I have had a few brain tanned deer hides I have done over the past year. I finally decided to make a nice small game hunting vest. It's going to be buckskin lined with a military surplus wool blanket. Here are all the pieces cut out. Just have to make some interior and exterior pockets and sew it all together.
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0281-1.jpg)
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0280-1.jpg)
I might even sew a quiver into the back of it. It's going to have antler buttons to keep it shut.
That's too cool. Something I want to do one day! Good for you!!!
Very cool. I have wanted to this for some time,maybe your post will get me going.
:thumbsup:
I like it, and I can't wait to see the finished product.
Cool! :thumbsup:
Like the quiver idea! Be sure to let us see pics of it when you're done.
Ken
very nice !!!!!!
So far it looks great. Keep the pictures coming as you continue...
That's really cool.
Really nice!
Thanks everyone. Hopefully it will come together as nice as I hope. This is the first time trying to make any sort of clothing. I figured I have to start learning if I want to put these buckskins to use. I really enjoy brain tanning so this is the next logical step. I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes. For everyone saying that they want to give it a try, just go for it. Brain tanning is fun and simple, although it takes some effort.
Cant wait to see the finished product.
Just cut the front pockets.
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/photo-4.jpg)
Looks great Greg. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Are you using an old vest for a pattern or just going by what "feels/looks" right?
I'm planning something similar with the old blanket, but no hide. I have an old vest for a pattern.
Looks like its going to turn out great Greg! Can't wait to see some more photos.......... :coffee:
I like the quiver idea. You might consider attaching the quiver with antler buttons to make it removable. That would be slick.
QuoteOriginally posted by Hopewell Tom:
Are you using an old vest for a pattern or just going by what "feels/looks" right?
I'm planning something similar with the old blanket, but no hide. I have an old vest for a pattern.
Yes, I'm using an old vest for a pattern. The one thing I learned is working without, or modifying patterns is tough. I tried first on the wool blanket and screwed it all up. I cut apart the vest and got it to work fine.
Cool post. If I ever kill a deer :confused: I intend to put the hide to good use too!
That brings up a good point. I was able to get this vest out of 1 huge buck hide and a large doe hide. This vest would take 3 or 4 normal size deer hides. But, the buddy who taught me to brain tan started way before he ever hunted. He picked up road kills and stopped by the butcher shop during deer season. They might charge you $5 for a big hide with few holes. Less for smaller ones.
Got the inside pockets cut.
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/photo-9.jpg)
Are you hand-stitching the whole thing?
Great idea, you are not taking near enough picture's though :thumbsup:
As someone previously asked, is this stitched by hand or with a machine. Either way ...Kudo's
The wool will be machine stitched to the buckskin....hopefully. The vest will be hand stitched together. Probably with serving
Very cool. Keep the pictures and story coming. Very interested in the final outcome.
Man that's awesome! Are you going to make a game bag to put your kills in?
This is very inspiring. One of my goals this year is to develop some sewing and leatherworking skills. I REALLy want to make clothes, packs, etc.
I love the idea of combining buckskin with wool!!!
Looks Great Greg. I will definitely be checking back to see the final product.
I decided to add a pocket to the liner on the back of the vest. Not sure I'll ever use it, but it never hurts to have the option. I may put a button flap on it.
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/photo-11.jpg)
I had a few minutes today to practice a little hand stitching on a scrap piece of buckskin. I have never sewn it before and have done very little sewing at all. I decided to use a hand stitch, which uses a needle on either end of the thread, sewn through the same hole in opposite directions. I used an awl on each hole. Buckskin is not leather or cloth. it is very different stuff. I mean heck, you can throw it in the washing machine.
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/photo-13.jpg)
I layer out the pocket and stapled it in place with a heavy duty stapler
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/photo-12.jpg)
The finished pocket, all sewed on. I won't win any awards for best stitches, but it'll work.
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/photo-10.jpg)
Very cool thread.
Lookin good so far Greg! :thumbsup:
Very neat thread. And I really love the idea of an attached quiver on the back. I know what I'll be doing with my next hide. Thanks for taking the time to post this...
Looking good so far! :thumbsup:
Great job.
When you going to start taking orders? :bigsmyl:
QuoteOriginally posted by Ed Frye:
Great job.
When you going to start taking orders? :bigsmyl:
Lol. I would have to charge $1000 dollars a vest to break even!
I just finished sewing the other front pocket on. It's getting there.
I got both front pockets sewn in
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0298_zps37cc5a87.jpg)
The lining and pockets sewn into the front parts of the vest
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0300_zpsce96a18d.jpg)
The vest is sewn together and fits nicely
The front
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0309_zps75382431.jpg)
The back
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0310_zps6c2bd679.jpg)
I wanted to add a spot to pin a back tag and I wanted to be able to adjust how tightly the vest was closed for how cold it is or how many layers I have on. I can adjust it so the front halves just meet or overlap a few inches. I made adjustable buckles of sorts and buttons out of antler and buckskin lacing. I should have this thing finished this weekend.
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0306_zpsbebaf4f0.jpg)
A closer look at the buttons and "buckles"
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0308_zpsca16ed93.jpg)
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_0307_zps1f90ca5a.jpg)
Thats great Greg, really creative.
Greg - How much time do you have in it so far? Sure is looking great!!!!
I have probably have about 4 hours into it, but a lot of that was figuring out the layout. For my second sewing project I could do it quicker. This of course is not counting all the time I have into brain tanning the hides.
We need a hero shot with you wearing your vest! I know it wont take long with how well you shoot and hunt however season ends soon lol.
Looks great Greg!
QuoteOriginally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
We need a hero shot with you wearing your vest! I know it wont take long with how well you shoot and hunt however season ends soon lol.
Looks great Greg!
DITTO!!!!
Almost done
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/skipmaster1/IMG_6224_zps670b4092.jpg)
Looks great!
It turned out real nice,Greg.You've got some talents...still need a haircut though. :p ;)
Thanks buddy. I just got a haircut this summer!
Nice job Greg :thumbsup:
Great job! I even had my wife follow along with this, as she spends a lot of time at a sewing machine. Nice project!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Thanks. I'll have to get some pictures of me wearing it outside in good light. It came out better than I hoped.
Looks very nice, well done!
Heck of a job Bud!!!
Now that's a vest for busting brush at Shawn's!!