hunter131 Report post Posted June 28, 2014 this is my first holster to make. it is for my personal gun. i drew the pattern myself as in i didn't buy any books or patterns. i hand stitched it all. the discoloration is from when i tried to mold it...it didnt work as good as i wanted and it left some darker marks and also i just oiled it so it is still soaking in. on the back you can see there are holes...i got so busy stitching i went to far so i had to undo it and i have holes but its ok i learned my lesson. the edges are the way hidepounder does them minus the glycerine saddle soap. thanks for looking and critiques are appreciated. oh ya and the grips are for sale if anyone is interested just PM me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg528it Report post Posted June 28, 2014 Stitch stitch stitch..... Oops. Too far. I get that. :-) I lay may stitches out before I start to sew. I use straight edges, circle guides, and or french curves to keep them smooth, straight and flowing. The portion to protect your waist from the hammer and slide looks too square. Radiusing the corners might help. Looks good for the first try. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katsass Report post Posted June 28, 2014 From the grump. Well, you did it. As I mentioned in your other post, I suggested that you purchase Al Stohlman's book. Had you done that, you would know that sharp corners are a no-no. They tend to wear and fray quite easily making you masterpiece look like a pretty bedraggled chunk of dead cow skin. I'm sure that you can see that you need to learn to work your cut edges down to a smooth finish, and also work on your stitching. One thing I will also suggest is that you slow down. Leather working is not for those desiring instant satisfaction -- it takes time to produce pieces you are proud of. NOW, don't think me just a grumpy old man that picks on folks. We all started at one time and really didn't know beans about what we were doing, but gave it a hell of a go. That is the first step in becoming a good leathersmith - desire. From here on learn what you can from this forum, from the pictures of other folk's work , and getting your grubby hands on some more leather, and making the same mistakes we all did. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunter131 Report post Posted June 29, 2014 thank yall. the stitching i do need to work on. this is barely my second item to hand sew. i got a new awl and i am still learning. when i sewed the reinforcement my stitching was pretty decent and straight. however it was harder to sew the holster together since i had to fold it and everything. also i think i made the holster a little to small, the belt loop had to bend quite a bit and it seemed to close. also does the reinforcement piece need to be longer or is that about the right size? Katsass thank you for your input and i totally understand what you are saying. i plan on getting Al Stohlman's book and i believe it is Will Gorhmley book, 1911 holsters. i mights have to round the corners also. the good thing about the holster is it is a concealed holster so none sees it. for my first one i believe it is pretty good but i do notice my mistakes and will learn and improve. i dont post a whole lot on the forum but i do alot of reading and researching to try and figure it out. again i appreciate the help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted June 29, 2014 I am not aware that Will has a book he does have a 1911 pattern pack. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
