After looking on zen stoves I have realized that there is probably more info there than i will ever be able to read. It is an awesome site and i know i will be able to find what i'm looking for there (thanks to whoever suggested it).

Now i am trying to undertake my next DIY project...sewing. I am about as unexperienced as you can be, except for a random button here and there, i have never sewed. So, with that in mind, i am going to start sewing stuff sacks and hopefully be able to make a backpack someday......with a lot of luck. That being said, i am hoping that somebody out there knows a place that i can download and/or buy patterns for things like stuff sacks, backpacks, clothes, etc. Any opinions and websites will be helpful.

Also, i have been looking but haven't found a site about sewing techniques and know-how. if anybody has that let me know about it too.

Thanks so much to everyone who chimes in you have no idea how much this will help me!

Free Backpack Patterns:
http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/myog.html

Free Tent and Bivy Pattern:
http://sixmoondesigns.com/ultralight/default.asp

Hey Kyle,
I'm sure you've already seen these, but BPL turns out to be a great resource for sewing techniques. Great explanations and a few helpful pictures. Part 1 of 5 yards to SUL is an introduction, but part 4 goes through making a backpack. Here are a few URLs to check out.

5 Yards to SUL
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/make_your_own_gear_5_yards_to_sul_part_1.html

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Sewing Machine Setup
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/sewing_primer_sewing_machine_setup.html

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Straight Stitch and Top Stitch
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/sewing_primer_straight_and_top_stitch.html

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Reinforcement Stitches for Lightweight Fabrics
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/sewing_primer_reinforcement_stiches.html

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Sewing a Felled Seam
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/sewing_primer_felled_seams.html

Thru-Hiker has a few "Sewing how to" tips. The pics aren't the best, but AYCE is helpful nonetheless.

http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=11

Rodney Liwanag's LAB Pack - hosted at Thru-Hiker
http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=8&cid=59

And, if you're looking for stuff sack help, Jay Hams instructions in 5 Yards to SUL are great. The design is more simple that AYCEs and I think Jays design makes lighter sacks.
Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Matt