Specialty Outdoors

Sewing and Repair for Outdoors Enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

I want something modified. What do you need to know? When you request a modification, any information you can give me about your current set up and what does/doesn't work is a great place to start. I can work off of simple illustrations and sketches, or you can describe what you want done and I will draw it out. I will most likely ask you for dimensions, and about your end use.
Do I need to clean my gear and clothing before sending it to you? Yes! I do not work on unwashed clothes! Clothing must be clean as in freshly laundered, not as in "I only wore it a few times". If in doubt, please wash. For information on how to clean your clothing, read the tag, or contact the manufacturer. This is for shell wear and all other garments, no exceptions.You can wash technical clothing with any number of products made specifically for technical clothing by Granger's or Nikwax. I apologize for sounding so cranky, but I have been sent clothing with dried mud, snot, food and other substances on it, clothing covered in pet hair (I am highly allergic), things that stink, and other assorted ickiness.
Equipment needs to be clean as in clean and shaken out; dirt, grit and trash free. You can use a brush to get grit and dirt off. There is a service charge if your gear pours grit into my sewing equipment, or if I have to clean power bar wrappers, crumbs, pine needles, dog hair, dirty socks, or other trash out of it. (no kidding) Note: do not use detergents, coarse brushes or washing machines on coated items; you will take the coating off!!
Someone started a repair on my gear, and couldn't finish it, can you? Yes, but I make absolutely no guarantees about the nature of the finished work.
Can you make something from scratch? In most cases, YES is the answer. I will work with you to find the appropriate design and materials to create what it is you want. Note: I do not build tents or sleeping bags.
Do you do production, manufacturing, prototypes or product development? No, I am a custom, modification and repair specialist.
What about North Face repairs? I am factory authorized for non warranty repair and aftermarket modifications only. If your item is a warranty repair item, you need to contact The North Face warranty department directly, 800-447-2333. If it is any other type of repair such as tears or other damage, an equipment modification, or a clothing alteration, then contact me directly.
My tent fly is severely UV damaged, or worn out, or I want a different color or fabric. Can you make another one?
I do not duplicate old or make custom tent flys. For the amount it will cost you in terms of labor and materials, you can buy yourself two or three new tents. Congratulate yourself on getting so much good wear out of the tent, have a little ceremony to celebrate all the good trips you had with it, and throw it away.
I lost my tent fly. Can you make me another one? I do not make tent flys from scratch. The manufacturer may have a spare to sell you if your tent is of recent vintage.
Do you work on down items? No. Please contact Down Works in Santa Cruz, CA. 800-655-3696
My garment is a size too big/too small, can your re-size it? I lost weight, got it on sale, etc. Resizing of taped, shell outerwear is beyond the scope of what we do here.
The seams on my shell are welded, not sewn. What do I do? For any repair or alteration with welded seams, you need to contact the manufacturer.
I'm in Spokane, how can I get my stuff to you? The most convenient way to get your repairs to me is to take them to the Mountain Gear store at 2002 N. Division St. They are open 7 days a week. I pick up there on tuesdays. You can call me if you have special concerns, or if you think it's something I should take a look at. All clothing drop-offs must be clean as in freshly laundered, not as in "I only wore it once".
What is the best way to ship to you? I prefer FedEx ground as it seems to be the most affordable for boxes. Postal Service Priority is best for small items. It is the most expensive way to go for larger items like packs and tents. Please insure your items for replacement value.
Is my gear worth repairing? Almost any thing is worth fixing unless the fabric is old and degraded with general wear and/or UV damaged. If the fabric is not shredded, pulled out, worn thin or the coating is coming off, it's probably worth repairing. Gear can be rehabilitated with new zippers, buckles, elastic, and patching.
Do you repair poles? No. Please contact TA Pole Repair
Can you repair Velcro™ on Teva sandals? That's a job for any shoe repair shop.
Where is the shipping information? Please contact me for shipping information. This way I can schedule your work properly.
What are my payment options? Personal checks and money orders are fine. Or, if you prefer to use your credit card, I have found that Pay Pal works great and is very secure. For custom work and large projects, a deposit is required.
Do I need to give you a deposit? Yes. Materials will not be ordered, and work will not be scheduled unless you have sent in your deposit. If your project is large, or there is a materials order involved, you will need to provide a deposit. A deposit will also guarantee your place in the queue. Deposits are not necessary for most small repair work. Visit the policy page for additional information. In addition, I do charge for time spent sourcing fabrics, and obtaining samples when searching for fabrics for my clients.
What is the turn around time on repairs and custom work? Turn around ultimately depends on the back load of work in the shop. On repairs, the expected turn around is 2-3 weeks, or less. If I get really busy, it may be longer. For custom work and large projects, plan on 6-8 or more weeks after the deposit is received. If you need your equipment back in time for a trip, please let me know and I will do my best to work with you. Please plan ahead... check your ski wear at the end of the season, not one week before your ski trip! If a deposit is needed, please send it promptly.
What about a quote? Please check the pricing page pricing page for general prices. If you don't see your requested modification on the list, just email me. Quotes are good for 30 days and are labor only; materials are seperate.
Do you do RUSH work? Nope. I do not believe in charging more for rush work. I work on a first in, first out basis. If I can fit you in I surely will, but not at the sacrifice of those ahead of you.
How do I measure my pants for shortening? Use your standard inseam measurement as a guide, but double check it. Put your pants on with the boots (hiking, skiing etc) you will be wearing them with. Now, act like you are doing your activity: knee bends, big steps, tele jumps, etc. To make sure that the length is correct, "fold" out the excess until you have a good length, and make a note of the number. Or, you can roll them up. You don't want the pants to be so short that they pull off of the tops of your boots. Measure the new length and write down that inseam number. Another thing to note is whether any articulated knee structure is correctly placed once the length has been adjusted. You may want to consider having the pants shortened above the knee if it's way off. If you have any questions about getting this right, please ask as a correct alteration is dependent on your measurement.
How do I measure my sleeves for shortening? Similar to pants, we need to make sure this is accurate for your sport. Fold the cuff back the amount you think it needs, and then make some action moves (reaching up and forward, for example) to see if this is correct. You do not want your sleeves so short that they expose your wrist or the top of your gloves when you reach for a pole plant or to place some protection, or any other move. Adjust the fold if needed, and take note of the final number as that is the number you will give me. If you have any questions about getting this right, please ask as a correct alteration is dependent on your measurement.
I lost my pack top pocket. Can you make me another one? I need something to duplicate in order to reproduce the original. Depending on your pack style, I can probably come up with something functional and appropriate.
I bought a shell and I want to make my fleece zip-in compatible, what can you do? First, if both items are from the same manufacturer, check with the warranty department. Some companies will change out one of the zippers under the warranty. If not, I can do it, but mostly likely BOTH zippers will need to be changed as the specs on YKK zippers change on a regular basis.
Are you certified by Gore? I get asked a lot about Gore certification for repair, and whether I am Gore Certified. I am equipped for heatsealing on Gore-Tex and related fabrics; however, I am not certified for repair by Gore. According to Brian Murphy of Gore Product Support, Gore no longer certifies ANY repair shops, although they used to. My business was started after the certification program was discontinued. This of course in no way affects the quality of the work I do.

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