Davej wrote:

Interesting, but I wonder how many of these fabrics can be purchased
in small quantities?

Not many. Technically, Gore-Tex is not a retail product. Gore will not
sell direct to the retail chain. If you find Gore-Tex at a retail shop,
it is from an end-of-run surplus at a clothing manufacturer. That's why
it's hard to get a wide choice of colours and fabric types.

The big makers of clothing also don't sell the fabric in the retail
chain. You won't find Lowe, Patagonia. TNF etc at the local fabric shop.

The few brands that can be found in retail include Entrant, Schoeller
and Sympatex (though some of those might be end-of-run, too).

The big boys won't trade away their brand advantage and the major fabric
makers won't let their products be badmouthed by people who make
clothing with the fabrics but don't finish them properly. A poorly
sealed garment will leak and it isn't the fault of the fabric. A poorly
made garment won't breathe well either and that's also no the fault of
the fabric. hence the CYA selling practices.

One of the best sources for outdoor gear making is Penny Schwinn. Here's
her page of fabric sources:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/sources.asp

Mike