Subscribe

Search this site
  

Sew Simple
Free Patterns
About Sew News
Meet the Staff
Write for Sew News
Giving Back
Advertise
Contact Sew News
Subscription Help
Subscribe Online
Subscriber Services
FAQ
Current Issue
Past Issues
Special Offers
Sewing Resources
Calendar of Events
Contests
Sew News Library
Making Connections
Sewing Q&A
QA Message Board
Sew News Indexes
Metric Conversions
Hot Picks!
Advertiser Index



 



      Subscribe | Subscriber Services | Give a Gift | Sew'N'Shop

Q&A | Deer Me

By Linda Lee

My husband has the tanned hide of an exotic Axis deer. He wants me to make him a jacket, using the hide for the front and back. What fabric should I use for the rest of the jacket? Is there a simple jacket pattern that you would suggest as appropriate for a tanned hide with fur on it?
Claudette R.

 

This sounds like a challenging project, but these hides are so gorgeous that I know it will be worth your time and effort.Various jacket elements, such as the sleeves, collar and bottom band can be made in any number of materials.You could use a double-faced or Berber fleece, a substantial velour, a ribbed knit or a wool tweed or melton. Another idea is to use the sleeves and other sections of a ready-made sweater.You could also hand knit these sections yourself in a Merino wool yarn.

There are two possible pattern options. McCalls 3784 has very simple front and back pieces and includes instructions for using ribbed knit for the collar and bottom band. If you prefer to cut up the hide and make the design more interesting, then Vogue 7004 is another possibility.With either pattern, I recommend adding patch pockets and installing a zipper at the center front.

A great source for technical details on sewing leather and hides is Sewing Leather and Suede by Sandy Scrivano; Lark Books, 1998.

From the March 2008 issue of Sew News magazine.