Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sewing and diy

My head is the size of a melon, and it just snowed.

mecran01 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:34:43 -0800

I have a huge head and need a winter hat. my head is 25 1/2 inches, or about 66cm. That's a wee bit bigger than a men's xxxl hat.

I'm trying to find a warm winter hat or balaclava that will stop the wind, is somewhat water resistant, and will fit. I will be bicycling, hiking, and cross country skiing in Utah with it. My ears protrude like Prince Charles so I have to have ear coverage.

Should I:

1. just get a stretch hat and wear good ear muffs

2. Make my own from Polartec fleece (I have family that can snow)

3. Find a good balaclava and trust that it will stretch to fit

Or something else? My budget is about $30.

Wood-Hacker.

10ch — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:10:09 -0800

How do I build a rack to store spools of thread? I would like to build a thread rack like this, but one that hangs on the wall instead of standing up on its own.

It looks like a pretty innocent venture, but I am a complete novice at woodwork (though I do own the appropriate power tools: circular saw, drill, sander).

Could someone either point me to a plan (I've googled every combo of DIY, How To, Build, Thread, Spool, Rack, Shelf, Holder, Storage that I can think of with no luck) or give me some pointers as to the best way to accomplish this?

Honestly, I don't even know what kind of wood to buy. And then I assume dowel rods are the way to go for the pegs? Do I drill a hole all the way through and use wood glue? Part way through? I know thread isn't that heavy, but I don't want the pegs to fall out, is wood glue enough or should I use brads to secure the rods? Any advice for drilling at an angle so this thing doesn't look like a piece of crap?

This is for a Christmas gift, so I still have plenty of weekends to accomplish this. And in case it isn't obvious, I realize purchasing one of these would probably alleviate a lot of the pain/frustration I'm going to experience on those weekends, but I want the gift to be handmade.

Your advice and experience is much appreciated.

Help me make my dream bag.

Alison — Fri, 26 May 2006 10:34:56 -0800

What are the best, most useful, most ingenious backpack/messenger bag features you've ever seen? I'm planning on making my own backpack/messenger bag with convertible straps. I'll use it sometimes for commuting, but mainly as an under seat carry-on for long distance travel. It will carry a laptop (which will have its own sleeve) and a few other small items.

Since it will be a custom job, I plan on adding all the useful features I can. I thought I would ask my fellow AskMefites if they have any bag features that they can't live without. Do you have a bag with super comfy straps? Does it have some kind of pocket that you can't live without? Are there special flaps to keep out the rain? Do those little metal feet at the bottom of some bags really matter? What kinds of materials are resilient enough to put up with lots of abuse? Any ideas about compartments for carrying snacks that won't get squished? I need descriptions, links and (especially) pictures.

I have lots of leather, canvas and vinyl and I have the parts to add a lighting system. I'm also experimenting with ways to stiffen the back so I can use it like a desk and adding a pillow to the front flap for naps. Other than that, I'm stumped. Any input or ideas would be welcome.

Please help me dress myself better than the mall can...

Alison — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:51:46 -0800

What are your favorite styles or pieces of clothing that defy trends? I have recently been inspired to make most of my clothing for this spring/summer and next fall. Due to the time and energy investment I would like to end up with a wardrobe that will be unique but will still look good years from now. I am fairly experienced at sewing and have a big pattern library, so I can figure out how to make almost anything.

I am looking for things that can be hard to find at times as availability is often decided upon what will be popular rather than what will be practical for years. For example, I like making things like pleated skirts or fitted tweed jackets, but these might not be in stores depending on the trend cycle and most likely won’t be available in a color I like. Lately, I have been finding a lot of inspiration from vintage clothing.

So what are your favorite looks? Is there a skirt you have that looks good with everything? Do you have a coat that still draws complements after five years? Have you seen something special enough to make you look at it again? Pictures or links to patterns would be appreciated as would any inspirational book recommendations. This is also not limited to women’s clothing; I’m interested in looking at men’s styles, too.