Hi all,

This is my first post and I apologize if there is a similar thread to what advice I am about to ask. I am a somewhat new kayakforum member, so have been trying to catch up on some related posts, but figured I might as well break the ice. This winter, I plan to build my first SOF kayak (another first!) with my friend. We are currently gathering all of our kayak ingredients, including a soon trip to the lumberyard for some WRC and marine grade plywood. Most of the supplies have been somewhat easy to find with the exception of the appropriate polyester fabric for our kayak skin.

I have been in contact with two local (to me) Chicago-based companies that are in the marine fabric industry. However, they have both acknowledged this is not their forte, or at least for quite some time ("Back in the 80s it was more popular for us I know" - Company X).

For those of you SOF crafts(wo)men, I was wondering if you have a preferred location/person/contact to purchase your fabric? And, on that note, do you have any recommendations when choosing/purchasing fabric? I plan to use the kayak on calm days on Lake Michigan (and, I suppose, the Chicago river when channeling her to and fro the apartment storage and the lake).

I am still in my preparation phase, so I have time until I need the fabric, but I am hoping to collect everything by the new year.

Thank you!!

Katherine