buler

@Duke Mantee, a lot of it is me being a picky bastard. I want what I want. The JWJ jacket would have probably met my want list. I don't like pocket flaps. I like the early pleated style. Most of the available jackets with those details are 1 pocket jackets. The JWJ has the 2 pockets, but it has a seamed center back. I didn't want a seam. I have a Mister Freedom ranch blouse that I love. It has the 2 pockets, one being non flap and the cossack collar. The fit is very good, but not perfect for my level of picky. The Mister Freedom was also a heavier denim, which I love, but I wanted even heavier. So I had to go the custom route to get all of the things I wanted. I found that Ben offered the level of customization I wanted at a reasonable (in my mind) price. Also, with the recent demise of Roy, I feel good about supporting Ben (another 1 man show). I also had some deerskin laying around and wanted to reinforce the normal high wear areas of the jacket. I do intend the wear this jacket a lot.

Final detail shots. I sent Ben some deerskin and had him line the cuffs and waistband. Collar is deerskin with duck backing. The jacket will see a lot of wear and these high wear areas will hopefully hold up a long time.

Yes, @julian-wolf. The JWJ was part of my inspiration. I wanted two pockets and liked the staggered height. Also the collar.

Denim - i120 17 oz (18 after wash) unsanforized right hand twill; Ben prewashed collar deerskin over duck straight adjuster strap on back; Riveted; copper buckle rivets, copper buttons, copper w/silver center deerskin patch waistband and cuffs backlined with deerskin rounded cuff edge hidden inside chest pocket hanging strap

Thread needs some life. Some thread about to come my way!!

26 year ticket

Awesome vest! Love the wildcat button!!

I just finished fixing our washing machine. I only had to take it apart 3 times! And only 1 extra screw left over at the end.

Thanks @Broark. It really brings back interesting memories. You're out there in the hot fall sun, sweating your ass off. First you go thru the fields and cut all of the 'bacco with a razor sharp axe. Bent over the whole time. A friend of mine layed his arm open with his ax. Then you use the very sharp spear head to "string" the stuff. It splits the stalk of the tobacco and you push it onto the wood lat. My cousin ran the spear head right thru her palm. Definitely a backbreaking good time! Did I mention the giant green tobacco worms?

Wasn't sure where to put this. But thought some of you may enjoy it. A home movie, said to be from the 1950's, and possibly from the Wisconsin area where I grew up. It shows tobacco work, which I was doing the same way when I was in High School in the late 70's/early 80's. Backbreaking work. Anyway, there are some great shots of men in overalls and jeans. Someone in Austria bought it at a market and was told it was from Stoughton, Wisconsin. Farmleben in Wisconsin um 1950 - YouTube

Congratulations, @beautiful_FrEaK!! I'm assuming this is your first? They are a wonderful thing.

Best wishes and a speedy recovery to your daughter, Duke!!

Spring sunshine

Work with your brain. Have fun with your hands and your back (or on your back...).