After last weekend’s overnight backpacking trip, TheMisterT asked if I could either repair or replace the pouch that holds his water purifying pump which had a broken zipper. In the interest in keeping things small and lightweight, it was a pretty tight fit and required a pretty specific packing strategy - something that TheMisterT just couldn’t cotton to.
Therefore, repairing or replacing the zipper in the existing bag seemed like a temporary fix. All he asked was that the fabric be something that would repel water and/or dry quickly. Luckily, I had this nylon in my stash! Why? I dunno! Looks like something I picked up from the remnants bin, probably thinking it could be put to use for dog projects.
I used my heated stencil cutter to cut the label off the old one to make a patch. I also harvested the loop from the original - in case he wanted to hang it on the outside of his back or whatever it is that backpackers do that required it on there in the first place!
I had the cord and the spring-loaded locking slider thinging in my stash, too. I always harvest those kinds of things off worn out stuff!
I used my stencil cutter to cut the new fabric, too. I was told that method years ago by a fabric store employee and man is it a nice trick for these kinds of super-fraying, non-natural fabrics! I just set a silicone baking mat under it. In the past I have used a glass cutting board, too. All the seams are sewn double and all the edges “cauterized.” Hopefully, this will last the life of the pump.
AIMR
(Linda -2024 Choose Projects that You Want to Do :us:)
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I laughed because I also have odd bits of fabric that I reclaimed for “just in case”…hey, it has saved me several dollars and shopping trips, but less landfill crap!
I love your saves…I am sure it is a subtle sentimental thing for your guy…anyway, nice job!!! I think it is better than the original…easier to spot in a crowded backpack as well!
I love that you had possibly originally grabbed the fabric for dog stuff. This is great - and I agree with your husband on those ruthless no-wiggle-room re-packing issues!
The replacement is better than the original! I love how you were able to salvage parts from the old bag to make it look so pro!
And, what a brilliant idea to cut the fabric with a heated stencil cutter. I have some nylon to make shopping totes with, and I know it’ll fray like crazy, so I am going to be adding a stencil cutter to my shopping list. Thanks for that tip!
Lol, his “fix” had me laughing to where my husband said “What are you laughing about?”
I bet that your version will last longer than the original. Handmade stuff has that care and attention that mass-produced does not. And I concur with everyone else: you can actually see it since it contrasts! He’s one lucky guy to have you!
If you have a wood burning tool, it would probably work. Not as fine of a “cut” maybe and I’m not sure if the tip would be good for wood after that. Make sure you have good ventilation!
They are really handy to have around! I have used mine for stencil cutting, of course, but also for burning details into styrofoam headstones for my Halloween boneyard.
