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gear of the week

Gear of the week | The sewing machine

The machine that prolongs life and gives new life

by Volker Lehmann 02/25/2024
Today's GotW introduces the well-known but sometimes forgotten sewing machine. An important function of a sewing machine in the outdoor sector is to repair items of clothing and equipment in order to extend the life of your favourite items or even redefine their intended use.

Most climbers are very familiar with it: the sewing machine! Shortly before the next belay, the calves start to move up and down like a sewing machine and as soon as you are belayed, the muscle tremors are gone again. A mixture of mental block and effort!

Working on a sewing machine, on the other hand, is much more relaxed. Just thinking about a Swiss sewing machine manufacturer called "Bernina" brings back memories of the first PowderGuide meeting in 2011 at the foot of Piz Bernina. The ascent over the Pers Glacier, the majestic view of the Biancograt and its possibly first switch descent.  I must have worn the first PowderGuide cap there. Unfortunately, it ended up gathering dust in the cupboard due to its strange fit. At some point while tidying up, I thought why not make a headband out of it.

Baam, cut off the top part of the hat, folded it over once and sewed around it once with the sewing machine. (Ok, I have to admit that I needed my mum's help!). The first PowderGuide headband was finished. As I almost always wear a headband on tours, it has been my indispensable companion on every ski tour ever since.

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Another important function of a sewing machine in the outdoor sector is the repair of items of clothing and equipment. Holes in your favourite ski underwear can be sewn up quite easily and they will last for several years. For those who have neither the talent nor the muse to do this, there are sewing shops on every corner that will do it for little money and breathe new life into your favourite items.

Replacing zips on jackets or trousers is often more complicated due to the material, but can often be a cost-effective alternative to buying new clothing and also reduces your ecological footprint. With the right equipment and a little skill, even major damage, such as torn seams or holes in tents or sleeping bags, can be repaired to extend their lifespan and make them ready for use again.

I have to admit that I have these more complicated operations done by professionals. My ski trousers got a new edge protector and the hole in the crotch was glued. In addition, my 14-year-old Haglöfs Spitz jacket and my Haglöfs Barrier Pro jacket were fitted with a new zip and since then I've been able to take these favourite items with me on tour again. The joy of receiving the repaired items is at least as great as that of ordering new outdoor items. On the recommendation of PENGUIN, I had my items of clothing repaired at www.outdoor-service.com. Not for free, but high quality.

Where do you get your outdoor clothing repaired? Let us know in the comments.

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This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

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