A simple stuff sack: the first sewing project for a lot of MYOGers. Making one or two is a breeze, but when you’re making, well, a TON, it can get kind of hairy. So I invested the time to make some templates for both cutting and marking and simplified the process as much as I could. Not a perfect streamline, but pretty good. As you can see in the video, I had a “damnit” moment on this particular one when I goofed on a seam. I am actually having fewer and fewer of those as time goes on.
Sewing isn’t quite as interesting to watch as spinning, so I sped most of it up for you. The label identifying each as a genuine Backcountry Boiler stuff sack, as well as the cord and toggle all go on later. :)
[ 5 comments… read them below or add one ]
Love the background tunes. Johnny Cash will forever be with kettles boiling water next to alpine lakes.
Nice video. I bought a sewing machine back last Mayish when I was out of work from back surgery. And yep, stuff sacks it has been. I just pulled it out the other night and made another one. I am really debating trying to take it a step farther and doing a quilt, but I am afraid to sink money into the stuff and then mess it up… :) Keep up the good work!
Doug – Ha! I’d sure like to think that they’ll be imbued with the slow, steady coolness of Johnny Cash.
Chad – I say go for it. My sewing first project was, believe it or not, a quilt. I’m not very good at starting small. :)
If you’re not already (when you’re not finishing one for the camera) – sew the straight seams on a whole batch at one time. Don’t stop and cut the thread, just finish the end of one and tuck the next right in there next to it. Clip em apart when you’re done. You’ll save a lot of time, trust me! When you do have to stop, keep some little fabric scraps to sew into so you don’t have to hold the threads every time you start.
Thanks Jaime! I just gave it a shot last night with the sleeves – works great!