Putting your Brain tanned hides to use

[Greg Krause]

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.

[BT]

WOW!.
That's really cool

I have recently been looking at tandy leather company for leather and leather working tools (did this a bit when I was younger) but now I am thinking that I might just try the whole 9 yards seeing as we have an expert here

Cant wait to see the finished product.

[Greg Krause]

Just cut the front pockets.





Got the inside pockets cut.





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.




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.




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



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





I got both front pockets sewn in




The lining and pockets sewn into the front parts of the vest




The lining and pockets sewn into the front parts of the vest




The vest is sewn together and fits nicely

The front



The back



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.



A closer look at the buttons and "buckles"





Almost done




I need to get some good pictures of the finished vest. Maybe my lovely wife will take some this weekend of me wearing it

[BT]

All you need is a battle axe and a steel helmet LOL! ;D

Dude!... Thats awesome!. Congratulations on being able to put that together (soup to nuts) on your first attempt. So Neat!