Sew, Man, Sew!

 Me: Josiah, you can't just go and sew a coat! You need to get a proper pattern!

Him:

 

That's his mock up of Aragorn's duster - he plans to make another one out of leather.

So you see, it's not just mamas who sew.

 

Josiah just started sewing last spring. He really wanted a surcoat to wear over his maille, and so he set out to learn to use the machine so he could make one:

 

He later embellished it with a pattern of stitching around the neck opening:

 

Next he wanted some cloaks, as cloaks are all the rage in my house:

 

And then he moved on to a fancy surcoat emblazoned with the Lion:

 

After that he started to really get creative with pattern design and he fashioned this pointed dwarf style hood:

 

The hood was a very clever one piece design that still amazes me. But not as much as the gloves he made with some freecycled leather he has:

 I have been sewing for decades, but I would never attempt such a thing as two color leather gloves, and most definitely not without a pattern - but Josiah just made up his own!  He wanted some Boromir gloves and the only way he could reckon getting any was to make them.  He now takes great pride in those gloves, and rightly so - they were quite a challenge. He even embellished them with detail etching in the leather.

As I have previously noted, guys are a bit different from gals when it comes to sewing. Another tendency I've noticed with the guys - they seem to be more focused on the finished product, rather than the process. For example, I think we ended up with at least fourteen of these kitties and eight or so horses, just because the girls find them so fun and cute to make. I don't think we actually needed fourteen kitties...;-)

Some of Josiah's other sewing projects are this pouch and quiver:

 

The quiver is a very good project for a beginner. Made of a heavy canvas material, it is basically just a long narrow pouch. An old belt has been added for a carrying strap, attached with little nuts and bolts.

 

Another simple project is a belt pouch, this one made out of leather scraps:

 

It could also be made out of any sturdy fabric, and would make a great first project to introduce boys to the sewing machine. Guys like things that are useful and practical, and a little belt pouch is very handy.

 

With a little practice, a larger pack could be made with more features, such as this haversack with buckle closures:

   

With the myriad of sewing and craft sites out there filled with all things cute and calico, warm and fuzzy and altogether lovely, one might overlook the possibilities for guys to enjoy the pleasures and practicality of sewing. I hope these projects of Josiah's serve to jump start the creative engines for some of your guys. You can find more photos and instructions for most of these projects over on Josiah's blog, Random Interesting Stuff.

Sew, man, sew!

Comments

[Jessica]

Wow!! I have been subscribed to Josiah's blog for awhile and I am always SO VERY impressed with his work!!! Amazing!!!! I am always showing his creations to my boys who are even more in awe!

[Renee]

You are woman after my own heart who allows her children to use her sewing machine! I too have done the same, though we've not had as extensive a sewing son as you have. :-) Our two sons at home (17, 11) are awe inspired by your son's blog and all his kindred hobbies as theirs. Me thinks my sewing machine will be in full use in no time at all... Thank you for posting, what fun your children have with their wonderful imaginations. Terrific!

[Alicia]

I love it! Your kids are so creative. We scrounge dress up materials for all sorts of things, but making high quality-looking pieces on your own is a whole new level. :^)

[Ellen]

I am amazed at Josiah's creations. Like I commented a few weeks ago, he was my inspiration in putting together an Obi Wan Kenobi cape/robe for my friend's son. Is he available for consultation on my future projects????

[Theresa]

Oh, wow!!! I'll definitely have to show this to my boy!
One question--what kind of needle does one use to sew leather?

[Alicia]

You know, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if he's considered a career in costume design.

[joann10]

These are just incredible!!! We a great talent to have!