Ripstop on the Record

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Most people see a finished backpack as the end of a project. Today's guest sees it as the beginning. Kenn Walker is a modification expert, known for taking a scalpel to the seams of $400 backpacks and making them even better than before.
From his background in parachute rigging to turning a World Cup soccer ball into a bag, Kenn brings the kind of creativity and problem-solving that every maker can learn from.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Which techniques Kenn uses to confidently seam rip and modify finished bags
The one tool Kenn cannot live without
How he turned custom modifications into a thriving business
What parachute rigging taught him about sewing, load paths, and building gear that lasts
Kenn's favorite shop hacks, machines, and workflow for tackling one-of-a-kind projects
Kenn Walker is a Custom/Modification Designer | Instagram | Website
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@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com

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What happens when a blacksmith becomes obsessed with making backpacks? In this episode, Ethan Goss of Goss Handmade shares the unconventional ideas, hard-earned lessons, and creative rabbit holes that have shaped his approach to designing packs that blend heritage aesthetics with modern performance.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why some vintage backpack designs still outperform modern alternatives—and which features deserve a comeback
Ethan's surprisingly effective wood frame stays and what they taught him about comfort, durability, and pack design
The anatomy of a great shoulder strap, from foam selection and fit to the small details that make packs more comfortable under load
How classes, community, and studying other makers can dramatically accelerate your growth as a gear maker
Listen in and lend a few ideas from Ethan's playbook. You might just find your next rabbit hole. 
Guest: Ethan Goss from Goss Handmade (Instagram, Website)
Shop the latest fabrics and materials here. 
Find Us on Social Media 🚀
@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com

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Most sewing machine problems don’t start with catastrophic failure—they start with the small maintenance habits makers ignore for too long. In this episode, Matt Evans joins us to break down the practical upkeep, adjustments, and troubleshooting skills every DIYer should know to keep their machines running smoothly and sewing clean.
In This Episode, We Cover:
The maintenance habits that actually matter
How to diagnose common sewing issues like skipped stitches, poor tension, and fabric feeding problems 
The simple machine adjustments makers should feel comfortable making themselves 
DIY tools, cheap shop hacks, and unexpected hardware store finds that can make patterning, cutting, and machine upkeep easier
Custom UL Hiking Gear for Dogs and Humans - Red Paw Packs 
Guest: Matt Evans, Red Paw Packs 
Shop the latest fabrics and materials here. 
Find Us on Social Media 🚀
@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com

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Most of us like the idea of American-made production, but very few of us understand the complexity (or the role DIY makers can play in rebuilding it). This conversation explores what it actually takes to build sewn products sustainably in America without losing sight of the people behind the products.
The Carolina Textile District helps businesses (big and small) create amazing products here in the US through educational courses, businesses connections, and operational support. 
Sewn Goods 101 Course
Industrial Sewing Program
isp@theindustrialcommons.org
Shop the latest fabrics and materials here. 
Find Us on Social Media 🚀
@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us Fan Mail
Any project is a serious undertaking—but sewing everything for your thru-hike is next level. That’s exactly what Eliza did for the CDT. She breaks down what it actually takes to design, sew, and trust a full 15-piece kit when failure isn’t really an option.
In this episode: 
Where to start when you want to make something big 
Why the failed prototype helped in the long run 
How Eliza approached fabric selection
What she did this project for
Listen in to get inspired and see where your next build can take you. 
Guest: 
Eliza Sweeney
Shop the latest fabrics and materials here. 
Find Us on Social Media 🚀
@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com