1911 Pattern Pack

[will ghormley]

One of the problems I've had with the 1911 is the number of patterns I wanted to put in it.  In my other holster patterns, it's the same holster over and over, only for different guns.  If the construction needs explanation, you only have to do it once.  With the 1911, there are holsters in there that need an explanation for construction.  I have to be able to fit the different instructions in the space and it's drivin' me crazy.  What is necessary that I simply must mention, what can folks figure out on their own so I don't burn the space I have available?  I hope I'm gettin' the job done.  My "plan B" will be to have photos on my website.  I probably won't go into a tutorial like I have on some of the other projects, but at least folks can look at the steps in sequence.

But, already I have a list of patterns I wanted to put in there that I simply couldn't.  I wanted to put at least one Bikini holster in there and I didn't have room, (if there is room after all the text, I might throw one in, but with minimal instructions).  I've got the "Top's Bikini" (based on Sgt. Major Jonas Blane's Bikini in "The Unit"), the "Straight-Up" Bikini, the "Easy" Bikini, and the "Cross-Draw" Bikini.  And that's just the Bikinis I couldn't fit in.  I'm plannin' "4-Way" concealment holster that can be worn at 90 degrees strong-side, butt-forward strong-side, straight-up cross-draw, and butt-forward cross-draw, all from the same holster.  But, I've got to get this pattern put to bed before I can do anything else, INCLUDIN' DEER HUNTIN'!

Well, it's dark out and I'm still not done with the text for the last page.  But, I'm sure I can get it all done over the weekend.  This pattern has already taken me twice as long to make as my normal patterns.  I sure hope it sells well!

Will

[daddyeaux]

Will if that pack is ready you can put me down for one. My Kimber sure would look good in that rig...

[Dalton Masterson]

Will,
I think if they pick it up, it will sell VERY well. With this being the Centennial Year of the 1911, and with so many version of the 1911 out there, I dont see how it wouldnt sell well. There is not a lot of patterns for it, even though it is one of the most popular guns out there.
DM

[will ghormley]

Well, I hope you guys are right, because it's Monday morning and I still don't have it done.  At least one more day in the salt mines.  I'm workin' on the instructions for the Hugger holster and the early military pouch.  Ug!  It is so hard to figure out what people will need to know for construction, and what you can gloss-over.  Then, everything has to be labeled...I've got seven pages of labels and instructions and I'm not done yet.  Than, all that text has to be cut apart and applied to the patterns.

If I had $1200 dollars and the time to learn how to use the software, I could buy a program that would allow me to apply the text directly to the scanned patterns.  However, I live in the stone-age where everything is still cut-and-paste.

Will

[will ghormley]

Wednesday morning and I'm still not done with laying out the pattern pages yet.  The good news is I will for sure be done today and get it down to the blueprint shop!  I also had room for a bikini holster, so I'll have one of those in there as a bonus.

Then, I start on laying out the envelope pages.  That should go a lot quicker, though I need to take new photos of each of the prototypes for the front of the envelope.

My early muzzle loading season starts Friday.  I've got to get my camping gear packed, make sure I don't have any new leaks in my dugout canoe, and I'll be off for three days for my camping deer hunt.  Guaranteed good time, but no guarantee on meat-gettin'.

Will

[will ghormley]

Added a photo of the "Weeping Heart Bikini".

http://www.willghormley-maker.com/1911.html

Will

[Dalton Masterson]

Well thats just tooo cool Will. I bet the ladies will like that.
DM

[will ghormley]

Yeah, I'll have to make one for my wife for Valentine's Day.  I should probably put a 1911 in it too just to make it a special occasion.  I got the patterns down to the blueprint shop and they are already scanned.  Now for the new photos and the envelope covers...

Will

[PJ Hardtack]

Did some draw and fire exercises with my R1 1911 today, using my new El Paso Saddlery "1930 Austin".

Lovely workmanship on the holster, but it suffers from the same problem that a lot of 1911 holsters are plagued with - it's difficult to get a proper grip on the gun during a draw. The gun but needs to be higher, even for my small hand.

I know it's an authentic design, but it needs an update. I had them dispense with the security strap and install a keeper thong like on a revolver holster. I can push that aside and the holster has plenty of retention for anything other than a wrestling match with a bear.

I modified an unlined 'Wild K' Triple K design to raise the gun butt and I find it offers a better grip on the gun during a draw.

[will ghormley]

Got the mockup of the envelope cover done.  Now, the back cover.

http://www.willghormley-maker.com/1911.html

Will

[Wolf Tracker]

Will it's looking good. Can't wait to pick it up when it comes out. Thanks for the hard work.

[Dalton Masterson]

 

If there was a party smiley, I would have it up there. Way to go Will. It looks great.
Now, how about a pattern pack for Nagants and Enfield/Webleys?  Just joking... Take some time and go huntin...
DM

[will ghormley]

Hey Dalton, I'll do that.  I got the back cover done last night after I fed the two youngest boys.  Got it sent off to my printer in Texas.  After I get the quotes, I can pitch it to TLF.  But, till then, I've done everything that can be done.  I'm packin' my kit this mornin' and I'm off for the woods.

Thanks for all your support boys!
Will

[will ghormley]

The 1911 pattern has been sent to TLF.  We'll see if they pick up the pattern or not.  Meanwhile, I've put the prototypes on my "Spring Cleaning" page for liquidation, as well as another rig I've had on hand.

http://www.willghormley-maker.com/SpringSale.html

Now we just have to wait and see.  If TLF doesn't pick up the pattern, they'll be available on my website.

Will

[Slowhand Bob]

I didn't want this one to slip out of sight without some update.  Any word from Tandy yet?  Can you guys tell that I am chomping at the bits for this set?

[Dalton Masterson]

SB,
I was going to post the same thing last night, but just didnt get time...
Your not alone...
DM

[outrider]

I am alos waiting to hear....great minds think alike

[mtgelaude]

Yeah, me too, I can't wait for the pattern to be available....either from tandy, or from will himself.  I will be a coustomer for sure....especially since I just got one of those prototypes for myself 

[will ghormley]

Hey Guys,

I didn't want to say anything until it was a done deal.  At this point I don't have a P.O. in hand to start printing, but TLF has indicated they want the 1911 pattern.  They are also interested in looking at the "Hand of God", having me present them with a "Flames of Hell" pattern, are taking a look at the "Johnny Ringo" pattern (including manufacturing the conchos themselves).  They also want me to put my moccasin patterns into a more conventional format for them, as well as make a John Wayne, "El Dorado" pattern for them to look at.

In my spare time (ha!), I've been workin' on modern carry holster designs too.  I'm not sure how I want to put that pattern pack together.  I'm kind'a leanin' towards one pattern of holster designed and sized for the most popular pistols.  Might have to do something like small, medium, and large frame autos, the same with revolvers.  The problem there comes in if there is a thumb release built into the holster.  The holster may fit 1911s, M9s, and High Powers, but the length of the restraining strap is different for all three.  I've got to work on those designs more.  Anyway, when I figure that out, that will be something TLF will be lookin' at too.

So, there ya have it.  The official update: nuthin' is set in stone but there is a lot of interest.  I don't know if folks have been clamoring for new patterns, or the trend in this new economy is to save money by doin' it yourself and TLF is lookin' to fill that market.  We'll all find out together.

Will

[Boothill Bob]

Hey Will, that sounds great. Really hope they want to take them all. I'm very intressted of the 1911 and the Flames of Hell pattern.
I will cross my fingers for you pard.

[Massive]

I tried to buy the Hand of God at my local Tandy, not knowing at the time that it was not carried by them.  Seems like a no-brainer.  Hollywood tie in and one of the nicest holsters ever brought out in a pattern, and also not too difficult to do on the leather side of thing, though the carving is up for grabs and depends what a person can bring.  BUt anyway, I was looking to buy them at Tandy.

The Tandy stuff is focused to a south west or biker look.  They are adding steam punk and other looks all the time, but those two are the bulk of it.  Any chance to tie into the broader culture while staying with their roots is brilliant.

[Scout53]

Any idea if Tandy has decided to sell the pattern?

[Slowhand Bob]

I suspect that we will be waiting a little longer on the word. 

Now for the bad news, I think.  On the mag pouch listed as competition model, as I am now reading the WB rules I see there is something about mags must hang straight.  I have not asked for anything official but these do have a bit of a slant, forming a V.  Will might need to look into this if it isn't to late for a change.

[will ghormley]

The last I heard from TLF, (last week), they are interested in the 1911, Hand of God, Flames of Hell, and Johnny Ringo rigs.  The Ringo rig will be offered with stock TLF conchos.  I'm tryin' to get the Flames of Hell pattern done this week and shipped off to Fort Worth.  Finished the prototype for the envelope photos last night.  Now I have to label everything, write whatever instructions need to be included, do some sketches and put it all together.  Just not enough hours in the day.

Will

[Boothill Bob]

Oh, I cant wait for the Flames of hell, love that holster. When you say stock TLF conchos for the Ringo rig, does that means that if I want the Good stuf I have to order them from you Will
BTW, thanx for the scabbard pattern