u/KingCaptHappy-LotPP

I’m smitten with Alpha Direct, and my fingers are often cold. Thus the Alpha Mittens. I haven’t seen any made of this material, though maybe they’re out there.

I was nervous to sew Alpha, since it’s delicate and pricey, but found it to be very forgiving. Used a walking foot, 2.5 thread tension, with an overcast stitch to capture the edges.

Touch screen compatible even without folding back the flip top! Little flaps cover the slits in the palms and thumbs.

This design works well with my Komperdel trekking poles that have gloves that clip into the poles. The slits allow for the poles to connect with the mittens on.

Will try thinner cord for the pull loops on the next pair.

Last pic has paper in the slits just to highlight where they are. It’s hard photographing black fabric!

Started using hydration bladders when hiking, and went to use one while kayaking, and it was awkward, with a separate bag and a long tube. I was worried about a tangle hazard in addition to it being cumbersome.

Came up with this bag to hang in the back of the PFD to hold the bladder, with zipper access and a tube passageway. It’s way more streamlined, and seems safer.

Made with 210D Venom Gridstop. “Insulated” with Reflectix. Not sure how much good it’ll do thermally on the inside, but it ads a nice structure and perhaps a minimal amount of buoyancy?

Using g-clips to attach to the shoulder straps, and an elastic band attached with g-clips to hold the bottom secure. Reflective strip on the back to increase visibility.

Included a pic of it inside out, because preparing and installing the binding took like 1/4 of the time of the project, which is crazy for something that will mostly not be seen. 🤣

Finished with a pic of funny birds from a paddle this week.