Hello - advice on project?

[Munki]

Hello all! I just recently gained interest in leather and leather working about a week ago. As I've read through some of the posts and various other websites, the amount of information out there is a little overwhelming and i feel completely lost. The reason for my sudden interest is that I would like to make my own version of the postal mail carrier bag (like this one ) as a gift for a loved one. Now I know I should start smaller and simpler but I've never been one to take baby steps. lol

I guess what I'm really asking is, just how high am I aiming here? For all you experienced leatherworkers, is this goal "impossible" for a newbie? Granted I already face plenty of obstacles.... tools, leather type..stitching techniques...etc. boggles my mind. but yep...still willing to give it a shot.

thanks to anyone who chimes in. i'd appreciate any cheers. lol

Edited December 4, 2009 by Munki

[Hilly]

Hello all! I just recently gained interest in leather and leather working about a week ago. As I've read through some of the posts and various other websites, the amount of information out there is a little overwhelming and i feel completely lost. The reason for my sudden interest is that I would like to make my own version of the postal mail carrier bag as a gift for a loved one. Now I know I should start smaller and simpler but I've never been one to take baby steps. lol

I guess what I'm really asking is, just how high am I aiming here? For all you experienced leatherworkers, is this goal "impossible" for a newbie? Granted I already face plenty of obstacles.... tools, leather type..stitching techniques...etc. boggles my mind. but yep...still willing to give it a shot.

thanks to anyone who chimes in. i'd appreciate any cheers. lol

Hello, and welcome!

This is a fantastic place to learn leatherwork! Everyone here is so helpful and friendly .

I have seen people who start out with some pretty advanced first projects and do great work. My absolute best advice would be to take your time, and thoroughly think things through as you get to them. Measure fifty times and cut once! And THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!!!! Please never be afraid to ask about anything you don't understand, or would like to learn!

May I suggest a couple of books to get you started? "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" by Al Stohlman is a must! It will guide you through the steps of how to do a proper saddle stitch. I also recommend "The Art of Making Leather Cases" series by Al Stohlman. This book will show you all the different ways to construct almost anything you could ever want to make out of leather! These books are worth every penny!

I know others here are going to chime in now, and help you off to a great start! Please do post photos of your work!

Hilly

Edited December 4, 2009 by Hilly

[Munki]

Hello, and welcome!

This is a fantastic place to learn leatherwork! Everyone here is so helpful and friendly .

I have seen people who start out with some pretty advanced first projects and do great work. My absolute best advice would be to take your time, and thoroughly think things through as you get to them. Measure fifty times and cut once! And THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!!!! Please never be afraid to ask about anything you don't understand, or would like to learn!

May I suggest a couple of books to get you started? "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" by Al Stohlman is a must! It will guide you through the steps of how to do a proper saddle stitch. I also recommend "The Art of Making Leather Cases" series by Al Stohlman. This book will show you all the different ways to construct almost anything you could ever want to make out of leather! These books are worth every penny!

I know others here are going to chime in now, and help you off to a great start! Please do post photos of your work!

Hilly

Hilly, Thank you so much for the warm welcome! (i'm always wary of posting on message boards...) ..and for the boost of confidence! I really need it!

my head is swimming with so many "how..?" I found out there's a Tandy not to far from where I live so I plan to go down there this weekend and take a look at those books you requested as well as ask a few questions. I'm pretty excited! Hopefully things will get clearer.

[Jim]

First off I cannot say it better than Hilly said it. The most imortant thing for a Crafter to do (any crafter) is to THINK IT THROUGH! Draw you project out on paper, place your stitch lines and holes on the pattern and count, count, and re-count them holes! Place tic marks on every tenth stitch hole around the edges of large or small projects to help keep up with the count. Trust me, this helps!

Cut out the paper patterns and place them together to work out the bugs. Paper is cheaper than leather!

And one more thing - don't rush it!

Have fun, and holler if you have questions . . . . someone is always here to help.

Jim

[Munki]

First off I cannot say it better than Hilly said it. The most imortant thing for a Crafter to do (any crafter) is to THINK IT THROUGH! Draw you project out on paper, place your stitch lines and holes on the pattern and count, count, and re-count them holes! Place tic marks on every tenth stitch hole around the edges of large or small projects to help keep up with the count. Trust me, this helps!

Cut out the paper patterns and place them together to work out the bugs. Paper is cheaper than leather!

And one more thing - don't rush it!

Have fun, and holler if you have questions . . . . someone is always here to help.

Jim

Thanks so much Jim! I wouldn't have thought to do it completely on paper (other than for using a general pattern) I'll definitely do that! at least i can start on that now..while i'm still figuring out the who and what and how..