I got so much satisfaction out of making that last pair of jeans that I told my brother I wanted to make a pair for him for his birthday. Been drafting the pattern the last couple weeks and finally got it where he wanted it. He's got a little bit more weight in his gut and thighs than I do so it was a good exercise in modifying patterns.  Also bought this 1960s New Home (Janome) 532 zig zag machine off Marketplace for $50. It could hardly turn when I got it, so over a few days I doused it in kerosene a few times a day to de-gunk it. That did the trick so I oiled it up, put belt on it, and now I can do bartacks. It doesn't love going through belt loops but if you floor it it will get enough momentum to power through.  Also some (admittedly poor) pictures of the denim my brother selected. He wanted a crosshatch slub so I found this stuff on Big Z.  More updates to follow!

He probably thinks the same too! 😆

@indigoeagle Any thoughts on the boots? They look good. 

Those are great if you can find them: https://www.heddels.com/2015/07/samurai-sm610dx-p-herringbone-selvedge-denim-work-pant/ e2nd has them in sz 28 & 31 here. In fact, if you go through e2nd Samurai pants page here and search for "automobile", you'll get many options for work pants in a variety of patterns and fabrics.