MAKE YOUR OWN LONG JOHNS

Image Gallery It doesn't take much to sew "woollies" of your own. All you need are scissors, thread, a needle and a few sweaters. MARK MUTO

Don't throw away those raggy, baggy sweaters! Instead, take a tip from Mary Schantz and transform 'em into custom-tailored winter "woollies."

There's nothing like a pair of old-fashioned woolen long Johns to take the bite out of a cold winter day. A layer of wool next to the skin is, even when wet, about the best insulation imaginable. And, since this material has fibers that lift moisture away from the body, a good pair of "woollies" provides ventilation as well as insulation.

In fact, the only problem with yesterday's answer to the cold is today's inflated economy. It's nearly impossible to find a pair of woolen long Johns for under $25, and even the blended cotton or synthetic imitations (which are often anything but warm when they get damp) aren't cheap.

So, how can you afford to stay cozy and dry while you work or play in the snow? It's easy, just make your own set of woolen underwear! Even the most inexperienced seamster or seamstress can custom-tailor a couple of old sweaters into warm winter undies in an hour or so, and the necessary materials shouldn't cost more than a few of dollars, if anything at all! Here's how:

WHERE THERE'S A "WOOL," THERE'S A WAY ...

First, you'll have to locate two or three old woolen sweaters, one for the top portion of your long Johns, one for the bottom and a third that can be cut up to extend the arms and/or midriff of the other two.

If you don't have any ready-to-be-discarded sweaters around the house, you should be able to find a few in a quick search of a secondhand clothing store or "tag" sale. (You can expect to pay a couple of dollars per sweater, if the prices are higher than that, keep on looking!)

Don't let the appearance of your bargains discourage you. Remember, you want to make underwear, so a few moth holes — unless they're big enough to let in the breeze — won't be a problem.

You might, however, be a little bit fussy about the kind of wool used in your "raw materials." Machine-washable woolen sweaters have an obvious advantage, and — if your skin is sensitive — a soft wool helps you avoid that "hair shirt" feeling.