JennMetesh

Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it. Would that strength sewing machine be able to sew horse tack like breast collars and halters or would those be better to hand stitch those for the time being?

I am looking for a machine that I can sew horse tack and chaps with as well as repair horse blankets and sew Ultrasuede chaps. I'm fairly new to leather work so I don't know the size/strength of the thread that I would need. My budget would be $1000 or less.

Do you guys have any recommendations for finding a first sewing machine for leather that's affordable? Can you find deals on ebay for used ones? Would brands/types would you recommend. Is there a sewing machine that's adjustable to sew through leather and heavy fabrics like canvas and nylon? Any pointers would be appreciated.

This maybe a silly question, but when making fire shields or radio straps that may be used in extreme situations (aka in fires) is it okay to use oil or alcohol based dyes and acrylic aerosol finishes? I don't want to use a flammable product that will accidentally catch fire.

How did you finish it after it was painted to preserve the color?

Thanks for your input Dwight! I guess waterproof was the wrong word to use. I just don't want the dye to run when it gets wet like if it were out in the rain. I would like to have the ability to add different colors to my projects. Would you finish a product differently if you used acrylic paints or would it be better to used colored dyes? Once you finish a product with the Resolene can you condition the leather at a later date to keep it soft or do you have to do that before it is finished? You had mentioned pre-dyed leather, but can you stamp and tool that? Thanks for your help!

I'm new to leather craft and would you all please walk me through how you dye and finish your leather projects? There are so many products out there I am at a lost as of what to do that will have lasting results. I have made a few flask covers that I have dyed with the Eco Flo all in one stain and finish, and then sprayed with an acrylic finish, but I'm thinking that may not be the best route. I'm looking for a way that I can dye and add bright colors while still being able to put a product to the test (like horse tack that is exposed to sweat and water.) Would you all be able to walk me through the process as well as reference the products you use to dye and finish and possibly waterproof your leather projects? Do you recommended using oil based dyes vs water based? Would you recommend using acrylic paint to add color to projects or colored dyes? My biggest concern is dying leather for use like for horse tack and having the dyes smear all over your hands when you go to use it or smear all over the horse when it sweats. Then when you finish your project what products do you use to condition it and keep it supple and lasting without damaging the colors? Sorry to ask so many questions but there isn't much of a resource (that I've found) to answer these questions. I appreciate it!! - Jenn