Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it.
Foam - From my research, initially I thought the same, but having tried some 3mm scrim foam samples, I could barely tell any difference compared to no foam, it just squished into nothing. It didn't feel like those nice squishy (but firm) wheels you get on modern Mercs. Maybe it was just crap foam? I know any foam will make avoiding bunching much harder, but it wouldn't be fun if it wasn't a challange
That being said, the foam Redline uses seems quite thick?
Stretching - Yeah, from playing with bits of material I'm getting an idea of what is required. Plain patterns look fine when stretched, but the perforated stuff just became so distorted and looks crap. Though being thin pleather, I think the material is the cause of the problem again. Will have to get some decent real leather and have another play.
Pleather - My reason for not going Alcantara was just that reason. Would be silly to get pleather instead then
Thanks again, really admire your work and some pro insight really helps