recreating an heirloom

[Mogorilla]

My dad was the youngest of 12 kids, when he was 5 he received a leather vest from a family friend on his birthday.  Dad's family was dirt poor and it was the depression, so no one remembers who gave it to him, or who made it.   It was a cherished part of my dad's childhood and when he had children, we all wore and played in it.  Me being the last.  When dad passed, it found its way to my keepsakes.   Recently, my neice had a baby boy.   I figured both her and her brother had missed out in wearing the vest, but maybe I could change that for my great nephew.   So, I pulled the original out and made a pattern of sorts, expanded it remembering that none of us are growing up in the depression, dad wore his until he was ~10, I grew out of it at 5.   I could not begin to paint the cars that are on the original, so I opted to leave that porition out.  So, after being originally made in 1937, it has been recreated in 2013.  I have often thought this vest is the reason I loved the west, cowboys, all things fringed and leather in general.   

Side by side with the original


The back
[/URL]

[Camano Ridge]

Great job and great story. Thank you for sharing.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Wow, great job and story  Mogorilla, and thanks for sharing with us, looks like this will stay a tradition and that's a wonderful way to keep your Dad alive and remembered.... 

      tEN wOLVES 

[bedbugbilly]

Great story and great job on the "recreation".  I can only imagine how treasured your Dad's vest is and the memories it holds for you all.  I have a feeling that the one that you made is going to hold equal memories for another generation of your family.

Thanks for sharing with us!  You did an outstancing job!   

[Mogorilla]

Thanks guys!   Prevailing theory is that this one should be fur lined as my Great Nephew is a little Cannuck.   When I first came up with the plan (mid june, just before his 1st birthday) I talked to my sister.   She was shocked and relieved to know I had the original.  She thought it lost.   now she wants to know what other family items I have.   

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Great story, Mo. Thanks for sharing it and the pics with us. There's nothing better than family history. So cool.

[GunClick Rick]

Very way cool!!!!! Wouldn't mind havin one of those to fit myself.Just call me Retro Rick

[KidTerico]

Very nice job and the memories are the best of all. Thank you very much. KT

[hillbilly tim]

Thanks for the story, great job on the vest too!

Bro Tim