Heavy Duty Sewing: Making Backpacks and Other Stuff

Sandqvist makes sewing sturdy objects look quite doable in this how-to book. Wearing a red plaid shirt and a watchman’s cap, Sandqvist, who cofounded the outdoor brand Sandqvist with his brother, is pictured at his vintage sewing machine, surrounded by scissors and screwdriver, leather, and rivets. “Anyone,” he insists, “can learn how to sew: it’s just a case of stepping on the gas.” He starts with the mathematics of construction, and then deals with padding, zippers, and textile care. He focuses on practical items, sewn simply and mostly with a straight stitch on hardwearing fabric like twill, poplin, and denim. The 10 projects are organized by hours of construction and levels of expertise. They range from an apron for beginners that takes approximately five hours to make, to a backpack for the advanced that clocks in at 20 hours. There’s also clothing (gaiters), accessories (duffel bag), and accoutrements (hanging flower sack). With awe-inspiring photos of mountain ranges and other Nordic landscapes throughout, Sandqvist encourages adventuresome sewers with projects that are practical and a lifestyle that’s aspirational. [em](June) [/em]