Finally putting deer hides to good use

[Scott357]

Cool post. If I ever kill a deer  :confused:  I intend to put the hide to good use too!

[Skipmaster1]

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.

[Skipmaster1]

Got the inside pockets cut.

[Looper]

Are you hand-stitching the whole thing?

[Butts2]

Great idea, you are not taking near enough picture's though  
As someone previously asked, is this stitched by hand or with a machine. Either way ...Kudo's

[Skipmaster1]

The wool will be machine stitched to the buckskin....hopefully. The vest will be hand stitched together. Probably with serving

[Kc kreger]

Very cool.  Keep the pictures and story coming.  Very interested in the final outcome.

[T-D]

Man that's awesome! Are you going to make a game bag to put your kills in?

[FarmerMarley]

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!!!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Looks Great Greg.  I will definitely be checking back to see the final product.

[Skipmaster1]

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.

[Skipmaster1]

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.

[Skipmaster1]

I layer out the pocket and stapled it in place with a heavy duty stapler

[Skipmaster1]

The finished pocket, all sewed on. I won't win any awards for best stitches, but it'll work.

[Jakeemt]

Very cool thread.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Lookin good so far Greg!  

[statedriller]

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...

[Butchie]

Looking good so far!  

[Ed Frye]

Great job.

When you going to start taking orders?    

[Skipmaster1]

Originally posted by Ed Frye:
Great job.

When you going to start taking orders?      

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.