Hi,
I'm a former sailmaker and I'm getting organized toward another sewing based business. My major interest is fabric structures and sculpture but I also want to develop a line of leather and fabric bags, more tool and specialty than fashion oriented. I'm located in NE NY and expect that my marketing will be internet and networking based, but am currently in the product development and resource accumulation phase. When I sold my sail loft I retained a basic kit of sewing machines (all solid 20th century workhorses) and tools oriented toward sails and general canvas.
My first question is who are the wholesale "go to" suppliers-leather, tools, sewing machinery, fabrication machinery, in the US, ideally East Coast? I'm interested in quality and reliability first, price secondly. Next, what are the the definitive "must have" texts and resources about leather working and the the general leather business?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Rob
