Anders Helseth

It's time to share some behind the scenes info again, and start off 2013. Below you can see the new tag team of denim makers who'll be responsible for making future runs of Steel Feather jeans. This duo consists of Yoshinori and his assistant Taisuke. While both are still young guys they have years of experience, as well as that super-geeky passion for detail and quality.

It was quite by chance that I met Yoshinori in his small workshop in Kojima, back when he was located 15 minutes walk away from the famous Kojima jeans street. Fate was kind to me that day, it seems, as I happened to come across a lovely indigo storefront. Inside I took to scrutinizing some of the jeans on display, and I was shortly after welcomed by Yoshinori. That was the start of a conversation that lasted a few hours. Luckily for me Yoshinori speaks pretty decent english, and I'm somewhat proficient myself, so we were able to communicate well. However, the most important stuff didn't need to be said in words, because we could easily understand each other's passion for denim and details, considering we both are such denim geeks.

(Above: Yoshinori; a cool guy who really knows his stuff - a real "Mozart" of denim. Riveted apron is self made too.)

Long story cut short, we exchanged contact information, and several Skype conversations and e-mails later we found that we wanted to work together for the sake of Steel Feather. After that I went back to Kojima for a lovely stay at Yoshinori's house, where I was well received by his father and mother. Needless to say his mother can cook some mean japanese dishes, and I got to experience real japanese home-cooked food! On top of that, they seemed very happy in spoiling me with such lovely food; as well as Yoshinori's dad's freshly caught fish of the day, grilled and spiced with a secret blend. (YUM!)

(Above: Taisuke, the assistant and apprentice of Yoshinori; originally from an Okinawan island. He's a passionate fan of american hip-hop, and liked to wear his selvage denim a bit baggy.)

However, I didn't spend most of my time enjoying the mouthwatering japanese cuisine, as I got to spend hour upon hour each day in the denim workshop. This is where we got together and made the ultimate sample for the second Steel Feather model, using the denim made by the master weaver (featured earlier in the thread). With Yoshinori and Taisuke there are no half measures, and he really immersed himself into the construction, considering every detail along the way. I've been wearing this sample just about every day since, and it's been nothing short of the best jeans I've ever worn.

With my trusty Canon I was able to document the process from start to finish, and I was able to capture about 90 % of all the steps necessary to make a pair of jeans. Now, let's start this off with the first 3 pictures of how Steel Feather jeans are made:

(Above: Yoshinori always allignes the layers by hand.)

(Above: even this step took a few minutes to complete.)

(Above: Yoshinori is now satisfied with how the layers are alligned, and next step will be drafting the pattern unto the fabric.)

More pictures to come, so make sure to follow my thread for updates

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

Happy New Year, Superfuturians!

I sincerely hope you all had a great Christmas.

Last year was a wonderful year for me, and it wouldn't have been as great without you guys. I just want to take the opportunity to look back on some of the achievements and events of 2012, the year I brought Steel Feather out for the denim world to see.

• Trips to Japan to meet the actual people who are a part of the driving force behind the Japanese selvage denim and jeans we love and appreciate so much!
  
• Taking the great leap in going ahead with production of my very own design of SF0121 jeans.
  
• Steel Feather launched with success on the forum, and getting people's support and appreciation from day 1.
  
• Being the main presenter and an executive producer of the Warp & Weft documentary; I consider this a great achievement for both myself, the team and Steel Feather.
  
• My engagement with my lovely fiancé (let's see if 2013 will be the year!). Thanks for the support also in this major personal event.
  
• Getting in touch with Londoners Danny and Junior, and putting a lot of time and effort in supporting these passionate guys in building Rivet and Hide.
  
• Steel Feather getting its first stockist in Rivet and Hide.
  
• Meeting lots of lovely people and fellow denim heads at the Rivet and Hide launch party.
  
• Being announced as judge for the 2013-2015 HWDC2!!!
  

Looking at the list of achievements for 2012 it seems the year was filled with events. Overall, Steel Feather and myself has been well received, and I'm very happy with all the new friends and contacts I've made over the past year. Let's see what 2013 will bring us all, including Steel Feather and myself.

Thanks for reading and sharing!

Best Regards

Anders Helseth

Regarding HWDC2, you can still get Steel Feather SF0121 first edition at Rivet and Hide.

Hot tip for anyone thinking about participating (regardless of what jeans you're wearing): for such long term competitions be prepared with needle and thread and reinforce typical areas of strain, such as crotch. Scout out a tailor who can do fixes beforehand, and be prepared for when it breaks. Best case is to reinforce before serious damage happens

Personally I like seeing people put time and energy into keeping their jeans alive. Happy mending!

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

If you're not already aware, the Warp & Weft documentary on denim has been completed. I've just watched it in HD and it was awesome and educational at the same time. A great trip for newcomer and veteran alike! It certainly hits the nail on the head on what makes us obsess over denim, and also what makes each it such a personal thing.

To enquire about getting your own hardcopy of this documentary get in touch with our very own DFreshLeish, Mr Devin Leisher!

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

Got my copy, and watched it in full HD, big screen style. Lovely work, and well worth the effort.

Everyone should get this, and learn more about "real" denim. Interesting for newcomers and veterans alike

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

^Thanks for sharing!

I'm really happy you're enjoying them. Keep us updated

Crosspost from the Steel Feather (MiJ) Official thread:

Confirmed: "HWDC2" coupon code is now working at the check out of Rivet and Hide. 15 % off on SF0121 jeans, as well as any other item you pick up at the same time; so if you want a high quality belt or new wallet with your jeans, or even a great shirt, then now's the time to get them.

Looking forward to see what people can do to my Steel Feather denim in the Superheavy category of the next round of Heavyweight Denim Championship.

They can be bought at this contestant exclusive price at: Rivet & Hide (London)

(Above: The slightly unclear typography on the patch says: Comfort & Durability, and Hand Made in Okayama. This writing becomes more readable with wash and treatment with leather oil.)

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

Crosspost from the Steel Feather (MiJ) Official thread:

Confirmed: "HWDC2" coupon code is now working at the check out of Rivet and Hide. 15 % off on SF jeans, as well as any other item you pick up at the same time; so if you want a high quality belt or new wallet with your jeans, or even a great shirt, then now's the time to get them.

Looking forward to see what people can do to my Steel Feather denim in the Superheavy category of the next round of Heavyweight Denim Championship!

They can be bought at this contestant exclusive price at: Rivet & Hide (London)

(Above: The slightly unclear typography on the patch says: Comfort & Durability, and Hand Made in Okayama. This writing becomes more readable with wash and treatment with leather oil.)

Steel Feather champions, suit up!

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

Updated the above post with more information in regards to the Heavyweight Denim Championship Round 2!

Confirmed: "HWDC2" coupon code is now working at the check out of Rivet and Hide. 15 % off on SF jeans, as well as any other item you pick up at the same time; so if you want a high quality belt or new wallet with your jeans, or even a great shirt, then now's the time to get them.

Looking forward to see what people can do to my Steel Feather denim in the Superheavy category of the next round of Heavyweight Denim Championship!

They can be bought at this contestant exclusive price at: Rivet & Hide (London)

Steel Feather champions, suit up!

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

^Thanks for the support Megatron. Happy to be able to make such a good impression on you

^thanks for clearing that out

Happy meet so many fellow denim enthusiasts at the R&H launch party this Friday. Thanks for valuable feedback and all the support!

I'd have loved to speak more with everyone who attended, but time flies and there were so many people. Everyone who attended who have any questions about my stuff (or just want to chat a bit about denim) are more than welcome to get in touch with me. You can use [email protected], or even PM me here on the forum.

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

PS! You can get in touch with me even if you weren't at the party

A question: will the categories be decided by denim oz weight post-wash or pre-wash?

Anders

Thanks for sharing the pics Mega! Can't wait for a second R&H party. I think London needs more denim get-togethers.

Also, thanks to everyone for the support and comments on my jeans, and I've really taken it to heart. I'm motivated more than ever

Anders

I had a great time at the launch party, Danny. Thanks for throwing it, and getting people together. It was a great opportunity to meet with some fellow denim heads, and share knowledge and passion. Hopefully there'll be more occasions like this.

It's a shame I didn't manage to get around to talking with everyone, as there were so many people attending. Was a lovely mood to it, and a great setting. I really hope people snapped a few pictures to share as I never got the chance to do any myself, being captivated in deep denim discussions with all these enthusiastic people.

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

Thought I'd just cross-post this. Looks like he's been putting a lot of time into it already.

Jean-Luc's Steel Feather SF0121 after 2 months pretty solid wear with Obbi Good Label veg tan belt. He'll be in them at the launch next week and a loom-state unworn pair will be on the display too.

Wish I could be there with you guys. It's been great being a part of making W&W happen! Hopefully we can arrange a get-together in the future.

Best

Anders Helseth

Looking forward to seeing you all - it's going to be quite the denim head gathering

^Thanks Tyler! Always good to see my "babies" growing up

It's confirmed, I'll be attending the Rivet & Hide launch party. Plane tickets booked, and I'm looking forward to it!

Anders

Thanks for update Danny. Looking good. Must be putting some serious wear into it

If all goes well you'll see me at the Rivet & Hide launch party!

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

Time to give you guys a preview of the new Steel Feather jeans, made with the kibata denim woven by the master weaver a few posts up. This is a sample pair I had made while I was visiting my new manufacturing partners in Kojima a little while back (I will introduce them later, along with many pictures I shot during my stay).

This new fit is wider in the hip and less tapered than the SF0121 first edition jeans.

Pictures were taken by my fiancé Annette.

Kind Regards

Anders Helseth

Hollows Leather made-to-spec shoulder bag.

My favourite detail. Lovingly stitched by hand.