Anyone into Sewing?

revans wrote:

dude that looks like a super flash pack from rei! nice work. the pocket on the outside is rad. that pack is my favorite ultralight ina push pack. is that a haul loop??

Hey thanks man! I kinda modeled it after the flash/ creek 20. It is a haul loop. I still need to add another on the backside so there’s 2.

Here's what I'm sewing this week. Lots of how-to info out there for anyone so inclined.

I think i’ll start sewing masks too, if i can find some fabric.

Here’s my attempt at wallet
 

this is all awesome stuff and I'm super motivated now after reading this thread. I've been thinking of taking the time and getting a machine for my own use but I want something that will do both delicate work like repairs or something like that but also be able to stitch together heavier stuff like webbing or canvas. I was shopping around online and I see that Michaels carries a few models of singer that are purpose built for being able to stitch have your stuff but can they do lighter stuff to? And how easy is it for an idiot like me to get started figuring all this out on their own?

Tony Bob wrote: this is all awesome stuff and I'm super motivated now after reading this thread. I've been thinking of taking the time and getting a machine for my own use but I want something that will do both delicate work like repairs or something like that but also be able to stitch together heavier stuff like webbing or canvas. I was shopping around online and I see that Michaels carries a few models of singer that are purpose built for being able to stitch have your stuff but can they do lighter stuff to? And how easy is it for an idiot like me to get started figuring all this out on their own?

anything in michaels isnt going to be heavy duty enough to sew heavier stuff....do yourself a favor......check craigslist or ebay and find yourself a older industrial machine. a 308 is an awesome machine. adjustable zigzag and straight stitch (the 308 does a zig zig-zag zag which is stronger). if you look long and hard enough you can probably find one for 200.....thats with the table and motor. some will be more, and if youre lucky youll maybe even be able to land one south of 200....

Gunkiemike wrote: Here's what I'm sewing this week. Lots of how-to info out there for anyone so inclined.

As for surgical masks, ugh, I've been kind of surprised at how little technical information about them that's available here on the internets.  Concerning to me is how much suspect information that has popped up in the past week.  There's a lot of misunderstanding.  To help a local group of makers producing masks for healthcare workers here on the front range, I summed up what information I could get my hands on and put it here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14An2xHfcxXIkiuZe0kpeBRjIep3uYSNrdeuIGWqvmJU/edit?usp=sharing

If some of us are taking a break from sewing wallets and chalk bags this week, I hope this helps.  If any of you have thoughts/additions, please let me know and I'll update the document. 

Lastly, I don't want to hijack the thread with this - let's keep sewing way cooler stuff than masks!

EFS wrote:

anything in michaels isnt going to be heavy duty enough to sew heavier stuff....do yourself a favor......check craigslist or ebay and find yourself a older industrial machine. a 308 is an awesome machine. adjustable zigzag and straight stitch (the 308 does a zig zig-zag zag which is stronger). if you look long and hard enough you can probably find one for 200.....thats with the table and motor. some will be more, and if youre lucky youll maybe even be able to land one south of 200....

Yes and no, I have an old Janome and it will handle up to 3 layers of canvas if  you go slow and gentle and use the right needle, I am looking into a more industrial straight stitch machine though because it will wear the poor thing out (I don't do that much canvas, but I'm starting to sew my own jeans and denim is heavy too), so take into account how much you'll be sewing.  Most basic machines will do lightweight stuff, you just have to adjust the foot pressure and thread tension, and for multiple layers and slippery fabrics, invest in a walking foot, you will thank yourself later.

Thanks I appreciate it. My ambition is that this is going to be the machine that I learn on and then the machine that eventually accomplish stuff with. so I imagine there's going to be a lot of screwing things up for quite a while and maybe a few perforations of my fingers until I get it right figure things out

Wow what a lot of talented sewers (as a retired civil engineer that never looks right) and awesome inspiring projects!  It's great to see how many creative seamstresses and seamsters there are in the outdoor community.  

A week before the Coronavirus shut things down, I had started teaching a class to sew outdoor gear at the Sew Green classroom.  Of course now that's on hold (and they're in financial trouble in case any of you sewists would like to make a donation).

I started sewing about 1970, and here's a picture of my first project.  My mom suggested it (thanks mom) as a way to practice instead of learning to sew on a down sleeping bag from a Frostline kit.

The first day I wore it to high school, someone asked why I was wearing a life preserver ; )

Here are pictures of more recent projects:Anorak to replace the one I wore for 40 years.
Waffle fleece
My current (never ending) project: a fully baffled down parka.  I hope it fits because I seriously doubt if I'll ever try another one.
Here's the machine I use for 90% of my sewing (including heavy cordura, webbing,leather, 10d nylon...).  A 1948 Singer 221 Featherweight that I inherited from my mom (thanks mom).  I'm lucky to have a wife who quilts, so we also have a machine to zigzag stitch and a serger.

You can see more of my home made gear here: Home made gear

Have Fun,
-Bob

Max R wrote: Well since i’m stuck at home, i’ve started playing with my gf’s sewing machine more. I’ve seen a few cool DIY packs on here. Whats everyone making? Where do ya’ll get your fabrics from?
 
Here’s a few of my recents.

Are these seriously your first sewing pieces you've made?? They look professional level to my eyes. Would you be interested in making another fanny pack to sell? My wife's been really wanting one for MTB... 

Bob Chiang wrote:

The first day I wore it to high school, someone asked why I was wearing a life preserver ; )

But did you ask for donations for the Coast Guard Youth Auxiliary?

Nick Niebuhr wrote:

Are these seriously your first sewing pieces you've made?? They look professional level to my eyes. Would you be interested in making another fanny pack to sell? My wife's been really wanting one for MTB... 

Thanks dude! The fanny pack definitely took me a few tries. Sewing corners is hard. I’m waiting on some fabric to come in, but i might be able to make another one next week if i have the time. Here’s one i made for my mom. 

For those who might be interested in older or industrial machines I have been impressed with the number and price of machines selling on FB marketplace, I am in the northeast and I do not know how this will pan out in other parts of the country, but around here I have been surprised with the selection and reasonable prices I have seen. 

Bob Chiang wrote: Wow what a lot of talented sewers (as a retired civil engineer that never looks right) and awesome inspiring projects!  It's great to see how many creative seamstresses and seamsters there are in the outdoor community.  

A week before the Coronavirus shut things down, I had started teaching a class to sew outdoor gear at the Sew Green classroom.  Of course now that's on hold (and they're in financial trouble in case any of you sewists would like to make a donation).

I started sewing about 1970, and here's a picture of my first project.  My mom suggested it (thanks mom) as a way to practice instead of learning to sew on a down sleeping bag from a Frostline kit.

The first day I wore it to high school, someone asked why I was wearing a life preserver ; )

Here are pictures of more recent projects:

Anorak to replace the one I wore for 40 years.

Waffle fleece

My current (never ending) project: a fully baffled down parka.  I hope it fits because I seriously doubt if I'll ever try another one.

Here's the machine I use for 90% of my sewing (including heavy cordura, webbing,leather, 10d nylon...).  A 1948 Singer 221 Featherweight that I inherited from my mom (thanks mom).  I'm lucky to have a wife who quilts, so we also have a machine to zigzag stitch and a serger.

You can see more of my home made gear here: Home made gear

Have Fun,
-Bob

What did you do? Jump ship?

A friend gave me a bunch of awning/banner reinforced vinyl. Made a fold top daypack. Should be good for the grocery getter bicyclist or a gear and rope bag for the crag.

Long tool bag for tripods, Sawzall etc.

Dop kits and small tool bag.

Old time haversack in rain slicker yellow and a couple of pouches
.

Sewed right thur the earthquake. Anyone in Boise feel it?

Couple of prototype masks with point bonded polypro for the filter liner.

 

Also tried stack cutting with the straight knife. Easily cut a dozen layers with no melting. Seems like dozens of layers could done.

Dave Olsen wrote: Also tried stack cutting with the straight knife. Easily cut a dozen layers with no melting. Seems like dozens of layers could done.

Dang, Dave-- I need me one of those machines.  We're doing a batch of masks for Denver hospitals now, and it's taking forever.