First DIY Project

**mcvincnt** · 04-24-2011, 18:28

I got .75 yds of ripstop in the clearance bin and Gutermann thread for around $6 at Joann's. With my wife's help I sewed for the first time. The first sack was a little wonky, but they got better with each one. I made from left to right some odd shaped stuff sacks and a pillow with a stuff sack. The pillow was the goal. The stuff sacks were practice. I'm pretty happy with the results. I would encourage anyone with access to a sewing machine to give it a try. Thanks to all those who have posted info and links.

**BLUEFIN 774** · 04-24-2011, 18:40

Hey mcvincnt,

Very nice work there. It feels good to DIY.

**Medecine Hat** · 04-24-2011, 18:40

Those look pretty good. What did you use to stuff the pillow?

**Detail Man** · 04-24-2011, 19:21

It's too late to turn back now. Once you get the DIY bug, there's no cure. Frequent projects are the best form of treatment, however. Nice job, and nice thread injector.

**gunner76** · 04-24-2011, 19:30

I like that blue

I am still learning how to sew a staright stich. I have the crooked stiches down pat.

I have a backlog of DIY projects to do once I get my new thread injector set up.

**mcvincnt** · 04-24-2011, 19:44

Originally Posted by Medecine Hat

Those look pretty good. What did you use to stuff the pillow?

My wife had some regular polyfil so wanting 900 fill down was overcome by having the polyfil on hand. It's my first one, there will be more...

**mcvincnt** · 04-24-2011, 21:02

Originally Posted by Detail Man

It's too late to turn back now. Once you get the DIY bug, there's no cure. Frequent projects are the best form of treatment, however. Nice job, and nice thread injector.

Thanks. It is a Singer from the 1920s or 1930s. It sews beautifully and can sew some thick stuff, but next time I would rather use her more modern machine.

**OneEye** · 04-26-2011, 00:05

Is the machine treadle & flywheel powered, or is it set up to run on an electric motor?

**mcvincnt** · 04-26-2011, 14:20

Originally Posted by OneEye

Is the machine treadle & flywheel powered, or is it set up to run on an electric motor?

It is electric powered and has a light. My wife was telling me they made versions that were manual (hand crank or treadle) for parts of the world without power. This machine also says it is from Great Britain so I think it started life over seas and has had the motor at least changed if not added. It really is a great old machine and from what I am told easy to find because so many were made.

**JohnSawyer** · 04-26-2011, 18:43

Welcome to the addiction... There are so many projects to be tackled, that you may find yourself in a quandry: Make more gear, or use the gear I have and go hang... It's a tough call sometimes!