Send us a Text Message. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a scoring system that gave you quantitative info on what machine might be best for you? Heath Jackson has devoted the last 6 years to creating this tool.

Like many makers, he had a dream of making a project to enable his outdoor pursuits. What started as just a tool became his infatuation. Since then he has bought and restored over 30 machines. While working with these machines Heath, kept careful notes on 7 distinctive features. With the help of friendly internet compatriots the homemade spreadsheet has become fairly extensive. 

Read our Blog on Choosing an Antique Sewing Machine with the Sewing Machine Scoring System 

The Scoring System 1. Power - Not including industrial machines 2. Strength - Punching power3.  Finesse - How delicate of an item can you put through? 4. Machine Tolerance - Finely tuned or thrown together?5. Durability - Is it metal parts or plastic parts?6. Ease - Can I find information/parts about it? 7. Features - What are you trying to accomplish?Machines MUST HAVES:Has to have reverseRound bobbinMust have zigzag (for maker generalist mahcine)Must have power/motor Readily available for saleAvoid non-metal plastic critical partsTop Home Machines Mentioned:Kenmore 1914 or1941Necchi BU MiraPfaff 130, 1200 series, 117Bernina X30 Series, 530-930 for mechanical, 1130, 1230 for motherboardSinger 411G, Rocketeer 500 series with slant needleViking 19-22 seriesElnaJanome 50’s - 90’s any machine especially if made by New HomeTop Industrial Machines Mentioned: Bernina 217 - $1,000Pfaff 138Brother TZ1-B652Singer 20-UPfaff Juki 8700Consew RbFollow Heath on Instagram @77gearco Find Us on Social Media 

The Sewing Machine Scoring Criteria

Welcome to Ripstop on the Record. The podcast for makers, by makers. Where we talk about all things Make Your Own Gear (MYOG). You'll hear from gear companies, textile engineers, cottage vendors, and other leaders in the Textiles + Outdoor Gear industry. Brought to you by Ripstop by the Roll.

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Send us a Text Message. Summary
Thomas 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 shares his personal MYOG projects and the satisfaction of making gear that is customized to his needs. He also discusses trends in the MYOG community, such as the desire to lighten gear and the importance of durability. Thomas emphasizes the value of collaboration and the joy of seeing people enjoy the outdoors with gear they have made themselves.

TakeawaysSend in your MYOG Fail for Ep. 100! https://ripstopbytheroll.com/myog-failsThe MYOG community is known for its helpful and welcoming culture, with a focus on sharing knowledge and assisting newcomers.Documentation and open-source information are highly valued in the MYOG community, as they enable others to learn and create their own gear.Trends in the MYOG community include a desire to lighten gear and a growing appreciation for durability and longevity.Collaboration and the joy of seeing people enjoy the outdoors with gear they have made themselves are key aspects of the MYOG community.Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Thomas' MYOG Journey
02:03- The Culture and Atmosphere of the Reddit MYOG Community
04:10- The Growth of the MYOG Community and the Role of Moderators
06:03- The Challenges and Responsibilities of Moderating r/MYOG
08:09- Funny and Lighthearted Moments in the MYOG Community
10:34- Memorable Learning Moments and Mistakes in MYOG
12:37- Tools and Equipment in MYOG
15:17- Trial and Error in MYOG Projects
20:22- Emerging Trends and Techniques in MYOG
25:01- The Relationship Between MYOG and Ultralight Gear
27:48- The Most Essential DIY Tool in MYOG
31:18- Getting Started in MYOG and Available Resources
34:43- The Future of MYOG and the Importance of Open-Source Information
43:01- The Missing Fabric in the MYOG Market Find Us on Social Media 

Behind the Scenes of Reddit MYOG

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 importance of sustainable practices and teases his latest Nike SB x Ben and Jerry's inspired pack. 

 TakeawaysMarc Schatalow learned to sew while working on a TV show in a tech maker space.His style combines wild and outlandish colors and patterns with a technical and functional design. Be kind to yourself and embrace mistakes as learning opportunitiesStart with small modifications before attempting larger projects When looking for companies to work with on soft goods projects, Marc prioritizes those that value sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices.Marc's upcoming projects include repurposing linens, creating a backpack inspired by a shoe collaboration, and exploring different camo patterns through DIY dyeing.The conversation highlights the importance of committing fully to a project and being willing to invest time and effort into its completion.
Chapters 00:00- Learning to Sew in a Tech Maker Space
02:15- Making the Worst Stuff Ever, But Having Fun
06:26- From Skateboarding to Sewing
08:23- Freelance Soft Goods Design
13:020- Marc's Sewing Machines
15:37- The Never-Ending Quest for More Sewing Machines
26:20- The Art of Dyeing Fabric and Overcoming Challenges
33:37- The Story Behind the Mystery Ranch Bag Project
40:33- Tips for DIYers: Expanding Making Skills
53:33- Finding Companies that Value Sustainability and Ethical Manufacturing
55:48- Upcoming Projects: Repurposing Linens and Creating a Shoe-Inspired Backpack
58:59- Exploring Camo Patterns through DIY Dyeing
01:05:05- The Importance of Committing Fully to a Project

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The Story Behind THAT Nike x Ben & Jerry's "Chunky Dunky" Backpack

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 Takeaways: How he allows his past career to influence design What he looks for in a color palette Why his 3-panel bottom gusset creates a more ergonomic designWhat it looks like to design a custom pack with Andrea

Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Personal Sewing Journey
03:05- Design Philosophy and Inspiration
08:53- Creating a Signature Style and Shape
15:33- Product Range and Customization Options
19:25- Managing Growth as a One-Man Company
26:22- Designing and Choosing Components
29:30- Home Shop and Equipment
31:17- Attention to Detail and Freehand Binding
33:42- Unveiling the Custom Pack Design
34:51- Exploring the Pack's Features and Pockets
51:36- Missing Fabrics in the Market
01:04:50- Final Thoughts  
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Mountains to Metropolitan: Gear that Performs with Arch Industries

Send us a Text Message. Summary
Kjell 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 confined living, water recycling, and spacesuit details are shared.


TakeawaysKjell's interest in sewing and making his own gear started from his time as a Boy Scout and his frustration with waiting for someone else to put patches on his uniforms.His DIY mindset was further influenced by his space station training, where he learned to fix things himself and became empowered to take on DIY projects.Spacesuits require intricate sewing skills, and the first spacesuits were made by companies that specialized in women's clothing.Materials used in space are often tough, light, and have antimicrobial properties.Kjell has used his DIY skills to create personalized items for himself and his crewmates, such as drink bag insulators.
 Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Background
08:56- The Maker Mindset in Space
16:06- Challenges of Living on the Space Station
32:58- Spacesuit Creation and Sewing Skills
48:29- Gaining Perspective from Space
56:46- The Need for Affordable and Durable Fabrics

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From Sewing to Spacewalks: Kjell Lindgren's Journey as a Space-Making Astronaut

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 out of this high-tech fabric. But that's not all! Jameson lets us in on his adventures with Outdoor Ink and Polartec's Alpha Direct fabric, revealing the magic behind bringing designs to life. From brainstorming to final print, they cover it all, including pro tips for achieving top-notch results. 


TakeawaysPolartec® Alpha Direct 4004 is now available for custom printing with OutdoorINK!Alpha Direct fabric is highly versatile and ideal for active outdoor activities with start-stop elements.Customization is a key aspect of Houda Trail's business, allowing customers to personalize the fit and design of their outdoor apparel.Houda Trail offers unique prints and designs, adding a fun and personalized touch to their custom apparel. OutdoorINK on Polartec® Alpha Direct fabric is a game changer for custom apparel making.Taking accurate measurements of the chest, waist, hips, and desired garment length is crucial for achieving a customized fit.Follow @HoudaTrail on Instagram
 Chapters
00:00- Introduction and Gear Making Journey
06:09- Customizing Outdoor Apparel with Houda Trail
14:39- The Versatility of Alpha Direct Fabric
25:20- Tips for Sewing with Alpha Direct
30:19- Achieving a Custom Fit with Houda Trail
34:57- Adding a Personalized Touch with Unique Prints
38:01- The Importance of Customization in Outdoor Clothing
33:09- Custom Printing and Design Process
35:03- Tips for Printing on Alpha Direct
37:31- The Unique Look and Detail of Alpha Direct
45:31- Printing Solid Colors and Color Blocked Fleeces
52:35- Poalrtec® Trivia

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The Sewing Machine Scoring Criteria

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