Outdoor gear is expensive. I started sewing years ago because I wanted stuff sacks but didn't want to shell out $8 a pop. It's been downhill ever since. Most of the junk I put together is strictly function, which is to say that its not much to look at, but it does a damn good job. Following, find a few things I put just a little more time into so that they turned out looking decent.
Everything I make I start from scratch with, making my own pattern. With some things, the shell mitts for example, it's tough to be completely original. This is not because they are a particularly hard design to invent, but because after years of fondling OR shell mitts, its hard to up and forget the basic design.
Today I keep making stuff, but less so to save money, and more so to either have personalized gear that either has the features I want, or deletes the bells and whistles I don't need. I've come a long way since mesh stuff sacks, and I can honestly say that designing and prototyping sewn gear is my passion- one that eats more time than probably any other hobby of mine. With any luck, I'll make a career of it someday.
note: all this junk was made during college. i'm free now, and have a better website. any new gear i take pictures of can be found at
the gallery.