Round Zipper Bag for Tree Straps

CLICK HERE to download the pattern.  Print in landscape mode, and verify that the 1" square is truly 1".

YOU WILL NEED

· 5 PIECES CUT FROM FABRIC

· PATTERN A: CUT 2 CIRCLES

· PATTERN B: CUT 2 SIDE OF ZIPPER

· PATTERN C: CUT 1 SIDE OF BAG

· 9” ZIPPER (WITH ZIPPER PULL)

· 4 to 6” GROSGRAIN RIBBON

· 2 D-RINGS (OPTIONAL)

INSTRUCTIONS

All SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE 1/2”

· With right sides facing and the edges of the zipper tape and fabric lined up, sew the zipper to both pieces of Pattern B; overcast stitch the raw edge of the fabric to the zipper tape; press open flat and topstitch the fabric to the zipper tape.

· Cut grosgrain into two pieces, fold each piece in half, and baste to ends of zipper so that the loops are facing inward.  (Add D-Rings to grosgrain before basting if desired).

· With right sides together, sew zipper assembly to the narrow edges of both sides of Pattern C; overcast stitch raw edges; then tack down.

· Sew the circle to the side of the bag on each side:: 

Put the loop of the zipper assembly (pattern pieces B and C) on the bottom (against the feed dogs) with the right side facing up.  Place the circle with right-side facing down. 

Tip:  Hold the bottom / straight piece of fabric straight with your right hand. 

Tip:  Use your left hand to ease the circle so that the edges of both pieces of fabric line up.  Hold the circle at least 1/2” in from the edge to prevent bias stretching. 

Tip:  Stop sewing with your needle in the down position, lift your foot, and ease the fabric when needed to keep circle stitching smooth and to prevent puckering.

Tip:  Mark your seam allowance on the circle with a pencil if needed.

· Trim and overcast stitch the raw edge of the circle.  Turn bag right-side out.

Happy sewing!

DIY Stuff Sack Drawstring Channels 4 Ways

Join me as I sew two double-sided stuff sacks, with a different method for finishing the drawstring channel on each side:

1.  Folded Corners
2.  Casings
3.  Knotched Seam
4.  Interrupted Seam

I am sure there are lots more ways to do it.  If you like something different, let me know and I'll check it out.

The fabric that I used was the 1 oz hyper D from Ripstop by the Roll in Spectra Yellow and Moroccan Blue.

DIY Tree Straps using RSBTR 1" Poly 1500 in Spectrum Rainbow

I made this pair of tree straps using Ripstop By the Roll's NEW Outdoor Ink 1" Polyester Webbing 1500 lb in Spectrum Rainbow, that was inspired by !!ME!! and designed by Bynum Grahic Design (kitsapcowboy).

https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/outdoorink-polyester-webbing

Other materials:
Gutermann mara 50 Thread
Ballpoint needle Size 16
Dutch's Cinch Bugs http://www.dutchwaregear.com/cinch-bugs.html

Bonus:  I used the extra length of my webbing to make a rainbow collar for my dog, Stuart.

January 2017: 9 Nights in a DIY Hammock

I slept outside for 9 nights in January 2017 in my homemade setup:  4 in Asheville, NC, 3 in my back yard, and 2 at the New Jersey Winter Hang.  I stayed warm, slept some with a dog, and had a branch rip through my newly sewn winter tarp.  It is all in the name of fun, so I repaired my tarp and kept hanging.

Ivy practicing for hammock camping in the back yard.

Stuart practicing for hammock camping in the back yard.

Tear I got in the nor'easter.

New Jersey Winter Hang

New Jersey Winter Hang 2017: My DIY Hammock Setup

It got fairly cold at the New Jersey Winter Hang; cold enough for a gallon jug of water that I left out of my car to freeze solid.  I stayed toasty warm in my DIY setup, though.  I took this video on Sunday morning before packing up.  Enjoy!

Make an Underquilt Protector for Hammock Camping

I'm very thrilled with my underquilt protector, and its ability to keep me warm and cozy while blocking the wind.  Check out my video on how to make one, and join me in this quick and easy DIY project.

Make a winter tarp with me

Join me while I make a winter tarp, using the pattern from DIY Gear Supply.  This is a multi-part video series, and I'll cover the following topics in separate videos.

Part 1:  Cat curves and fabric cuts
I will show you how I made the patterns for the catenary curves and cut the fabric for the winter tarp.  In this video I use XTrekker's Catenary Curve Calculator.

Part 2:  Sewing the ridgeline
I sew the ridgeline using the flat felled / french seam hybrid method.

Part 3:  Tie-outs
I'm deviating from the sequence of the pattern a little and I'm attaching my tie-outs so that the webbing is on the inside of the reinforcement fabric.  It works out and I am happy with the product.

Part 4:  Rolled hem using the *rolled hem foot*
I hem the tarp, including the catenary curves, using my 1/8" rolled hem foot.

Part 5:  Side pull  outs
I attach side pull outs to the tarp, and like the tie-outs, I'm deviating from the instructions somewhat.

 Part 6:  Seam Sealing
I use Silnet to seal the seams on the ridgeline and the side pull-outs.

Download the Winter Tarp pattern from DIY Gear Supply:  http://diygearsupply.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DIYGS-Winter-Tarp-lowres.jpg

XTrekker's Catenary Curve Calculator:  https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/85208-Catenary-Parabola-Curve-Calculator

How to sew outdoor fabrics with the rolled hem foot:
https://youtu.be/nWIp401KHKg?list=PLe_TkDAT6LQV8NAyKbCz1JgyN91nW1mNn