Total off the wall question...

[Syrilla]

I am in a desperate search for fabric to make authentic looking 2 piece space suits.  Like the ones the shuttle astronauts wear during a space walk.  Strong, shiny-ish, cleanable, easy to sew, under $10 a yard...  Does anyone have ideas or links to types of fabric.

[BubbleWright]

How authentic do you need to be? I once did a space suit costume for the Smithsonian Kite Festival using a white TYVEK (Registered DuPont TM) coverall. I glued on some patches, added some markings with a Sharpie Pen, added an EVA back pack made from a cardboard box, and bought a costume helmet to which I added more bits and pieces (hoses). Also sprayed an old pair of work boots white. The kite that went with it was a silver cylindrical box kite with wings that looked like solar panels. I won the Theme Award (A Century of Flight- Looking Forward).

[Syrilla]

It doesn't have to be used in space, but it is for people attending "Space Camp".  So, the fabric and puffy-ness needs to look like the suit.

[LadyStitch]

I'd say try lame but it is a witch to work with.  I belive it runs around 7-8 a yard.
How many yards do you need?

http://www.denverfabrics.com/catalog_itemdetail.aspx?ItmID=5506 Not ideal as it is rain wear stuff but it is silver metalic.
http://www.denverfabrics.com/catalog_itemdetail.aspx?ItmID=SW19104 This might work but it is $11 a yard.
http://www.denverfabrics.com/catalog_itemdetail.aspx?ItmID=MT12 This is the silver lame, but you have to buy the whole bolt. ($57.00)

That is just one site, but it is a start for you.

[Anna Iram]

 Nylon canvas might look good, but that might be too heavy and I don't think breathable. Look into Taslan possibly?. It's used widely in outdoor wear and is breathable and waterproof and pretty inexpensive. Comes in different weights. I'd go with white. Think skisuit. Do a search for outdoors fabrics to see other breathable nylon type fabrics.

[ArielCallista]

I dunno where to get the or how much they are, but what about those emergency blankets they give out after natural disasters?

[Anna Iram]

I got curious.....went to Apollo Artifacts.com.  There are actually spacesuits up for sale. Want one! Anyway...they do describe the outer fabric as being thermal lined nylon canvas..so it must be breathable Can't post the link right now, but Ebay has a heavyweight nylon canvas fr under $10. I'm sure there are other places that will send a swatch etc. It's not an uncommon fabric.

[Dinobabe]

I dunno where to get the or how much they are, but what about those emergency blankets they give out after natural disasters?

Hardware store, believe it or not!


Try looking at table cloths.  Cheap cloth and may just be in the color you need!

Check this video out.  It's kinda dumb but the suit is cool.
http://www.indymogul.com/backyardfx/episode/BFX_20080211/create-a-scifi-space-suit
You can stop watching after 2:00 minutes, it gets even dumber and there are no more instructions.

Here is another good one.  The videos are boring as all get out but the finished suit is awesome!
http://www.defendthecity.com/2011/03/how-to-make-a-space-suit/

[gem]

Anyway...they do describe the outer fabric as being thermal lined nylon canvas..so it must be breathable

...Except it *can't* be breathable, or that would defeat the entire purpose of a pressurized space suit. It must be treated in some way. "Nova Science Now" actually had a feature on designing new, more maneuverable space suits this season--fascinating stuff! And here's a slide show of the evolution of modern space suits, with great photos.

[Anna Iram]

Lol...oh yeah.   .  Guess breathable could be a problem up there....

I did though find a company that makes hiking pants from the stuff, so yes it must be treated in some way for the NASA suits.

Yes , I could read forever about space technology..and.of course space fashions  .

Nice links Gem.

[Dinobabe]

...Except it *can't* be breathable, or that would defeat the entire purpose of a pressurized space suit. It must be treated in some way. "Nova Science Now" actually had a feature on designing new, more maneuverable space suits this season--fascinating stuff! And here's a slide show of the evolution of modern space suits, with great photos.

That slide show was REALLY cool!

[gem]

Space fashions!! Check out this blog article from Worn Through (this is the same site that had the excellent exploration of the history of pink/blue for babies).

...And now I *totally* want to see Apollo-inspired Ren garb.

[Syrilla]

Thank you everyone for thinking and posting ideas.  I had not thought about the nylon canvas but will look into it.  If this wasn't to be worn over and over and over again for the camp, I think I could have lots of fun with it.  But safety and durability comes first.