Friday, April 29, 2011

Locking bondage hood v2.0


Hello all! I'm posting some images of the hood I just finished up that goes with the armbinder from my last post. I decided to re-do this piece as well, as the tongue didn't allow an easy on-and-off experience for the client, and I felt that I could do a little better. Based on the photos and feedback they sent, I knew there were some things I wanted to change.

The tongue on this piece is made a bit larger, and made of a lighter matching leather, that will allow the tongue to stretch a bit more than in the previous version. It should make getting it on and off easier.

I also extended parts of the rear panels slightly, which should result in the lacing panels coming slightly closer together when the laces are pulled tight... Still not touching, though - it's always nice to have room to go tighter if you need to, don't you think?

Last time there was also a problem with a grommet whose backing washer came undone. This is probably because I was using a grommet that was too small for the thickness of the leather. I was trying to keep everything petite since the scale and size of these restraints is so small. Since I up sized the grommets on the armbinder, I wanted to also up size the grommets on the hood, to make sure both pieces would match perfectly.
This is a real intense hood to wear, as the leather is quite thick. It is soft, and will stretch some (especially over time), but the feeling inside this hood would be quite severe. Not for panickers or the claustrophobic... Unless you want to be really mean! For serious players only.
This time I tried a different approach on the locking strap. I sewed the strap from two parts, using the same leather as the hood on the outside, and a patent leather on the inside. I think it results in a thinner strap, and the patent (being stiffer) doesn't stretch as much. Stronger and thinner was the goal.
I think it came out nice...
Also, I managed to find a small D-ring (shorter than the hasp I used last time), and made the connection with a single rivet. It looks really clean, and anything that reduces bulk around the neck is a good thing. I think this is my new default method.

One final tweak to make sure it is easy to get this hood on: a zipper on the tongue itself. This allows you to open the rear quite wide. Pull the zipper down, and no hair in the laces - good times.
This hood (and matching armbinder) came out really great. Now that both pieces are done, I get to send them off to the client, and hopefully they are happy with their new toys as well.
I can't wait to hear what they think!

13 comments:

  1. i'd think the "easy-on" part would be more important than the "easy-off." ;)

    another beautiful work!

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  2. this is a really beautiful hood.The improvements reducing bulk are great - including the detail of the D ring with single rivet. I would love to see this made in brown or tan leather :-).

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  3. I love the perfection when you look at it. Let's hope your clients will love it.

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  4. Wow such magnificent craftsmanship! The detail is simply stunning and a beautiful finished product. Do you sell these to the public - you should ! We love your other bondage items too.

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  5. sammy, LOL - you always crack me up! I do want people to actually be able to get into the restriants! But you're right, the taking off can be a bit more involved, and may include begging, pleading or safeword usage... Especially when your master is holding the key.

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  6. Dear Mittens,
    Thanks a lot! It means something when I receive a compliment from someone who has put as much time into developing hood designs as you have. Your blog is awesome. I have been working on concepts for a 2-layered puffy hood which I think you will like...

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  7. Dear Mikeone,

    Thanks so much for the comment, and I hope they love it as well. A project just isn't complete until it is on and fits just right. Then I can breathe a sigh of relief!

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  8. Rubber Couple,

    Thanks for the compliment. I do sell, but am not taking new orders for custom work right now, as I am too backed up with projects. I don't want to keep people waiting too long! If I open up for new orders, you'll hear it here first.

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  9. Dear Christopher, have you a E-mail to contact you?

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  10. Dear Lord Dark Dom: I can be reached ad christopherfetish(at)gmail.com...

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  11. Oh geez!!!This locking bondage is really and i want to try it.

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  12. Hi,

    I just want to say that this blog is amazing. Its so rare to find such generous sharing of DIY kink info. Thank you thank you thank you!

    I've never attempted anything like this before, but I'm dying to build a hood like this for the satisfaction of something custom made..and to see if I can do it.

    I understand that you need a special sewing machine to handle leather. None of the ones at the craft store seam to advertise they can handle leather. I also sail, and I wonder about sail canvas.

    Could you post a blog entry about what kind of gear someone starting out on this adventure would need?

    Thanks so much!

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  13. Dear Binary,

    Thanks for the comment!

    Before I got my walking-foot machine, I tried for years to use a portable Singer which was advertised as "leather-capable". The truth is it would only handle the lightest leathers, and would bog down when any seam was more than 2 layers thick. Feeding the leather was inconsistent. The motor was unable to push through thicker leather. It was a frustrating struggle.

    Finally I splurged on the industrial leather machine, and it was a night and day difference. The old Singer seemed like a toy compared to my new machine, and the results were so much better. Because the foot (on top) moves along with the feed dogs (below) the leather is fed very consistently and smoothly, creating even stitching and precise control. The motor is very strong and can go through a 1/4" thick leather seam with ease - something impossible for the Singer portable.

    You mention canvas, and the type of industrial machine I have can be used for sewing that type of material as well - you just use the correct needle and away you go.

    I hope to do a post on my workshop and equipment in the near future. Thanks again, and good luck!

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