The "what have you made today" thread

Whiteburn

Thru Hiker
Just added some rubber grommets to my new Evernew water carrier.
I’m going to try suspending it as part of a gravity feed setup...………...
Never bothered with eyelets/ grommets, I just melted a hole through with a hot Ti peg & tied an old shoe lace through the hole.....its lasted years.
 

SafetyThird

Section Hiker
Another peg bag. This will be funny to most people but, having made the previous one with my various pegs on the table, I forgot to get out the bag of pegs from my scarp and, when I did, I realised I'd forgotten I have some long Easton nails in there. So, another one made to accommodate the bigger nails.

In all honesty, I'll probably remake it a bit wider at some point as it's snug with everything in there. Thus are lessons learned I guess. It's all good practice and the smaller one will be fine for my tarp pegs and lines.

IMG_4673.jpeg

Also, is there a trick to fitting sliders onto zips? I find it hard to get the ends even and it's that that's caused the zip to be slightly at an angle. When I tried to make the zips level using the grid on the fabric, it was angled, if I put the ends of the zips together (they weren't completely evenly levelled on either side when stitched on each side) it levels up nicely. I guess I need to just make sure everything is more even and level when putting the various bits on. Another lesson.

Edit: found a couple of places selling jigs to hold the zipper pull which make it a lot easier, though they're £40. Then a bit of googling found this ingenious idea.
I think my little clamp on desk vice will hold a zipper pull solidly for me to try this technique next time.
 
Last edited:

EM - paul

Thru Hiker
Another peg bag. This will be funny to most people but, having made the previous one with my various pegs on the table, I forgot to get out the bag of pegs from my scarp and, when I did, I realised I'd forgotten I have some long Easton nails in there. So, another one made to accommodate the bigger nails.

In all honesty, I'll probably remake it a bit wider at some point as it's snug with everything in there. Thus are lessons learned I guess. It's all good practice and the smaller one will be fine for my tarp pegs and lines.

View attachment 18497

Also, is there a trick to fitting sliders onto zips? I find it hard to get the ends even and it's that that's caused the zip to be slightly at an angle. When I tried to make the zips level using the grid on the fabric, it was angled, if I put the ends of the zips together (they weren't completely evenly levelled on either side when stitched on each side) it levels up nicely. I guess I need to just make sure everything is more even and level when putting the various bits on. Another lesson.

Edit: found a couple of places selling jigs to hold the zipper pull which make it a lot easier, though they're £40. Then a bit of googling found this ingenious idea.
I think my little clamp on desk vice will hold a zipper pull solidly for me to try this technique next time.

Easiest to ignore the fabric grid and sew to the zip edge. Grid weaves are seldom straight. A quilting ruler can help a lot for cutting fabric true but one direction is usually off a little even then. It's worst at the edges where the tenter hooks distort the weave. Sliders come with practice. After the first 1000 you'll be laughing
 

SafetyThird

Section Hiker
Thanks Paul, I had been cutting to the fabric grid because I figured that would be regular from the weaving. I'll just stick with aligning the zips from now on. Hadn't heard of a quilting ruler before, just looked them up, they're handy :)
 

EM - paul

Thru Hiker
Thanks Paul, I had been cutting to the fabric grid because I figured that would be regular from the weaving. I'll just stick with aligning the zips from now on. Hadn't heard of a quilting ruler before, just looked them up, they're handy :)

They are great. Especially if you need to cut lots of small stuff to a size.
 

SafetyThird

Section Hiker
I'd just like to say that @Gadget is a complete enabler :D. Today I learned to splice dyneema from a youtube video, made a tool from some mig welding wire and now have a couple of continuous loops to pimp up the hammock I've bought for a friend's birthday and some Amsteel dog bones to experiment with an alternative hammock suspension system for my own hammock. Hammocks are another rabbit hole I've recently fallen down. I've now used all the Amsteel I've bought from Gadget and will obviously be back for more :D

IMG_4686.jpeg
 

SafetyThird

Section Hiker
And today, in Jay's continuing experiments in learning to sew, I made a stuff sack. The idea was to try and make a simpler version of Paul's tread-lite Cuben packing cubes by making a box based stuff sac with a draw cord top sized to fit my rucksack. I may try to make a zipped box at some point but, at least for now, these are much easier. I'm still using the cheap uncoated ripstop I bought from Ebay so this isn't a long term use version, I'll probably pick up some sil nylon or poly to make some waterproof versions at some point but don't want to buy expensive materials until I'm a bit more confident in my abilities. I also wanted to see how accurate my dimensions ended up after allowing for seams etc. The other thing I wanted to try was a lap felled seam for strength as I'd never sewn anything other than a simple line of stitching for a seam or hem.

Cut a piece of ripstop 105cm x 50cm. Stitched over the edges where the draw cord would be and stitched a double rolled hem to keep the raw edge inside and have room for the draw cord. ran the draw cord through afterwards because that's a lot easier with the fish tool and wouldn't get in the way of the next seam. Lined the seam up with a half seam allowance for the lap fell and ran a line of stitching.

IMG_4696.jpeg

You can see the difference in the seam sizes for the overlap here.

IMG_4698.jpeg

Folded the larger seam over the smaller one and used some binder clips to hold it in place, then ran the second line of stitching.

IMG_4699.jpeg

After about 4-5 inches I realised I'd folded the seam over the wrong way and had to unpick the stitching which left a series of holes in the fabric. As this isn't coated, it's not going to matter on this version but I'd have been annoyed if it was sil although a drop of seam seal would have fixed it. This is how you learn.

Folded the seam the correct way and ran the second line.

IMG_4700.jpeg

It was a bit wonky at the top but improved as a went along and it'll be good and solid.

IMG_4701.jpeg

The bottom seam is just rolled and stitched and then stitched again. This is all probably complete overkill for a stuff sack but it's good practice for me to figure out how to do this and also to consider how different seams can be done. For example, I could do the lap fell seam on the side seam because the fabric is able to bunch around the arm of the machine but this bottom seam wouldn't fit so I just double stitched it instead. Should be strong enough.

IMG_4703.jpeg

Then measured out the box edges at the bottom, double stitched them and cut off the excess.

IMG_4704.jpeg

IMG_4705.jpeg

Added a cord lock to the draw cord and stuffed it with my quilt.

IMG_4706.jpeg

IMG_4707.jpeg

Works nicely, fits in the rucksack well but something as squishy as the quilt pushes the shape out so it's not as neat as a proper zippered box but it'll be fine for the quilt, clothes or food things and I'll be looking to get some waterproof fabric to make a few of these to organise my gear more efficiently.

Oh and it weighs 26g, because someone was going to ask :)
 

SafetyThird

Section Hiker
Looks good mate :)
thanks, it's turning into a fun hobby and something to do when the weather won't let me work outside. Plenty of projects coming to mind once I have the basics down and can start making useful things. I think the big winter project is going to be an under quilt for the hammock. I have a goose down duvet that's far too warm now the house is renovated so I'm going to take half the down out of it and use the excess for the quilt.
 

theoctagon

Thru Hiker
And today, in Jay's continuing experiments in learning to sew, I made a stuff sack. The idea was to try and make a simpler version of Paul's tread-lite Cuben packing cubes by making a box based stuff sac with a draw cord top sized to fit my rucksack. I may try to make a zipped box at some point but, at least for now, these are much easier. I'm still using the cheap uncoated ripstop I bought from Ebay so this isn't a long term use version, I'll probably pick up some sil nylon or poly to make some waterproof versions at some point but don't want to buy expensive materials until I'm a bit more confident in my abilities. I also wanted to see how accurate my dimensions ended up after allowing for seams etc. The other thing I wanted to try was a lap felled seam for strength as I'd never sewn anything other than a simple line of stitching for a seam or hem.

Cut a piece of ripstop 105cm x 50cm. Stitched over the edges where the draw cord would be and stitched a double rolled hem to keep the raw edge inside and have room for the draw cord. ran the draw cord through afterwards because that's a lot easier with the fish tool and wouldn't get in the way of the next seam. Lined the seam up with a half seam allowance for the lap fell and ran a line of stitching.

View attachment 18628

You can see the difference in the seam sizes for the overlap here.

View attachment 18631

Folded the larger seam over the smaller one and used some binder clips to hold it in place, then ran the second line of stitching.

View attachment 18632

After about 4-5 inches I realised I'd folded the seam over the wrong way and had to unpick the stitching which left a series of holes in the fabric. As this isn't coated, it's not going to matter on this version but I'd have been annoyed if it was sil although a drop of seam seal would have fixed it. This is how you learn.

Folded the seam the correct way and ran the second line.

View attachment 18633

It was a bit wonky at the top but improved as a went along and it'll be good and solid.

View attachment 18634

The bottom seam is just rolled and stitched and then stitched again. This is all probably complete overkill for a stuff sack but it's good practice for me to figure out how to do this and also to consider how different seams can be done. For example, I could do the lap fell seam on the side seam because the fabric is able to bunch around the arm of the machine but this bottom seam wouldn't fit so I just double stitched it instead. Should be strong enough.

View attachment 18635

Then measured out the box edges at the bottom, double stitched them and cut off the excess.

View attachment 18636

View attachment 18637

Added a cord lock to the draw cord and stuffed it with my quilt.

View attachment 18638

View attachment 18639

Works nicely, fits in the rucksack well but something as squishy as the quilt pushes the shape out so it's not as neat as a proper zippered box but it'll be fine for the quilt, clothes or food things and I'll be looking to get some waterproof fabric to make a few of these to organise my gear more efficiently.

Oh and it weighs 26g, because someone was going to ask :)

Looks great :)
 

RobH

Ultralighter
thanks, it's turning into a fun hobby and something to do when the weather won't let me work outside. Plenty of projects coming to mind once I have the basics down and can start making useful things. I think the big winter project is going to be an under quilt for the hammock. I have a goose down duvet that's far too warm now the house is renovated so I'm going to take half the down out of it and use the excess for the quilt.

I have always looked in wonder at my wife's sewing machine and wondered if it could turn out some kit ideas I have always mulled over. Great first effort, I am sure mine will be like a 'stokers dhobi hitch' once i get started. need to research materials first. I was looking to get some ripstop off the bay and like yourself give it a go. I have nothing if not time on my hands. What thread did you use?
 
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RobH

Ultralighter
I did not suggest it was a female thing, the sewing machine is her's not mine, and I am sure she will let me use it. Jez that was touchy, chill out a little
 

craige

Thru Hiker
And today, in Jay's continuing experiments in learning to sew, I made a stuff sack. The idea was to try and make a simpler version of Paul's tread-lite Cuben packing cubes by making a box based stuff sac with a draw cord top sized to fit my rucksack. I may try to make a zipped box at some point but, at least for now, these are much easier. I'm still using the cheap uncoated ripstop I bought from Ebay so this isn't a long term use version, I'll probably pick up some sil nylon or poly to make some waterproof versions at some point but don't want to buy expensive materials until I'm a bit more confident in my abilities. I also wanted to see how accurate my dimensions ended up after allowing for seams etc. The other thing I wanted to try was a lap felled seam for strength as I'd never sewn anything other than a simple line of stitching for a seam or hem.

Cut a piece of ripstop 105cm x 50cm. Stitched over the edges where the draw cord would be and stitched a double rolled hem to keep the raw edge inside and have room for the draw cord. ran the draw cord through afterwards because that's a lot easier with the fish tool and wouldn't get in the way of the next seam. Lined the seam up with a half seam allowance for the lap fell and ran a line of stitching.

View attachment 18628

You can see the difference in the seam sizes for the overlap here.

View attachment 18631

Folded the larger seam over the smaller one and used some binder clips to hold it in place, then ran the second line of stitching.

View attachment 18632

After about 4-5 inches I realised I'd folded the seam over the wrong way and had to unpick the stitching which left a series of holes in the fabric. As this isn't coated, it's not going to matter on this version but I'd have been annoyed if it was sil although a drop of seam seal would have fixed it. This is how you learn.

Folded the seam the correct way and ran the second line.

View attachment 18633

It was a bit wonky at the top but improved as a went along and it'll be good and solid.

View attachment 18634

The bottom seam is just rolled and stitched and then stitched again. This is all probably complete overkill for a stuff sack but it's good practice for me to figure out how to do this and also to consider how different seams can be done. For example, I could do the lap fell seam on the side seam because the fabric is able to bunch around the arm of the machine but this bottom seam wouldn't fit so I just double stitched it instead. Should be strong enough.

View attachment 18635

Then measured out the box edges at the bottom, double stitched them and cut off the excess.

View attachment 18636

View attachment 18637

Added a cord lock to the draw cord and stuffed it with my quilt.

View attachment 18638

View attachment 18639

Works nicely, fits in the rucksack well but something as squishy as the quilt pushes the shape out so it's not as neat as a proper zippered box but it'll be fine for the quilt, clothes or food things and I'll be looking to get some waterproof fabric to make a few of these to organise my gear more efficiently.

Oh and it weighs 26g, because someone was going to ask :)
Looks good. For larger stuffsacks I normally do a felled french seam, no folding and rolling just sew with a small seam allowance right way out, turn inside out and sew another line of stitch capturing the raw edge then sew flat. Something else to try :)
 

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
I did not suggest it was a female thing, the sewing machine is her's not mine, and I am sure she will let me use it. Jez that was touchy, chill out a little

Sorry, if I touched a raw nerve. I did not mean to.

My comment was made in relation to a general impression I get that in a lot (not all) households the sewing machine is refered to as belonging the the female partner and therefore somehow not something the men are expected to use.
It was that way in my child hood (the SM was my mothers) - but in fact my father made his own kilt and was in many ways much better at sewing than my mother. Not all men seem "free" to do the same/similar.

Please don't think I was "getting" at you :(. Just trying to be encouraging :cautious:.
 

Enzo

Thru Hiker
My daughter just had her 6th birthday and asked for a sewing machine. I got her a book of girls dress patterns a while ago and we've had a great time making simple stuff.
So far no signs of her wanting to rattle off a cuben mid but it's early days!
 

Balagan

Thru Hiker
thanks, it's turning into a fun hobby and something to do when the weather won't let me work outside. Plenty of projects coming to mind once I have the basics down and can start making useful things.
It's a slippery slope: soon you will be saving all sort of scraps to practice on and turning every piece of gear inside out to see how it's put together

My comment was made in relation to a general impression I get that in a lot (not all) households the sewing machine is refered to as belonging the the female partner and therefore somehow not something the men are expected to use.
Last sewing machine I sold, I was contacted by a lady who wanted to purchase it urgently. She came round to the house with her husband and as I started to show her the condition of the machine she shook her head and pointed at her husband, saying "it's for him"... ;)
 

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
I would be very reluctant to let my hubby near my machines ….. he's not mechanicaly minded and I'd fear for their safety.
My son however has been given free rein with them - "no problem" :laugh:.
HYOH
 

SafetyThird

Section Hiker
It's a slippery slope: soon you will be saving all sort of scraps to practice on and turning every piece of gear inside out to see how it's put together

Funny you should say that, just this afternoon I picked up a knitting stuff bag made by Tom Bibb and turned it inside out and examined how it was made in a whole new light, working out what order the pieces had been stitched in, working out why some bits were reinforced etc.
 

Enzo

Thru Hiker
IMG_20190818_104035673.jpg
240g sleeping bag.
110g of extrem textil 860fp down and the shells adventureexpert 10d 22g/sq M.
40g less down than my cumulus 150 quilt and 140g lighter for a full bag. Less loft of course.
Sewn thru for ease, and 37!?! Chambers to make more work! Wider chambers waist down as I always carry a thermal top of some kind.
 

Dave V

Moderator
Staff member
View attachment 18726
240g sleeping bag.
110g of extrem textil 860fp down and the shells adventureexpert 10d 22g/sq M.
40g less down than my cumulus 150 quilt and 140g lighter for a full bag. Less loft of course.
Sewn thru for ease, and 37!?! Chambers to make more work! Wider chambers waist down as I always carry a thermal top of some kind.

Spot on
 

Enzo

Thru Hiker
As things stand I think I could cut 20cm of width from it chest down and it'd still be roomy. So warmth increase and weight saving possible. Or it might just fit a pad in there in which case I might keep it as is.
Will make a good liner for my apex 67 wpb overbag.
 
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