Pitch Perfect Repairs
Caving gear repairs by a caver, for cavers
I'm Polly Plowman. I repair caving suits and undersuits. I sew, I patch, I occasionally glue things back together. Your kit gets a second life, and you don't have to buy new.
About Polly
I started caving in my sixties. Got a hip replacement. Kept caving. I made my own oversuit and undersuit, so I know how these things go together and how they fall apart.
I live in Manningtree, Essex, which is about as far from any caving area as you can get in England. But the post works fine, and I'd rather fix your suit than see it binned.
I'm not a professional tailor. I'm retired, still caving, and I enjoy making things. I made my own oversuit and undersuit. I charge for materials and a bit for my time, nothing more.
Weekend Secretary, The Caving Crew (BCA affiliated)
What I can do
Patch torn suits
New knees, seat patches, worn elbows. Send photos first and we'll work out what's needed.
Fix undersuits
Furry undersuits that don't quite fit? Seams coming apart? I can sort that.
Add pockets
Want an extra pocket where you actually need one? Tell me where and I'll put it there.
Alterations
Take in, let out, shorten, lengthen. Make your kit actually fit you.
Bought a new oversuit that doesn't quite fit? Check Starless River's fitting guide to see how it should fit, then get in touch. I can alter new suits to fit you properly.
How it works
1
Send me photos
WhatsApp or Messenger. Show me the damage or what you want done. I'll tell you if I can help and roughly what it'll cost.
2
Post your kit to me
I'm in Essex, so unless we're at the same caving weekend, you'll need to post it. I'll let you know once it arrives.
3
I fix it and send it back
Usually a week or two. You pay for materials and postage, plus a bit for my time. Nothing fancy.
What people say
"Polly is both a caver and the admin's aunt, and so is a verified non-scammer (unless you play cards with her at cheat)."
Tim Dobson
Admin, Caving Gear Exchange UK"Fantastic idea! I always have at least one oversuit ripped to pieces."
Claire Vivian
Caver
Get in touch
Send me photos of your kit on WhatsApp or Messenger. I'll take a look and let you know what seems doable.
I'm sometimes slow to reply if I'm on a caving weekend, but I will get back to you.
Manningtree, Essex
Before you get in touch
- Take clear photos of the damage or area you want altered
- Include photos of the whole garment if possible
- Tell me what you'd like done
- Let me know if there's anything unusual about the material
The more I can see upfront, the better I can tell you whether it's worth doing and roughly what it'll cost.
Questions
What courier do you use?
I usually use Royal Mail for sending repaired items back. For posting to me, use whatever's convenient for you. If your suit is heavy or bulky, Evri or a similar courier often works out cheaper than Royal Mail.
How long does a repair take?
Usually a week or two once I receive your kit. If I'm away caving or there's a queue, I'll let you know. I won't start work until we've agreed what needs doing.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the job. Send me photos and I'll give you a rough idea before you post anything. I charge for materials and postage, plus a bit for my time. I'm not trying to make a fortune, just cover costs and keep suits out of landfill.
Can you repair any brand of suit?
I can work on most oversuits and undersuits. Send me photos and I'll tell you if it's something I can help with. Some materials are trickier than others, but I'll be honest about what's feasible.