DPS

I know there are some folks here that have done some really cool projects. I have been doing some tinkering myself lately and have wanted to sew a few items. Lacking both a sewing machine and any knowledge of sewing I have been having a seemstress do my work for me. This has worked out well for the few pieces I have made. I am intested in possibly learning to sew to save the cost of the seamstress. I have some ideas for simple clothes, some haul pack like duffels that fit most airlines size restrictions for checked bags, as well as some canvas for my sailboat. What type of sewing machine do I need to get that wil sew soft shell, fleece, canvas, techy spectra grid stop and lighter weight haul bag material (like the white suff Fish uses)? I would want it to sew buttons and holes, heavy duty zippers and such. A bar tacker for full strength webbing projects would be cool but not necessary. Wny ideas what brands or type of machines I should be looking at? Is buying used a good idea? TIA, Dan

On my blog: http://themountain-life.blogspot.com/2011/02/re-purposing-soft-shell-pants.html

That seems a bit late in the season for Hood.

Wow, something different yet relatively close. Nice work.

56cm Trek 1500 SLR road bike. $500.00 Men's Medium Mountain Hardwear Chugach pants. $75.00 http://themountain-life.blogspot.com/p/free-stuff-stuff-for-sale.html

Have you tried Second Ascent? They have used boots for very reasonable prices.

I have and like my Patagonia Micropuff but agree that the cut is ridiculous which is disappointing since Pataqonia usually fits me well. I also have larger shoulders and a narrowish waist (44 reg jacket /32 pants) and the Wild Things in medium fit me really well. Wild Things EP Jacket and the Primaloft Sweater would fit the bill http://www.bradleyalpinist.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=192. Maybe look at what OR has as well. I have an OR wind shirt that fits really well, although I had to size up from what I normally wear.

That's a really good point, its hard to mess up the decision either way.

It depends upon when you are planning your trip. A lot of folks plan their Liberty Ridge trip as early in the season as possible after the White River Road opens, typically Memorial Day weekend. If that is your strategy I would go with plastic boots since you will be on snow most of the way and the Invernos will be nice to have. If you are planning on a later ascent, say late June - early July, I would suggest the leather boots and forget the approach sneakers. For me, late May to early June is when I switch from my plastics (or AT boots) to leathers on Rainier.

Nice to see Dave and Dan still climbing. I had heard Dave quit to whitewater kayak.

and some stuff for sale. Free backbacks, dog bones, belay parka and some boots and shoes for sale. On my blog: http://themountain-life.blogspot.com/p/free-stuff-stuff-for-sale.html

I was going to suggest the same itinerary as Alex. Wise words. Woodsman: Both of these approaches and routes are covered in the red Beckey guide and in Jim Nelson and Peter Potterfield's guide 'Selected Climbs in the Cascades" although I can't remember if you would need both volumes.

TTK, That reminds me.I have a scupture I am working on that I want you to see. I'll send a photo of it when I am done. I think you will appreciate the aesthetics of the piece.

Thanks Bala, I appreciate that!

Dane is he guy to talk too. He may have an article on his blog: http://coldthistle.blogspot.com/ If not there are a number of videos online that demonstrate tool sharpening techniques. I think Black Diamond made one.

Actually neither. Money belongs to the Federal Reserve. And if you think your land belongs to you and the government can not take it, I've got a nice red bridge that crosses the Snoqualmie River to sell you.

How about: The Shoe is on the Other Foot Now, its Not So Fun is it Young Chu?. Now you know how Charles Cole Feels. That's kind of long. How about: The Apple as in "Do you like apples?" "How do you like these apples".

I've never had my feet swell, but on Denali it felt like my Intuiton boot liners may have swelled a bit but not signifcantly. Maybe it was just my brain swelling.

Maybe Juan or MattP can chime in with some actual facts but from my understanding companies incorporate to indemnify the coroprate officers from legal liability. For example, if corporation X makes a product that kills hundreds of thousands of consumers the corporate officers won't be held criminally liable. How many big tobacco folks are in prison now? I'm sure there are many other benefits and protections afforded under incroporation laws, but I would bet a dollar none of these are extended to the consumers. Evil? Mostly not but the laws don't exactly encourage the orporation to not be either.

Do you know what draws advertiser? Readership. What draws readership? Content. I would be happy sell you some lightly used content (stories and phtotos). You can change the names in the stories so it will look like your crew actually climbs and skis. There are even gear reviews of gear I have actually used, not just would like to buy. Some samples here: www.themountain-life.blogspot.com. No reasonable offers refused. Act now!

Wow, very nice prose!

That's because your girlfriend is super hot.

Hello, I started a blog so that I could learn the blogging software in order to help my wife with the blog she started. In doing so I ended up with a blog of mostly old stories and photos and some cheesy gear reviews. Take a look if you have some time to kill. I'd love to hear feedback on the design and writing. http://themountain-life.blogspot.com/ Thanks, Dan

Carharts. Cheaper than climbing pants, pretty durable plus they give you the 'I'm not trying hard to look cool' vibe.

Clearly this tool is available at Costco. Everything is giant there.