Handmade

It’s so rare to find handmade things anymore, which is why I love the two small businesses profiled in the first season of Put This On, a web series about dressing like a grown up.

In the first episode, they talked to Mike Hodis of Rising Sun Jeans.

At $500 a pop, I won’t be buying a pair of his jeans anytime soon, but he uses traditional jean-making techniques and antique sewing machines. His jeans include features you don’t find on modern jeans, like cinches (which were used before belts and belt loops were common).

His jeans are imperfect because they’re handmade. If you’re making great stuff, that’s something you should embrace.

In the second episode, they interviewed Raul Ojeda of Willie’s Shoe Service, one of the few places in America where you can still buy custom-made shoes. I wish I could find a place like this near me!

These videos are also a fantastic example of well-made web videos. They’re well-produced but not overly flashy, and they’re filled with rock-solid content.

I’m looking forward to future episodes!