Stampede Duster, now with snaps!

The Stampede Duster, arguably AbbyShot's most uniquely styled trench, is inspired by Vash The Stampede from the anime series Trigun. When AS first offered this design there was some debate over which fastener was more accurate: buttons or metal snaps. Further research showed that buttons were used on Vash's duster as it appeared in the anime series, while snaps were used in the manga comic book.

We initally went with buttons for this design. Nevertheless, there were still those who liked our Duster, but wanted it with snaps. They banded together on the AS forum, gained momentum, formed a team and with a rally cry from their leader [Toferay] "Our team can find some [snaps] I just know it!", they searched for the perfect snaps.

This is just another example of how awesome AbbyShot customers really are. Over the next few months, AS forum members helped us research suppliers and source the metal snaps - noting the size, color, and quality as their criteria. Our Design and Production team reviewed the samples that arrived, but sadly none of them were going to work on our Stampede Duster. :(

But support for the snaps would not fade away... AS forum member, Sleeper wrote: "When will the coat have snaps as an option instead of buttons?? I really want the snaps :)"

A comparison of the button (left) and snap (right).

Necessity being the mother of invention, we decided to try using the snaps from our Mentor on Vash's exotic coat. These snaps are smaller (slightly more than 5/8" in diameter) than what was originally requested for the Duster. However, once we saw the coat finished in all of its shiny, full metal glory, we couldn't believe how awesome it looked! We were so impressed that we wanted to share these great photos with you! And check out that red Silkwind.. the color is just perfect :)

Tell us what you think! We've made a poll for you to cast your votes. Snaps vs buttons. Which is cooler? Which looks better? Which do you want? Let us know! Snaps Vs. Buttons poll

So there you have it! The Stampede Duster with snaps is now available from AbbyShot. As an added bonus, the entire front face panel is now removable when you order your Stampede Duster. This used to be an extra option for the Duster, but so many of you have asked for a removable face panel that we decided to make it standard on all future Stampede Dusters... call it a little gift from Abby!

AbbyShot VP, Adam Bragg at the start of AbbyCon 2004. The start of the whale watching tour. We had 30 or more whales around our boat! Our coastal scenery is somewhat distinctive. Evanthx & Atomic Ferret near the end of the boat tour. Evanthx's lighthouse.   /   Evanthx & Atomic Ferret atop Signal Hill, St. John's, NL. Scenes from Cape Spear. Atomic Ferret in the mines.   /   Atomic Ferret with her good buddy, Bryce, AS Designer .

One of the marvels of working here at AbbyShot is that we're making a unique and custom fitted product for people who live half a world away. We have only met a handful of our customers in a face to face situation, though many of you know us quite well by our emails and phone calls. It was truly a blessing and a wonderful experience to have two of our customers visit our shop, meet the staff and spend some time with the AS crew.

The name AbbyCON was coined by Bonnie on our forum during discussions about OTAKON, BAAF and DragonCON when refering to the fact that Evanthx and Atomic Ferret were planning a trip to AbbyShot HQ in Mount Pearl. It wasn't a 'Con' of the same magnitude as the others mentioned above, but it sure was a great time.

Right up till the end they thought we wouldn't do it! All was forgiven when we celebrated HER birthday!

While they were here, Evanthx and Atomic Ferret were welcomed to a few cups of Newfie hospitality.

We treated them to as many different things as we could during the time they were here. Along with the AS crew, they saw whales and puffins in Bay Bulls and had a kitchen party in Tors Cove where we "screeched" them in as honourary Newfoundlanders via a funny little ceremony involving traditional fishing clothes and kissing a real codfish!! :-) We made up for our initiation rite though when we surprised the Atomic Ferret with a party on her birthday.

Several little trips around the bay throughout their stay took Abby's visitors to communities suchs as Brigus South, Portugal Cove and even Bell Island, where they went on a guided tour of the iron ore mine. Evanthx had wanted to see a real lighthouse, so we took him to see one and the surrounding bunkers that are from the second World War.

That's right, we put her to work, & she liked it too! :-)

It wasn't all 'fun and games' though. I mean, you can't expect to visit AbbyShot HQ and not work, right? Atomic Ferret was quite happy to sit down at one of Abby's industrial sewing machines and learn all about different stitches. Here's a shot of Ms. Ferret lending a hand on some stitch work. We're quite certain that our guests had a good time! But don't take our word for it, read what they both wrote about their time in Newfoundland.

Both Karen and Evan were fitted for their upcoming orders, which they will be showing off at DragonCON. We took many pictures during their stay with us, but only so many could be featured here. Evanthx has some of these and more on his personal home page. Check out his AbbyCON photos! See you all at next year's AbbyCON!!

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