Made my first leggings!

[robtattoo]

I hope this is the right place for this, I don't get on here very often......

I'd like, first of all, to extend my heartfelt apologies to everyone who hand-crafts buckskins to sell. I have been guilty, in the past, of thinking your wares were too expensive. Now that I've had a go myself, I understand your reasoning. This would be a damnably thankless way to earn a living!

Anyhoo, I had a couple of 'comercial Braintan' (We all know it's chrome, just say chrome!) deer hides laying around & not doing too much, so I figured I'd make a pair of leggings for deer season. They're not patterned after any particular region or period (if they happen to look like anything Historically Correct, it's pure coincedence!) I just took a long look at what I thought would work, be practical & be relatively protective.
I still need to get some soft wool or flax for a breechclout (It's a piece of Army blanket in the pics & yes, I'm in m' drawers!)

[HFD60]

Rob the leggings look great, but please, please get a longer clout.

[Pat B]

Nice work, Rob. They look great. ...but like HFD60 said...

[JW_Halverson]

I have a nice red wool flannel looooong breechclout with satiny smooth linen lining that would look good with those leggings.  But you can't have it because I like wearing it!

Once had a woman at a Rendezvous see me in that breechclout get all offended and holler, "Oh my G**, you aren't wearing underwear!"  I said, "Yes I am.  It started as a breechclout, but after walking around all morning it's a g-string now!"  She left me the heck alone for the rest of the weekend.

[Pappy]

They look great,very nice job.
   Pappy

[Parnell]

How many hours of work would you say, Rob?

[robtattoo]

Thanks folks!

I would say about 2 hours in the first, an hour in the second. Once I'd got a handle on the cutting, measuring & lacing, the second went MUCH quicker.

[cracker]

looks pretty good you actually gonna use em or just for show off? Ron

[robtattoo]

My intention is to wear them. If I can get a clout figured out, I'll be in them this Saturday for opening day of bow season.

[stickbender]

     Great job!  Those look nice.  Yes..... make the next breech clout Lonnnnnger, and
I add, be sure to line it with flannel, or something, including the edges, or else it will look like you have fleas, or some other form of little crustatceons.   Wool itches, especially Army blankets!   Yes hand made leather products are expensive, especially when made with real brain tanned leather.  As you now know, "A LOT" of work and time goes into it, even the small items.   Nice looking leggings!
Dang, J.W.  didn't you tan that leather first, before making it into a breech clout?  Shrinking rawhide breech clout! It doesn't evoke a pleasant sight, or sound!

                                                     Wayne

[BowEd]

Good looking pair of leggins.Good utility pair.Now get em greased up at the campfire frying bacon.Don't worry about any style...They are rabattoo style tell them.A trade wool blanket won't be too itchy for a breech clout.They are definitely cooler in the summertime.I've worn mine at many a rendezvous and they do get some hand over the mouth funny looks from the pilgrims that come to goggle at the skinners.
If you want to really appreciate the cost brain tan and smoke your own.

[JW_Halverson]

If you want to really appreciate the cost brain tan and smoke your own.

Boy, that's a truckload of truth!

[armymedic.2]

No doubt.  I have a pair of moccs from a deer i killed last year.    Probably 12 active hours in them making or more.......and only three of cutting and stitching......then again.   Might be about twenty hours.   

Now i brain........semi soften......put the walk in freezer to use for a few months.......then brain and soften and smoke.      Muuuccchhhhh easier.