AndyBates

Thanks, that's really nice1 Drop in any time if you're over here. All the best, Andy

Hi guys, there's a nice feature on us in the Newcastle Journal today; please have a read! Hope you enjoy it! Andy Newcastle Journal Feature Andy Bates Leatherwork

Hi guys, I've just completed writing an 18,000 word paper on the subject of the manufacture and use of leather in Hexham, UK, (my hometown) from 3000 BC to the present taking in neolithic brain tanning, the Romans and Celts, the Anglo-Saxons, Medieval Gilds, the 'Border Reivers', early modern tanning methods, the death of the trade in the C19th due to the French (!) and its resurrection in the C21st. If anyone would like a copy do let me know (am.bates@btinternet.com, www.andy-bates.co.uk). Thanks! Andy

Hi Mark and welcome from another UK leatherworker. There are lots of resources here in the UK. Let me know if you need any pointers. All the best, Andy

Wow, that's fantastic! And what a great and talented guy Luke sounds. Thought you might like to see this about use here in the UK.http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/news/business/apprentice-rob-keeps-the-craft-of-leatherwork-alive-1.924383?referrerPath=home/2.3307 And here's some photos of the workshop here in Hexham, UK. All the best, Andy.

Welcome to another Englishman! Lots of useful stuff here!

Hi and welcome from the UK. Can I make a suggestion re the gussets, based on the experience of making similar mistakes? Mark where your gusset wants to start and finish on the back piece (clearly, equal distances from the bottom). Cut the gusset slightly too long and glue it to the back piece between the two marks. Cut off any excess at the second mark (this technique gives you a margin for error). Then stitch between the two marks. Then attach the front piece as follows; glue one side only in place, starting at one top corner, then stitch this side. Then glue the other side in place, again starting at the top corner, and stitch this side also. If you've got rounded corners, do these without gluing them in place as this makes positioning easier. This should leave you with both sides and bottom corners of the front piece stitched to the gusset. You can then apply glue to the bottom of the gusset and the front piece and pull and press them together such that they meet evenly with no rucks in the leather. Then stitch this last part of the seam. This technique ensures that the gusset is in exact alignment with both front and back pieces and that the leather of the gusset is distributed evenly on both sides and along the bottom. Happy stitching! Andy

Hi Greybeard, really sorry about your dog; that's never easy to deal with. No, you'll not be out of your depth at all, just ask! If I can be of any help at all with anything, get in touch. All the best, Andy My link

Hi Helen, good to have another Brit here! There are some great people here who are really helpful. Good luck with all your leatherworking projects and Merry Xmas! Andy My link

Hi Oz, good to hear from you. I'm in Hexham UK and if I can help with anything, let me know. We need to keep our skills alive! You could certainly give me some tips about rolling my own thread as this is something I've not done as yet. All the best, Andy My link

Hi Martin, welcome to leatherwork! I'm in Hexham in the UK and if I can be of any help at all get in touch any time through my website http://www.andy-bates.co.uk . All the best, Andy

Here's some photos of a slightly contraversial bag I made recently for the UK Turner Prize winning potter Grayson Perry; his design, my manufacture. Hope it's not too rude! Any comments? Thanks, Andy

Hi Katkon, good to hear from you and keep at the leatherwork! I'm actually based in Hexham, not 20 or so miles from you! If you want any help or advice give me a bell or an email (via the website My link) or just drop into my studio in Abbey Gate House in Hexham. I'm there pretty much every day at the moment and am always up for a coffee and a chat about leatherwork. See you soon, Andy

Hi Anne, I'm one of your friends on Facebook as well! I teach classes in Hexham, Northumberland, UK, from beginner's through to specialist. Check out the website at http://www.andy-bates.co.uk and get your friend to give me a call on 01434 670700. I'll be happy to chat with them and see if we can sort something out. They run every month (the next beginner's class two weeks today). Speak soon and all the best, Andy Bates

Sonofab*#@+! I completely forgot this one. My apologies will never cease for this! I've got some pics out now and will try to scan them and post them this week. Really sorry people! =S

Classes in traditional, English leatherwork are being run by Andy Bates B.A.(hons) in 2010 in Haslam's of Hallgate gallery in Hexham, Northumberland, UK. The beginner's course 'An Introduction to traditional Leatherwork' is held on the last Saturday of every month from 10:00 'til 16:00. All tools are provided as is the leather. Students will learn the fundamental skills of traditional leatherwork including hide or skin selection, tool sharpening, marking out, cutting, edge shaving, skiving, dyeing, saddle stitch, edge burnishing, polishing etc and will go home with a finished piece. Intermediate, advanced and specialist courses are also available, as are courses on the research and reconstruction of historical and archaeological replicas, from prehistoric to 20th century. All courses are run at the pace of the participants and are deemed to be great fun, extremely informative and completely worthwhile. Commenting on the course run in November 2009, Win said, "a productive and enjoyable day - down to Andy's supportive style and subject knowledge". Andy has worked with leather for around 25 years and has taught the subject of leatherworking to all ages since 1996. He has made 'art' pieces for Durham Art Gallery amongst others, has made reconstructions for English Heritage, for the BBC and for the Discovery Channel and has taught at innumerable venues including Walsall Leather Museum, UK. Andy has also supplied equipment pouches and sheaths to the police and military and once lived as a neolithic man for two weeks (including 4 consecutive days of heavy rain and temperatures of -6 degrees) in leather clothing and footwear of his own construction. He now loves loincloths! To book onto a course, contact Andy at am.bates@btinternet.com or call on 07879 870594 or (UK) 01434 604436. An example of Andy's work is below. More in the gallery.

Thanks guys for all the really nice comments. I've got a forum member coming on one of my courses soon so I'll let him report on how good/ useful they are. This could be quite nerve-wracking!