MYOG Projects for this Winter

So I've been thinking about a number of new projects to tackle this winter in the Make-Your-Own-Gear (MYOG) department.  I'm not afraid to tinker, so here's what I'm thinking about working on over the winter, in no particular order.  As I write these up, I'll link them here so it will be a quick reference to all my winter projects.  Links to similar projects I used as a template or for inspiration are on the individual project pages.  If you have any thoughts, ideas, or other projects I can turn to for inspiration, feel free to leave a comment.

• Anti-Bottle Launching Solution for my Tri Bike

  Like many other triathletes, I've struggled with my behind-the-seat water bottle flying out at inopportune times.  I think I have the problem well understood and a (temporary?) solution in mind using one of my favorite materials... Duct Tape. 

• Workbench for my shop in the basement 

  Before I can tackle a number of other projects, I need to get a workbench built.  We moved a couple of years ago and I left my old one at the old house.  Yes, it's been years but hey, I had plenty of other projects to get done around the new place.  I already have a basic design started in SketchUp, so I'll get this one underway soon. 

• Backpacking Tipi (or Tepee, or Teepee) 

  This is a big undertaking, but probably the one I want to do the most.  Inspiration for this project came during my recent Dolly Sods backpacking trip, where 4 of us carried two ultralight 2-person shelters, and it was still too heavy for my liking.  I think I can make one out of Silnylon (silicon-impregnated nylon ripstop fabric) that will sleep 4 or 5 comfortably, and weigh in around 3 pounds.

• Down Quilt 

  This is another bigger project, but I'd really like to sew a 3-season down (or maybe even lighter) quilt.  Ideally this finishes somewhere around a half to three-quarters of a pound.

• Camp Shoes 

  Not your ordinary camp shoes, I'm thinking about cutting out some slippers from an old blue foam pad I have.  Either that, or maybe making a pair of lightweight leather moccasins.  1-2 oz max.

   

Additional ideas, added after I initially posted this:

• Segmented Pad Extender for my hammock

  A way to add "wings" to my air mattress to help keep it centered when being used in my hammock.  Also adds a little more insulation to wrap up and around my hips and shoulders.