First DIY sewing project

**raggydoo** · 10-24-2015, 08:41

Seeing all the great DIY projects here got me interested in giving it a shot. I've never sewn before so didn't want to spend a lot to get started. Picked up a Singer Stylist from Goodwill for $10.00, some ripstop nylon and some thread from JoAnn Fabrics for about $6.00, and already had some cord and cord locks. Turns out the machine didn't work, had a broken gear which I was able to find and replace for $9.00, seems to work fine now. Practiced a little on a scrap piece first, then made a double ended stuff sack for my Hammeck Envy-S (wanted one a little larger than it came with). Thought it turned out decent for my first attempt and a $25.00 investment. I'd like to get a little more practice and then try to make some tarp doors.

**gmcttr** · 10-24-2015, 09:50

I'm guessing it was the upper vertical shaft gear. It should do a good job for you now. Welcome to DIY sewing.

**raggydoo** · 10-24-2015, 09:56

Originally Posted by gmcttr

I'm guessing it was the upper vertical shaft gear. It should do a good job for you now. Welcome to DIY sewing.

Yes it was, the pieces left of it were laying in the bottom, looked like it was just old and brittle. Thanks for the welcome.

**bigguy** · 10-24-2015, 10:19

Nice looking sack. It gets addicting man. What I found best is when Joe Ann's has a 60% off coupon, is go buy a bunch of yards of fabric and just make stuff. Also blue poly tarp makes a good cheap practice frabic.

**GoatHanger** · 10-24-2015, 11:59

Looks like a nice first project. It definitely is addictive. I just started too.

Looking forward to seeing what else you cook up.

**PreciousPixie** · 10-24-2015, 12:14

Nice looking sack! It is addictive!

**raggydoo** · 10-24-2015, 12:34

Originally Posted by bigguy

Nice looking sack. It gets addicting man. What I found best is when Joe Ann's has a 60% off coupon, is go buy a bunch of yards of fabric and just make stuff. Also blue poly tarp makes a good cheap practice frabic.

Originally Posted by GoatHanger

Looks like a nice first project. It definitely is addictive. I just started too.

Looking forward to seeing what else you cook up.

Originally Posted by PreciousPixie

Nice looking sack! It is addictive!

Yeah, one thing I've learned from these forums is that most things hammock related are addicting.

**georgecarr** · 10-24-2015, 13:12

Nice job! Watch out, it starts small and the next thing you know.....

**Bubba** · 10-24-2015, 13:15

Good work. Watch out, DIY can get addictive. Sewing skills are also handy for a lot of other things.

**jwygralak67** · 10-24-2015, 19:54

Looks good.
I'm starting out with a $10 thrift store sewing machine myself. I was fortunate enough to be able to find a complete manual for my machine online.
I'll second the suggestion to buy some cheap fabric and practice, practice, practice before you touch the good fabric. I didn't even really bother trying to make anything at first. I just practiced sewing straight lines and hemming and just playing with different stitch setting to get a feel for the machine.
The buttonhole function still confounds me.
I haven't worked up the courage to put a needle into any silnylon yet.
Check out the $10 DIY kit from Ripstop By the Roll, too.