So I hate large freaking armor pieces right? Apparently my brain can't comprehend the relationship between a shirt of E4n1 and a full trench coat of hp3s6. I'm under exaggerating when I say this project will take some time. I've been at this monster for a few weeks now and I've yet to complete the collar and shoulders, but I have learned something other maillers may want to chew on.

HP3S6 actually has three separate biases:
natural bias
45 with the natural bias
45 against the natural bias

All have a slightly different angle when joined and the 45s can be joined without different ring sizes. (EPDM is very useful in the join because of the funky way you have to weave in the last ring but *technically* I think it cold be done in pure metal.)

Man, title says it all.

Armor is just too much. Too much time, too much material, too much of the same weave that gos on and on and on.....for too little compensation. Jewelry is usually just a long chain of the same weave, done on autopilot. The pay is much better for jewelry granted, but how many HP4n1 bracelets and necklaces can I make before my head explodes.

I want to do outfits!! I see so many excellent designs on other mailers girlfriends, wifes, themselves (femaillers), or paid models. Hell even the good 'ole M pattern top on a flesh and blood form looks hot. I WANT MY STUFF TO LOOK HOT TOO!

I have so many ideas. Tested several designs on my plastic display forms. It just doesn't compare to a live person wearing something I've made.

*This next section may sound pervy but it's really not, just my inner artist screaming*

With a plastic form I can't squeeze breasts together, or lift them, or support them. I can just drape maille over the form and shape to fit. I can make it look good but I have no idea of how it will wear, if it's comfortable, what could be changed for a better look / more comfort. Plastic dummies don't tell you if it's too tight, too loose. They will never bounce out of a top.

Bottoms too. Yeah I can make a simple two triangle bikini bottom, but I cant tell, will it be comfortable when her legs are closed, will it will cover when her legs are open? I have an awesome (in my mind at least) idea for a HP3n1 sheet 6 bottom, but without a live woman allowing me to hold a swatch of it between their legs I'm not able to complete the design. ARGH..

I have a wife, yes, but she would not wear a sexy outfit of any kind much less chain maille. I see less of a point in making a piece for someone who won't wear it than making one for a chunk of plastic. At least the chunk of plastic will hold still for long periods of time, won't complain and will let me take pictures of the finished product, such as it would be. My wife is understanding and trusting, mostly because I've never given her a reason not to trust me, so she would be OK with me working on a 1/2 or fully naked woman for the purpose of creating a work of maille. I have kids and no real social life so no access to any other females that would be interested in maille or convenient time available if I had access.

If I could get some pieces sold or made for real live people, get pictures and have a real portfolio perhaps I'd have actual customers to work on. (wouldn't that be nice) Until then I'm stuck in a catch 22. No live models thus no portfolio. No portfolio thus no customers. No customers thus no live models. Sigh..

Finally got some pictures in my gallery.

I've been meaning to do that for a while now, finally just put the pliers down and picked up the camera to do it.

Ahhh so much better, but there's still more to come.

Found it.

I Hope to add some pics of my work here soon as I get some projects completed / Photographed. Hopefully I can add to the chainmaile community that I see around here.