Send us a textImagine a world where waterproof/breathable materials really work, where there is mosquito proof apparel, or where fabrics can harvest power like a battery. These (and others) are innovations that Dr. Amanda Mills and her colleagues are working on at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. Despite their groundbreaking research, they're not hiding their results in an underground lab. In fact, NC State offers courses for graduate, undergrad, and even online public extensions...

Send us a textWhether you're using a dining room table or moving into your own shop, the right space makes all the difference. In this episode, we're back with Daniel McKewen to talk about building your MYOG workshop. We'll give tips for anyone from weekend hobbyists to cottage companies looking for faster production. Listen to hear about: The three machine every maker needsHow your space should be laid outUnconventional tools that offer big time helpRecommendations on pattern storage&nb...

Send us a textIt's time to think about staying warm on those cold backcountry nights. In this episode, we are talking about how to make a down quilt. Our guest has a lot of experience with down projects and is going to give us his best tips and tricks so you can save some hassle. Listen to hear more about: How to make a reusable quilt patternMaterial recommendations Which fill power is preferred Tips on sizing your panels Easiest features to includeProducts Mentioned ...

Send us a textChallenge Sailcloth has been taking the industry by storm with polarizing materials like ULTRA Weave, ECOPAK, ULTRA TNT and others. We sit down with Wes Hatcher (Director of Challenge Outdoor Sales and Development) and talk about what went wrong, what's going well, and what it's like designing outdoor materials for a living. Wes is a fascinating guy who has been in the outdoor textiles industry for a long time. His career has taken a series of exciting turns. Starting with DSM w...

Send us a textOverview: Pattern building can be tricky. Despite the perils, knowing how to make a pattern is a really good skill for makers to possess. Through good patterning skills you can start to make more featured projects, get a lot more specific on your panel dimensions, and be more confident in your designs.Listen to this episode to hear about: The three methods we recommend at-home makers tryPros and cons for each method Tools needed to build patterns Tips and tricks t...

Send us a textSewing is a skill that can take thousands of hours to hone. We can't replace time on the machine but we can give you helpful tips that should cut out a few hours and a few costly errors from your future projects. Listen to this episode to hear 10 tips to level up your sewing and design skills. Skills that we discuss: 1. How to sew circles that don't pucker 2. Tips on binding 3. Where to sew on your zipper tape4. How to get good at hemming5. How to get a crisp corner6. Sewing mul...

Send us a Text Message.We love shedding the light on cottage companies that you may have never heard of. This week we are talking with Kelsey, founder and owner of KEL Tech gear. A company that makes durable, colorful, and fun every day bags. Listen to this episode to hear tips about working with thicker fabrics, how to find inspiration as an at-home maker, insight for time management, and why community makes a business successful.Linkshttps://kel-tech-gear.myshopify.com/@kel-techgearChapters...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we are talking about MYOG monstrosities, DIY disappointments, hand-made horrors. We’re reflecting on listener submitted stories and sharing some of our own in this 100th episode celebration. We're sharing the mics today with good friends of the podcast, Francesca Hall and Matt Evans. As we celebrate Ep. 100 we want to sincerely thank everyone who has ever listened to the podcast. You, the listener makes all of this possible and we can't thank you enough....

Send us a Text Message.Zpacks is well known for a lot of things. One of which is that they produce all of their gear here in the US. What this means is that they need to hire and train nearly 100 people to make all of this gear. In this episode, we talk to Rob Kibitz, Training Manager at Zpacks about the course that he designed, the techniques they teach, and the attributes he looks for in a sewing machine operator. Check out all that Zpacks does here. Submit your story for Ep. 100 here!Chapt...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we talk about how to make your first tarp. We'll go over popular materials, necessary components, and construction techniques. You won't become a shelter master after this one episode, but it's enough to get you started. Overview: Covering everything from hammocks and ground shelters to multi-use tarps. They share tips for beginners and discuss various styles like flat, two-panel, and ground tarps, weighing the pros and cons of each. Materials and compon...

Send us a Text Message.SummaryThomas shares his journey in the MYOG (Make Your Own Gear) community and how he started the Reddit MYOG community. He describes the culture of the community as helpful and welcoming, with a focus on sharing knowledge and assisting newcomers. Thomas also discusses the growth of the MYOG community over the years and the challenges of moderating a large community. He highlights the importance of documentation and open-source information in the MYOG community. Thomas...

Send us a Text Message.Every so often you meet a fellow maker who is different from the rest of us. They think on a different plane and find inspiration like it grows on trees. Our guest, Marc Shatalow, is that type of guy. A kind, charismatic, and creative person who simply loves to make one of a kind projects. Marc shares insights on fabric dyeing, the backstory of his Mystery Ranch bag project, and invaluable DIY tips like embracing mistakes and modding gear. He also emphasizes the im...

Send us a Text Message.Overview: One of the hardest achievements in design is maintaining form and function. A maker who is capable of doing both is truly gifted. This is where our guest Andrea Perici comes in. His company Arch Industries makes custom packs that will leave you wanting for nothing. We got to partner with Andrea to create a custom pack. Starting with a new pattern on X-Pac® V15 in a new colorway. Then we turned the rest over to Andrea for the implementation. Key...

Send us a Text Message.SummaryKjell Lindgren recounts his journey into DIY gear-making, sparked by frustrations from his Boy Scout days and basic sewing skills acquired in elementary school. His DIY mindset was solidified during space station training, empowering him to craft gear for his sons' scouting trips. As a NASA astronaut, Kjell's maker mindset proves invaluable, enabling him to solve problems and repair equipment in space. Insights into life aboard the space station, challenges of co...

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we chat with Jameson Collins, the brains behind Houda Trail, a custom outdoor gear brand. Get ready for an inside look into Jameson's journey from gear enthusiast to gear maker extraordinaire. They dive deep into the world of outdoor apparel, geeking out over the wonders of Alpha Direct fabric and the joy of tailoring gear to fit just right. Jameson spills the beans on his sewing secrets with Alpha Direct, sharing handy tips and tricks for making the most...

Summary Join us in this episode as women in the MYOG community share their journey, tackling stereotypes and biases head-on. From challenging assumptions to promoting inclusivity, they delve into the unique hurdles faced by women in the outdoor industry. Discover the importance of representation in design, overcoming fit challenges, and supporting women-owned brands. Explore strategies for making outdoor gear accessible to all, pricing ethical products, and building a sustainable future...

Summary In this conversation, Chase from Utah State University discusses the Outdoor Product Design and Development Program. The program offers a unique curriculum that focuses on designing and developing outdoor products. Students have the opportunity to specialize in different areas such as performance apparel, soft goods accessories, or equipment. The program cultivates a maker's mindset by encouraging curiosity and creativity. The curriculum includes classes on sketching, digital design,...

Summary Several years ago, you could point to any cottage company and they would likely have several products made out of X-Pac®. Nowadays, it seems like X-Pac® is less used than ever before. In this episode, we talk about why that is and why we feel like its decrease in market share is making it one of the most underrated materials to makers and cottage companies.  Plus, we talk about their new X-Pac® Ultra-PE UL pack material. Takeaways X-Pac® has experienced a decrease in prominence due...

Summary Embark on an outdoor odyssey with Chris, co-founder of Loop Alien, as he unravels the company's evolution. Loop Alien, a hardware marvel within the Ripstop by the Roll family, crafts tools and kits, transforming hammock setups and tarp rigging into a breeze. Chris delves into the early Ripstop days, his role in the company, and the intricate design process behind Loop Alien's game-changing products, featuring materials like aluminum and titanium. This podcast journey navigates through...

In the backcountry, your insulation pieces are your lifeline. It's important to select them intentionally and care for them carefully so you can use them freely. In this episode, we talk with down expert, Chad Houghton from UGQ about how to care for your down products and how they fill their quilts in the shop. UGQ Shop UGQ Quillow UGQ Instagram UGQ YouTube UGQ TikTok Takeaways UGQ Outdoor Equipment has recently undergone changes, with Chad Houghton taking over as the new owner.Chad's...

Summary Dan Gerken, the founder of ANDA, shares his journey of starting a cottage company and his participation in the Embark program. He explains the meaning behind the name ANDA and the challenges of working with different fabrics. Dan also discusses the importance of justifying the cost of eco-fabrics and the difficulties of running a one-person show. He concludes by sharing his plans for future products and revisions. In this conversation, Dan Gerken discusses his new product ideas,...

Good design is what sets great products apart from competitors. The problem is that good design can be hard to come by. In this episode we talk about how you can design your products even better and take your at home creations to market. We're joined by a design expert, fellow MYOGer, and Senior Soft Goods Developer Daniel McKewen. Also, stick around to hear how Daniel's job might be the coolest job for an avid MYOGer.  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

This is not your average award show. This is the Rippies. We debate and select the top products of the year. From fabrics that we released, components we used, and even products we've seen from cottage companies. Stay tuned for the end to play along in our brand new listener game 'Guess the fabric.' Products Mentioned:  Ultra 100X1.0 Dyneema Composite FabricPolartec Alpha Direct 4004UL Venom Stretch Mesh ECO 0.66 oz MEMBRANE 10 Taffeta NylonSlim Strap KeeperCottage Company Product of the...

allmansright does things a little differently than most cottage companies. Where many companies lead with products and dreams, allmansright leads with vision and passion. We talk with allmansright about how they make their vision pay the bills and why they think it's been so successful. We also talk about their approach to new products and about Liv's early MYOG projects.  Episode Notes: https://allmansright.com/Follow allmansright on InstagramLiv from allmansright is recording in his sewing...