" feeling).
Very thin latex - less than 0.20mm
This gauge is great for draping or flowing garments. Capes, cowls, circle skirts all work really well in thin gauges. It's the toughest latex to work with as it curls quite severely when thinner and glue are applied and can puncture easily. Seams made out of 0.20mm latex are incredibly stretchy. This is not a good gauge for items that you want to sculpt the body and if the garment is too small it will not stay in place (i.e. a tank top that's too small will roll up instead of covering your stomach).
Thin latex - 0.33mm
This is typically the thinnest one would go for a form-fitting garment. It's got a great strength:durability ratio but will not shape the body very well. While it will work for form fitting garments, it's also got a nice flare, making it very versatile. Transparent sheeting (either natural or colored) are usually sold in this thickness as it is more transparent than thicker sheeting. Because it's easier to work with than 0.20mm latex, it's ideal for ruffles, or anything that requires both sides of the sheeting to be glued (i.e. glue front and back).
Standard latex - 0.40mm-0.50mm
This is what I recommend to beginners. It's a good all-around thickness. Easy to work with, while still being thin enough to conform comfortably to the body. This is also the gauge that I most recommend for shaping the body. It's still quite comfortable, so it's got some give (give will also mean durability because you won't be busting out of the seams!). Not great for flared items or anything that has to "flow" this gauge is best used for the skin-tight look. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to go much thicker than this if you want a durable (but still comfortable) outfit.
Thick latex - 0.65mm-0.85mm
At this thickness, it becomes harder to make a form-fitting garment. Because there is little stretch in the latex, there will be little stretch in the garment... so if it's too tight on someone, the seam can burst. If you're getting something made from this gauge, your best bet is to either get it made to measure (if form fitting) or something a little lose (jeans, kilts, jackets). This is also a great gauge for bondage items like vacbeds, armbinders, straightjackets and muzzles.
Very thick latex - 1.0mm and higher
There is practically no stretch here, so it's unsuitable for form-fitting garments. As with the 0.65mm-0.85mm latex, too much stress on the seams will cause them to burst, so anything form fitting, should you go that route, must be carefully sized. This is corset-grade latex, so it's best used for items that need little flexibility - jackets, corsets, belts, bondage items and other structural items. Note that while some think this is the most durable latex, it's very low stretch, meaning it will not work for improperly sized items! This is a really common misconception (thicker latex = ALWAYS better). It's also not always ideal for bondage items - a vacbed with top and bottom 1.0mm latex will not stretch as much and thus won't conform to your body as well as a vacbed with a 0.65mm top.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Update
Once again, I'm feeling guilty about the lack of posting lately. I just haven't really been feeling up to it. I think the winter takes its toll on my energy levels and thus my motivation ends up in the crapper. It happens with blogging, the exercise regimen, everything else blah blah blah. I'm trying to work back into the energy levels I'm used to having and that make me happy.
We had a fun weekend, the Underground party at FiveSixty was a lot of fun, there were about 50 guys in attendance, a bit of play and cocksucking, one fisting and one fucking situation in the sling, that was about it. I hope they felt it was attended well enough to continue; there was a lot playing against the event including the Oscars(!) and the worst snowstorm yet this winter in Vancouver that day.
I dressed the Boy from Whistler up in rubber, put a harness on Mr. P and we headed out for the night. Mr. P and I were exhausted after the party so we came home and went to bed, but the Boy headed to Steamworks with a couple of guys he was getting up close and personal with at the party. Him and I had some private time yesterday and he left this morning back to Whister so all is good. Mr. P hasn't been feeling well for the past week or so so I've been concerned about his state for awhile now, wishing I could do more for him :(
I'm off to Portland with Mitch and Tuchus this weekend for Sash Bash. It should be fun! I need to rest up for the remainder of the week as I'm feeling a bit of itchy throat right now too. I don't want to miss the ride down!
Oh, and I got news from E7 that their red latex showed up on Monday so hopefully Jose is busy working on my fisting suit. I am so excited to get that one as I've been waiting (for what seems like) forever for it and for the fact I was able to do some customization on this suit.
I've also decided on my next purchase....time to build up the mask arsenal. I've decided the next thing I want to get it the Twinset mask from Rubber's Finest. I love that it looks so bizarre and all air intake/outtake is at the top of the head! COOOL!
They don't list the price on the site, and I haven't inquired yet...that might be a bad sign! LOL
I will wait until after the Rubbout insanity dies down before considering saving up for this baby.
I will try to post a few more times this week, but if I don't I'll hopefully have some memorable reports from Portland! Later!
We had a fun weekend, the Underground party at FiveSixty was a lot of fun, there were about 50 guys in attendance, a bit of play and cocksucking, one fisting and one fucking situation in the sling, that was about it. I hope they felt it was attended well enough to continue; there was a lot playing against the event including the Oscars(!) and the worst snowstorm yet this winter in Vancouver that day.
I dressed the Boy from Whistler up in rubber, put a harness on Mr. P and we headed out for the night. Mr. P and I were exhausted after the party so we came home and went to bed, but the Boy headed to Steamworks with a couple of guys he was getting up close and personal with at the party. Him and I had some private time yesterday and he left this morning back to Whister so all is good. Mr. P hasn't been feeling well for the past week or so so I've been concerned about his state for awhile now, wishing I could do more for him :(
Oh, and I got news from E7 that their red latex showed up on Monday so hopefully Jose is busy working on my fisting suit. I am so excited to get that one as I've been waiting (for what seems like) forever for it and for the fact I was able to do some customization on this suit.
I've also decided on my next purchase....time to build up the mask arsenal. I've decided the next thing I want to get it the Twinset mask from Rubber's Finest. I love that it looks so bizarre and all air intake/outtake is at the top of the head! COOOL!
I will wait until after the Rubbout insanity dies down before considering saving up for this baby.
I will try to post a few more times this week, but if I don't I'll hopefully have some memorable reports from Portland! Later!
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