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Tanned Deer Hide

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CavemanRob:
I am trying to figure out what to do with a deer hide I have.  Its fairly old (10 years +), it was commercially tanned, and it still has the hair on it.  It was the first deer I ever shot, and my father and grandfather had it tanned for me, so it holds some sentimental value.  I just can't for the life of me figure out what exactly to do with it.  Hanging it on the wall isn't really my thing, I'd rather make it into some kinds of clothing or something, but I have no idea where to start.  I guess I'm just hoping someone here will give me an idea that I can run with.

I'm not very experience in leather-work either, so I'm nervous to cut into it, although I'd take a lot of time with it and make sure I measure thrice cut once on this project.

Ill try and post some pics of it tomorrow.

Ideas anyone?

-Rob
"Nobody owns you, Nobody owes you"

Pat B:
Quiver, possible bag. Make a pattern with poster board first.
 When cutting hair on hides cut from the flesh side with a sharp razor knife. To sew it together you can buy a stitching awl with the thread enclosed or punch holes with a sharpened ice pick and stitch it together with strong thread.

CavemanRob:
My first instinct was to line some sort of jacket or vest, I think I have enough considering it's a full hide.   I am pretty handy with a needle and thread, I've just not worked with a stitching awl very much. 

My two worries are that 1.  Im going to mess up the hide trying to cut it....(thanks for the tip on cutting from the hide side) and 2. If I make a wearable piece of clothing, the hair is going to constantly fall off.

If any experienced leather workers have a place where I can find patterns for vests, that would be helpful.  I have a number of books on Native American bushcraft/tools, but they mostly consist of very basic buckskin shirts, and I was hoping to find something a little more "wearable" for use while I am out hunting........( Fur side in and inside another layer of course)

Spotted Dog:
Clothing from a hair on deer hide is not the best. deer hair is hollow and will break and shed easy.
Makes a mess the longer you would wear it.
A quiver like Pat said. Why not paint your grandfathers story in pictoglyphs on it ?
Crazy Crow for patterns. 

Pat B:
Whatever you decide to make, make sure of the direction of the hair. Try to set it up so the hair points down. Also, thin or remove the hair along any stitching lines before you sew.
 If you are familiar with sewing leather use your knowledge for this project.   The stitching awl can be bought at most hardware stores. It works like a sewing machine so if a stitch is broken the whole thing can unravel. Punching the stitching holes and hand stitching(either a running stitch or a saddle stitch) are your best and strongest options.

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