Couch Guitar Straps

No.  I haven't taken up the guitar again.  These guys sort of make me wish I could stand the calloused fingertips, though.  Their products are awesome.

I first found them on Etsy.  You can get to their shop here.  I was intrigued by the materials they use.  As you can see to the left, they recycle things, largely automotive textiles, in really fabulous and useful ways.  These are old seatbelts.  Isn't it amazing how lovely they are?

What took my fancy, though, was the range of products they make from automotive vinyl.  They take deadstock vinyl and other fabrics, originally intended to reupholster car and truck seats, and create straps, electronic gadget cases, wallets, passport covers, even messenger bags.  When seen in a different conformation than big swathes of seat, the intricate detail of these old fabrics really stands out.

The first thing I purchased was a Kindle cover.  It's made from seat covering from a 1960s GMC truck.  The bright red is one of my favorite colors, and I love that it is made from something vintage.  Even though the one on Etsy was sized for the Kindle Fire, Couch made a custom version for my Kindle Paperwhite at no extra charge. It is perfect for running around as it adds no extra bulk whatsoever to the Kindle while providing protection.  Also, I mean, look at the thing.  It's gorgeous....

I also found a camera strap made from deadstock for a Volkswagen Beetle.  I have been using it now for a couple of months, and every time I take my camera out of its case, it makes me smile.  The red (see a theme here?) color and the fact that it came out of one of the world's happiest cars just thrills me.  I can't wait to use it in Italy.

For my annual "month of senseless indulgences," I decided to get one of their other pieces that I had been ogling in my Etsy favorites for a long time.  Couch makes several styles of wallets.  I needed one that was small and simple to fit in my larger "string purse"  This one was perfect.  It was also perfect because it's made from 1960s Chrysler vinyl in a lovely emerald green.  It came today, and I cleaned out the pockets of my string purse into it.  It could not be more perfect.  It slips down into the pocket with my checkbook taking up almost no more space than the bunched-up cards did alone.  I now know exactly how much cash I have on-hand because it's not all wadded up in the change pouch like it has been.  Organization and art triumph.

The philosophy behind Couch is admirable.  They make everything themselves, and the pride they take in their products is clear.  Things are hand-stamped, strong-sewn, screen-printed by them.  They use their own products, and professional musicians are also fond of them.  They ship fast, communicate well and with great friendliness.  Heck, they even sent a free pick holder with the wallet.  (I am going to give it to one of my guitar-playing friends.)

I like the fact that they are taking the common, something designed to cover a cushion for your backside, and making it extraordinary.  It is meaningful to me also that they are giving these things a second life.  To me, things that have already had one purpose and find or are given another are just inherently richer, infinitely preferable.  I know I am going to enjoy these items and the history of them for a long time to come.