SQUITO

WEAR

SQUITO WEAR – pronounced as in the end of mosquito – originated from a family need and a desire to enjoy the outdoors in comfort during the biting insect time of year. My oldest son, David, had shown an allergy to mosquitoes while on a fishing trip north of Winnipeg. So when the family moved to Sudbury, in Northern Ontario from the Toronto area I knew something had to be done for him to enjoy a wilderness camping trip with his brother and Dad.

Using “bug spray” was not a healthy or acceptable solution. I have always enjoyed sewing and have made many outfits for my family both from standard patterns and custom design requests. Just as a “rain jacket” protects a person from rain I figured a “bug jacket “ could be made to protect a person from biting bugs, and I could make one for my son. It was a challenge and the time frame was short (they wanted to leave in 2 days).

The first pant and jacket set was constructed of nylon fabric and wedding veil mesh (I could not locate mosquito netting in stores in Sudbury). This outfit had some flaws in it, but the idea and protection it afforded my son won his approval and enthusiasm so that I decided to improve on my original design and make the best insect protective outfit possible. I realized that black flies could get through mosquito netting so I went looking for a tighter mesh. I found that tent screening was the answer for me but when I tried to purchase some I was told it could not be used for jackets, it was polyester and sewn in tents, I did not see a problem and insisted I could sew it in jackets.

This no see-um mesh is the best, it is not hot like nylon, keeps out all insects and very strong- can not be torn easily. The best fabric for jackets was a poly/cotton 65/35, it was lightweight, easy care and wears well.

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