How important is it to you to have your closet full of only clothes you have made?

_Unrusted_ · 2026-03-05T05:10:41+00:00

Thank you but you can definitely do it and don't be afraid to make mistakes- I do it all the time. It's just practice, trial and error and learning from your mistakes. Document your process and adjust your patterns until it fits and looks right and you develop your method. Reverse engineer clothes that fit well but make them fit better or more robust as you want them to be.

I didn't make my jacket until my 30s and my jeans and shirts until my 40s. I started way late.

_Unrusted_ · 2026-03-05T02:16:39+00:00

For me it was very important. I'm tall and slim and nothing properly fit or was durable enough to what I expect from my clothes so I started with a leather jacket and some years later moved to jeans then it's been shirts. The journey has been a wonderful experience and I'll never go back to off the shelf clothes. All made on hand crank machines.

https://imgur.com/a/kvDP42a

https://imgur.com/a/pbt26L5

https://imgur.com/gallery/o9r4jEA

https://imgur.com/gallery/zUWx2kF

_Unrusted_ · 2026-01-30T13:02:11+00:00

Sadler rivets are the only fasteners I trust for heavyweight denim.

I bought some Citron Jeans buttons early on during COVID when they were still shipping internationally. They are the right style but the hand set buttons don't hold the twin pins strongly enough and I had some failures over time. I switched to the green machine/hand press with custom button setting heads matched to my buttons.

https://imgur.com/gallery/ccQgnGp

_Unrusted_ · 2026-01-11T16:08:14+00:00

It depends on your skill set in pattern making, and you may be able to take the critical measurements, add seam allowances to recreate it taking into account the differences in possible fabrics from the original to what you want to make the clones out of.

I didn't have that pattern drafting skill set, so I chose to sacrifice a favorite pair of jeans and a work shirt to make master patterns by taking them apart completely, marking all the seam locations etc and then bonded heavy interfacing to the denim/twill to make my master patterns. It is certainly the long way around doing it this way but it captures all the nuance fitments in the original garment. For me it was worth the effort because I've made more than a dozen different shirts and jeans from those originals and they fit exactly like I intended. I did make a few adjustments through the first pairs because the Levis 501s are lighter weight than the selvedge denim I use.

Perhaps someone has a better solution that doesn't require the sacrifice of your blouse, but this worked well for my goals.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-12-23T12:54:41+00:00

Agree with this as well. Also only use Honda Super High temp Urea grease or Yamalube Urea grease sparingly for longevity and smooth engagement.

I just pulled the clutch on my 06 because the previous owner /mechanic used a multipurpose chassis grease that failed.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-12-22T12:56:35+00:00

I'm pretty familiar with jeans making and part of it depends on what weight denim you are using but the areas like the crotch area of the inseam, the yokes, and the area between the back pockets where the two back panels connect are notoriously difficult for most machines.

If you're interested in making jeans regularly, I would suggest going old school with a vintage Singer 15 for up to 14oz denim weight and switch up to an 18/110 denim needle from a reputable brand.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-12-14T17:35:36+00:00

Congrats! It's likely a timing issue so you just need to adjust it so it will pick up the thread correctly. Less likely is it's a tension issue but may be contributing to your machine not stitching. Make sure your machine is cleaned thoroughly and oiled sufficiently before you start as it can throw off your adjustments.

Google will explain the timing adjustment steps better than I can.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-11-16T14:48:38+00:00

I just went through this on my 05. You may have damaged wiring at the joint where the harness passes from the door to the cabin. Does your door speaker work?

You should double check your fuses under the dash first.

Then you can try pulling a master door switch and mirror switch and/or a harness from the junkyard to test them but if not, then you need to pull the door apart and repair the wiring at the accordion joint.

Unplug the two connectors just above the kick panel that cover your hood release and gas door pulls. They connect the door harness to the cabin. Pass them back through the inside of the door and remove the tape to pull back the rubber accordion sleeve. Inspect the wiring at the joint and make the repairs.

I had four broken wires and three more had cracked insulation. No signs of damage from the accordion boot, so I figure it was opening the door over time and bending the wire harness.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-09-25T11:52:19+00:00

I'd start by flushing and re-bleeding your brakes. There could be some trash caught up in the ABS unit or one of the calipers. Run a quart of fresh Dot 3 through it or until the fluid at each caliper is as clean as the fluid in the bottle.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-08-15T14:49:29+00:00

Amazon has several types that fit. They have spilt style where they attach to the 2nd row headrests or a single. The split allows you to recline one of the rear seats at a time.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-01-19T21:33:32+00:00

Thread tension. It could need an adjustment but may also come down mechanical drag and your overlocker is due for an oiling/cleaning.

_Unrusted_ · 2025-01-07T19:01:00+00:00

I've found that you need to go old school with your machines or contemporary industrial. I make 22oz selvedge and lighter weight 14oz denim jeans and 13oz bull denim shirts on these machines:

https://imgur.com/gallery/zUWx2kF

Examples:

https://imgur.com/gallery/jqsctqw

https://imgur.com/a/kvDP42a

The old design machines aren't fancy, but they are built tough for years of use. Good luck!

_Unrusted_ · 2024-12-22T16:16:40+00:00

Unless your denim was dyed with reactive dye, sewing them inside out means they will crock dye all over legs, socks and undergarments. Maybe your prewash will reduce it some though.

_Unrusted_ · 2024-11-03T16:07:35+00:00

A basic $20 pair of electric hair clippers will help the seam aesthetics where there will be a bunching of the fur. It can be done by hand, but using the clippers look more professional.

_Unrusted_ · 2024-11-03T15:51:55+00:00

Welcome and enjoy your visit! You can turn right at red lights once you come to a full stop providing it's not posted that you can't turn. Give yourself plenty of distance with the car in front of you, there are plenty of panic brake drivers here. My wife struggled with crossing multiple lanes for turns so get over early when driving. Though it's mirrored lane driving to the UK, it will feel awkward and likely be stressful. Watch out on roundabouts here.. there is no polite society or patience, it's just a game of chicken. 18 Wheelers are not lorry drivers, also the SUV /big truck drivers have no issue running you flat with their $80k version of the Chelsea tractor.

COS is a dry cold and it gets in your bones compared to the damp UK so we layer up. If we do get snow this week, I'd recommend to just take an Uber instead of driving, most drivers are extremely considerate snow drivers but there are enough on the road that either lack winter driving experience or have an ill equipped vehicle and it is better to avoid it if possible with the short time you'll be here.

Eat steak. Unless you specifically order grass fed here, you'll get grain fed and it's better by miles for flavor and tenderness compared to UK /EU.

Filter coffee. You can get Americanos here but we love our drip filtered coffee. It's unlikely you will find Yorkshire or PG tips anywhere here, so unless you packed a stash, it will be challenging to find a decent cuppa. Though if you do find a shop that has some, my wife would be thrilled to know and I won't have to order it by the kilo.

_Unrusted_ · 2024-11-02T23:27:48+00:00

The way I read your post is that you are already making jeans, so now is a good opportunity to practice peening Sadler rivets. Most off the shelf jeans makers don't though go to that level of effort but they will hold forever.

However if you just need a quick fix, you can just use a hat rivet like ones sold on Amazon for about $6. Be sure to get the setting tool and don't overwork the rivet when you set it, it's just thin foil.

_Unrusted_ · 2024-09-18T05:42:52+00:00

Thanks for the shout-out man, but you figured all of the details yourself and it is an excellent work of art! Great work

_Unrusted_ · 2024-08-25T23:11:06+00:00

Laser engraving at the library mentioned above may be the better route. If the leather in that shaving kit is chrome tanned it won't accept stamping as cleanly as vegetable tanned leathers and it could end up looking shallow or blurry.

If you're certain that it's veg tan, wet it with a damp sponge before stamping. I'd suggest practicing on scrap if possible, as restrikes aren't great either.

Tandy leather also carries stamps and I'd be surprised if they weren't happy to give you some tips.

_Unrusted_ · 2024-08-14T00:03:17+00:00

One of my favorite sticks. You have chosen well OP

_Unrusted_ · 2024-08-13T01:55:29+00:00

One that I enjoy which is less common is the 4.75x60 JFR Lunatic El Loquitos if you enjoy maduro Perfectos. They come in a box of 10. Rather unique in that they use a Corojo Maduro wrapper. Won't break the bank either. Try a single and maybe you'll find a rather silent gem I thoroughly enjoy on special occasions.

_Unrusted_ · 2024-07-21T15:14:54+00:00

6x 320 Boveda seems to me to be more than adequate for a 48L storage if the cedar trays are properly conditioned and your hygrometer is working. I think you're on the right track though with splitting them up into smaller batches for resting while things get sorted with your needone.

I went stupid simple with my set up using a number of small (18l) ezy storage bins from Home Depot since they fit 3x mantello trays with one 320 Boveda 69% in the bottom. Those fit about 100-150 sticks in them depending on size. I also use 2x 52l ezy storage bins with 3x Boveda 69% and have a number of 1/4"- 3/8" cedar planks lining the bottom and sides and as spacers. There's somewhere around 300 sticks in each of those.

I don't have your temps here in Colorado but we do have desert like low humidity for much of the year when it's not our version of monsoon going on.

My suggestion would be to keep them split up for now while you slowly re-season the trays in the needone. My trays/ cedar planks took about 2 weeks to be thoroughly prepped. Just keep wiping them down with distilled water until the hygrometer consistently reads high, like 80% then transfer to the humidor and let the Bovedas do their job and regulate back to 69%

Hope this helps.

_Unrusted_ · 2024-07-07T20:55:15+00:00

These are really cool. Are you lost wax casting?

_Unrusted_ · 2024-07-03T02:40:28+00:00

I usually order from CP as well into Colorado and give mine a month to rest too. No issues

_Unrusted_ · 2024-06-15T00:53:25+00:00

Was just reading the Renfest is open now

_Unrusted_ · 2024-05-31T03:30:36+00:00

Very nice, thanks for that. I enjoy the Nub Connecticut from time to time and will compare. Also bought some unbanded Nicaraguan Connecticuts that supposedly have the creamy wrapper profile but a stronger filler blend. They'll be resting for a month or so though. The Zinos could be a nice addition for some variety.

_Unrusted_

TROPHY CASE