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  1. #1
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    Good first sewing project?

    I am not very familiar with sewing but I would like to make my own topquilt and underquilt and possibly some clothes too like jackets etc. (So many possibilities!)
    I was wondering what is a good starter project to get familiar with sewing and everything I will need to know. I was thinking maybe a couple down pillows for the hammock that stuffs down really small? Any input is very welcome! thanks!

  2. #2
    Senior Member SwinginIt's Avatar
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    Start with stuff sacks then a gathered end hammock or a gear hammock. Your pillow idea isn't a bad one either I don't think.
    "As a well spent day brings happy sleep, a well spent life brings happy death." -Da Vinci

  3. #3
    Senior Member BrianWillan's Avatar
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    Stuff sacks would be a good place to start. After doing DIY synthetic top and underquilts for myself, I decided that I will gladly pay the quilt making experts for my insulation needs.

    Cheers

    Brian
    Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment. - Unknown

  4. #4
    Senior Member WV's Avatar
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    Clean and lubricate your PTI (sewing machine), get good polyester thread, and install a new needle.

    Pillows are a good idea. Also stuff sacks. What do you store your top quilt, underquilt, and/or sleeping bag in when you're not hiking? I use a giant snakeskin made from $1/yd fabric. It's about 16" in diameter and 72" long. No cutting necessary; measurements can vary. Just sew a piece of cloth into a tube. Sewing long seams is good practice. I just put my sleeping bag inside and tie each end of the tube loosely with an overhand knot. It stores under the bed, so it's not compressed, and the tube keeps it clean.

    First big project might be a hammock or a top quilt.

  5. #5
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    Stuff sacks are a great idea! How much do you think you save by making your own quilts and stuff? Or is a lot of it just a tailor made "I made that myself" type deal?

  6. #6
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    If you need more hammocks for car camping or sleeping at home this looks like a very simple first project. It will be my first. I have my tablecloths and have done my pucker free test stitches on my new sewing machine. Hopefully, this weekend I will crank one out.

    http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=54858

    Ramblinrev has a whole set of videos for people like me who wouldn't know a sewing machine from a food processor. I learned a lot and gained enough confidence to take the plunge. Thank you Rev.

    http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=6802

    Andy
    Friends don't let friends sleep on the ground.

    My favorite data mining thread:
    http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=55659

  7. #7
    Member gt7599a's Avatar
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    You save some money doing the work yourself, if you don't factor in your time. E.g. diy top quilt to similar specs as one of the cottage manufactures, you might save $50-$75, before shipping your supplies. My TQ took at least 10 hours, probably more.

    If you enjoy diy, it's worth it and a lot of fun to say, "l did this".
    if you're going to do a lot, your skills will improve and you can save by ordering multiple projects in one order (assuming you finish them).
    Having space to work & the right tools really helps make the diy experience a lot more enjoyable.

    If you can work a couple hours overtime instead of sewing, the price difference disappears but not as much fun.

    My .02
    Ed
    DIY Quilt Spreadsheets: http://is.gd/pcEXXK
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  8. #8
    SilvrSurfr's Avatar
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    I value my time (at least $10 an hour) and I'm a retard with the thread injector. Still, I do see the attraction of DIY. I don't think I'll be making top quilts or underquilts anytime soon, though.

  9. #9
    Senior Member ZMad2000's Avatar
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    For project order i would recommend:
    Stuff Sacks
    Hammock
    Pillow
    UQ
    TQ

    Also buying a TQ or UQ from one of the great vendors here is a good option but seeing the look in peoples faces when u say "i made it" priceless!!! I made my TQ last year and still love it when people say ask where i got it and i say i made it. The look and comments are so rewarding.

  10. #10
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    So many good ideas! Stuff sacks are definitely number one on the list since i need those anyway and i think eventually making my own topquilt sounds awesome

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