My New DIY Winter Sock

**Lost_Biker** · 12-17-2012, 11:33

Final report for this rockem sockem sock. As the weather will not cooperate and go lower than 20*, I have to go to Mt. Rogers next month as is. I added an extra sleeping bag converted to an UQ for the real cold I'm sure to get there. With everything buttoned up and using a breath catcher thingy in front of my face, I've experienced zero (0) condensation down to 20* (the breath catcher is of course, very damp) - inside temps vary between 15 and 20 degrees more than outside temps with a humidity level around 70-80%.

I really like the door for entry/exit. Due to the height of the walls, I find I have to reach up pretty high to grab the top and bring it down. I can unzip a few inches and spy out the land very easily.

So - I count this a success. Mt. Rogers will be the real test.

**priller** · 12-18-2012, 12:11

Nice, I like where you have taken that sock!

Yah I think the frowny face zipper is one of the best ingress/egress options...might have to learn something new on the sewing machine....

**Lost_Biker** · 12-18-2012, 15:17

Originally Posted by priller

Nice, I like where you have taken that sock!

Yah I think the frowny face zipper is one of the best ingress/egress options...might have to learn something new on the sewing machine....

Thanks priller!
The upside down smile is perfect. Nothing gets in the way. I read all kinds of things on sewing zippers - you have to use a zipper foot and so on. What I did was I pinned the entire zipper in place and sewed the edges, then took a razor and as I opened the zipper, I sliced the material as I unzipped - made a perfect cut in the center. Melted the edges with a lighter and I was done.

I no longer fear zippers! That's another one of my fears taken care of.

**NarlocB** · 12-19-2012, 10:14

Pure genious!!!!! Now we need one of the awesome vendors to start making these. I would buy one in an instant.

**priller** · 12-19-2012, 10:45

aha!!! That is a great way to sew in a zipper! Thanks for the genius tip!

Question for you LostBiker: Do you feel that the top-entry design serves any purpose now? It definitely provides venting ability....

**macinnisl** · 12-19-2012, 10:56

Very cool!

**Pipsissewa** · 12-19-2012, 11:02

Originally Posted by Lost_Biker

Thanks priller!
The upside down smile is perfect. Nothing gets in the way. I read all kinds of things on sewing zippers - you have to use a zipper foot and so on. What I did was I pinned the entire zipper in place and sewed the edges, then took a razor and as I opened the zipper, I sliced the material as I unzipped - made a perfect cut in the center. Melted the edges with a lighter and I was done.

I no longer fear zippers! That's another one of my fears taken care of.

I did the same thing, but I cut my fabric with a hot knife--cutting and melting simultaneously. After the first inch or so, I inserted a screw driver between the fabric and the zipper, to keep from accidentally melting the teeth of the zipper. Has held up now for more than two years.

**Lost_Biker** · 12-19-2012, 20:49

Originally Posted by NarlocB

Pure genious!!!!! Now we need one of the awesome vendors to start making these. I would buy one in an instant.

Thanks NarlocB - I discovered it only because I was desperate! I might have them on my site along with my UQ shells when it's done next week.

**Lost_Biker** · 12-19-2012, 20:51

Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

I did the same thing, but I cut my fabric with a hot knife--cutting and melting simultaneously. After the first inch or so, I inserted a screw driver between the fabric and the zipper, to keep from accidentally melting the teeth of the zipper. Has held up now for more than two years.

Oooh - wish I would have thought of that. Thanks for the info.

**Lost_Biker** · 12-19-2012, 20:59

Originally Posted by priller

aha!!! That is a great way to sew in a zipper! Thanks for the genius tip!

Question for you LostBiker: Do you feel that the top-entry design serves any purpose now? It definitely provides venting ability....

Thanks priller. Yes, it still serves a purpose. When I have the sides pulled up I can't use the zipper so the top pull down gets used instead. The top pull down is actually faster to use.

Originally Posted by macinnisl

Very cool!

Thanks macinnisl! I love my sock

Does everything I want it to do in all kinds of weather (except summer, sadly to say

)

I know I've made it seem complicated, but as all the kinks are worked out, it's very easy to make. The bowed cpvc makes a perfect curve and then I sew along the lines and cut off the excess. Make sure you turn it inside out first - then sew and cut. Perfect dory shape fits hammocks very well.