Top Flight Recovery http://www.topflightrecoveryllc.homestead.com/ has the 1.1 oz very thin rip stop nylon. I've used them before when I need a big chute in a small space.

Doug

I finally found some pretty good light stuff at Joanne Fabrics In
Fort Collins. Had to ask for it. They had 3 or 4 colors. I'm not
sure of the weight. I was much, much lighter than what I had
been using.

id love to goto joanne fabrics again, but the estrogen fat women who work there wont help a man #1 and #2 could careless what the hell i want cause they are in a bubble thinking that only women know how to sew or something

Joann's Fabrics! 🙂 That's where I got the ripstop for chutes I've made. Had to take my wife with me; there was no way I was going into a fabric store without female support and backup. 8)

I took the wife and one of her friends.

It dazzled them and made them weak.

Ha! Well, when I asked my wife if she would make a few chutes for me, she knew how few that wouldn't be, and she said no, but she'd teach me how to use her machines. One, a heavy-duty programmable, sewing machine, and the other, a surger that puts those nice edges on. It really was a good feeling knowing how to use a sewing machine. I've got a bunch of them, 54-72", and I'll go back to them sometime next year. I lost the first one I made at Oktoberfest '05, so I'm still in mourning. The nylon harness broke at the booster (only use Kevlar now), so my chute and the light payload section hit a thermal and headed off to Cheyenne. 🙄

There are also some great on-line suppliers that are a bit cheaper, but I use both Joanns and Hancocks locally as color availability is sometimes poor--and yes a guy can walk in there w/o female backup, look the clerk in the eye, and say...rip stop nylon, baby--where is it. Then, once you explain its the stuff with the grid woven into it to stop it from ripping, they usually know where it is. Then its like buying FG or CF--usu comes in about 60"wide--just specify the length. And have at it. If one is interested--you need nothing fancy--we got a Brother on line for about 100 bucks and its done very well. Last chute was 12 feet and it worked fine just using parachute cord from the army-navy surplus. Altogether maybe 30 or 40 in materials.
John S

id love to goto joanne fabrics again, but the estrogen fat women who work there wont help a man #1 and #2 could careless what the hell i want cause they are in a bubble thinking that only women know how to sew or something

...the same way many women feel when they seek help from certain mechanics, doctors, lawyers, electricians, plumbers, etc. I'm as uncomfortable as the next guy in Joanne Fabrics, but remember this perspective, smile, and buy the fabric. 🙂 BTW, they also sell good upholstery thread for sewing the chutes.

Geof,

Excellent points. Actually once you start explaining what you're doing, they can be pretty helpful, (besides which I've encountered some semi-babes). ANDas uncomfortable as Joann's is, buying slinky little black cocktail dresses from the area thrift shops is much worse 🙄

But hey good silk can be had for a buck or less a yard if you're willing to be possible mistaken for a transvestite.

John

Geof,

Excellent points. Actually once you start explaining what you're doing, they can be pretty helpful, (besides which I've encountered some semi-babes). ANDas uncomfortable as Joann's is, buying slinky little black cocktail dresses from the area thrift shops is much worse 🙄

But hey good silk can be had for a buck or less a yard if you're willing to be possible mistaken for a transvestite.

John

LMAO...what do you mean "mistaken"??

😳

Last chute was 12 feet and it worked fine just using parachute cord from the army-navy surplus.
John S

You can bet your life on that surplus parachute chord! I have. It is the same stuff actually used on the Army's parachutes. So you gotta figure you are good to go for up to my 200+lb body weight plus another 100lbs or so in gear at a plane speed of somewhere around 120mph plus body acceleration due to gravity..in short, it's strong stuff. Just get rid of any frayed parts immediately as it loses strength and reliability once the sheath is damaged. Also pack this stuff away from ejection charges as it is nylon sheathed. 😉

Ha! Well, when I asked my wife if she would make a few chutes for me, she knew how few that wouldn't be, and she said no, but she'd teach me how to use her machines. One, a heavy-duty programmable, sewing machine, and the other, a surger that puts those nice edges on. It really was a good feeling knowing how to use a sewing machine. I've got a bunch of them, 54-72", and I'll go back to them sometime next year. I lost the first one I made at Oktoberfest '05, so I'm still in mourning. The nylon harness broke at the booster (only use Kevlar now), so my chute and the light payload section hit a thermal and headed off to Cheyenne. 🙄

Hey Bruce
I was reading this post earlier today. Called my dad and told him not to give away anymore of my mothers machines. (She died a few years back)
I never thought I would be adding sewing machines into my Rocket shop. 🙄
Is a Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 905 Freearm Serger a good machine????
You should know since your a pro now. 😉
Do you give free sewing lessons?

My wife is drooling over the machine so rest assured it's a good machine. Right now we're up to 5 sewing machines including 2 sergers...

Warren

My wife is drooling over the machine so rest assured it's a good machine. Right now we're up to 5 sewing machines including 2 sergers...Warren

It Looks coplicated to me, 4 spools!!!
hmmmm