Well, this is the first winter I've ever spent after taking up fishing. This is one of the most painful winters I can remember. Seeing as how I can't get out on the water, I decided I needed something to occupy my time. I'm thinking about ordering some painted jig heads (no skirts) and making my own skirts to go on them. I have a few question for you jig guru's. Do you prefer hand-tied or banded-- which is easier? What is a tab? Is there some kind of tutorial I can check out for making skirts? Thanks a bunch.

I started this winter as well, but also did the powder painting.  Here are some links to basic stuff to get you started:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48luv7rPjYo

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48luv7rPjYo

http://www.fishingskirts.com/

http://www.barlowstackle.com/Lunker-skirt-tool.htm

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http://www.barlowstackle.com/Lunker-skirt-tool.htm

http://www.barlowstackle.com/make-your-own-umbrella-spider-jigs.htm

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http://www.barlowstackle.com/make-your-own-umbrella-spider-jigs.htm

http://www.barlowstackle.com/make-spinner-bait-skirts.html

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http://www.barlowstackle.com/make-spinner-bait-skirts.html

I use the rubber collar to make the skirt, but then fasten it to the jig with enameled copper wire, and remove rubber collar.  I plan to try some heavy thread, next.