I also made Frostline kits when I was a kid. From 7th or 8th grade all through high school and into college.

Lets see, I made a few day packs, a full backpack, a foam pad (cover), insulated booties, a non-insulated jacket, a thin down insulated coat, a super thick down insulated parka, a down sleeping bag, and a 2-person tent. I still have most of it, though they haven't been used lately.

Sewing is a great skill, but designing good gear on one's own would be pretty tough. I sure wish Frostline was still in existence.

The very best Frostline kit I sewed was a light down jacket with reversible capabilities. One side was a nice quiet loden green, and the other was screaming bright International Orange, hot enough to melt lead. Just the thing for all occasions. I lost it when some creep stole my SAR pack from my pickup.

This thread reminds me that I need to add a sewing kit to my new pack. I blew a shoulder strap in the spring but it was on the hike home. Would have really sucked at the start of a trip.

[img][IMG]http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/IMG_0201.jpg[/img][/img]


Lesson number one - check your gear before you leave on a trip

Lesson number two - especially if you fail to follow lesson number one, bring a repair kit.

Thinking about the original question ...

There is a big difference between the skills it takes to making clothing and other gear - planning, cutting, pinning, sewing, ...


... and the skills it takes to do hand-sewn repairs.

Quite frankly I think sewing with a machine is far easier than making a nice-looking strong repair.

I can do a great job with a sewing machine, but hand me a needle and thread and I struggle to do hand sewing. Does anyone know of a good online how-to and that subject?

Somewhere around the house I have a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl that is made for doing heavy duty repairs. They never seem to look very nice.

OMG!!! They let squids and jarheads in here?! The horror... Lol

Agreed. I am pretty good at simple repairs and basic stitching , but for the life me 8 just can-t get the hang of the sewing machine. making something from scratch is a much bigger prospect!

Had an Aunt who was a seamstress for High end lady dresses,when she would visit she repaired our things,wow,she could repair very bad tears and wear outs almost to the point couldnt be seen,some couldnt,and hem stuff FAST,all by hand.

She was skilled for sure.