Leather Suspenders

When we tied the knot, we decided to mark each anniversary with meaningful gestures rather than traditional gifts. Year one called for paper, so we spent an evening mastering origami. Year two, we embraced cotton with a full day of cross-stitching. As year three approached with its theme of leather, I pondered what to create. Wallet? Hat? Then it hit me: suspenders. Since the day I met Anthony, his unique penchant for suspenders stood out, a detail I cherished. Crafting a pair for him felt like the perfect tribute to our journey together.

Process

1. I intricately etched and cut the leather pieces, forming the central back piece that joins all the straps of the suspenders together. Engraved with "I will always hold you up" at the front and "March 25, 2023 I love you" at the back. 
2. Splitting two of the four belt blanks, I designated the portion with multiple holes for the shoulder straps and the other half with the buckle for connecting to the suspender clips. Providing versatility, I offered options of alligator clips or trigger snaps to suit different pants. 
3. With precision, I riveted the shoulder straps to the central back piece, ensuring alignment with Anthony's shoulders. 
4. In addition to the two belt blanks I initially prepared, I cut an additional two, resulting in four belt ends. I then installed a buckle in each end.
5. At the opposite ends of the leather belts, where the buckles were attached, I affixed alligator clips to two and trigger snaps to the remaining two.
6. Next, I trimmed a garter to the required length and skillfully stitched it onto the central back piece. The garter was chosen for its flexibility, allowing movement and stretch, particularly beneficial as the leather was stiff. To enhance functionality, I sewed a rectangular D ring onto the end of the garter, ensuring secure attachment.
7. Continuing, I assembled the lower back connection of the suspenders. I divided four pieces of garter and riveted a leather piece tailored to secure the suspender clips. Then, on one end of each garter piece, I added a snap connection. These snap connections would serve to attach the suspender clips to the rectangular D ring sewn into the central back piece, ensuring a secure and adjustable fit.

Anthony was thrilled with the suspenders, admiring their industrial look. I felt a sense of accomplishment, amazed at how smoothly everything had gone according to plan. I managed to complete everything in time for our special anniversary dinner. Feeling utterly exhausted, but I suppose that's the consequence of staying up late the previous night after discovering I was pregnant, followed by a full day of crafting the suspenders.