dirtclod

Make the top as wide as you want the bag to open and the same on the bottom add 1/2" or whatever you want to sew to. Then measure the top and divide by however many folds you want top and bottom fold and go. Try it with paper first.

Wet the leather then let it dry back to almost the same color as when you started, fold and set a weight on them and let dry. They should stay closed then if they don't stay as closed as you want they will over time in your pocket.

You can make a pattern in a few minutes out of poster board. Measure how wide and how tall you want it for the top, bottom, back and front. It looks to me like it just one piece. For the sides make it how ever wide you want and leave enough to fold over at the top.

I have a couple from Black River Laser and they work great ! http://www.blackriverlaser.com/%C2'> One thing i would buy is a arbor press to press the stamp, after years of useing a hefty handle i finally bought one and the arbor press makes it a lot easier. Sometimes with hefty handle you get doubles on your stamp. I just spray a light coat of water and i haven't had any water marks.

Polyester thread IMO is the best hands down ! I won't use nylon unless i have to. Personally i think it's hard your machine. I had to use some nylon because i had run out polyester and it seemed like it put the machine in a strain. Made a different sound anyway and when i my polyester came in and i put it on the sound was gone. I've used this machine for 20 years and i know when it makes a different sound.

IMHO 138 on 2 ounce leather is to heavy. Try some 69 thread and see what happens, or try the 138 on the 2 ounce doubled and see what happens.

Heres a link to the manual, it shows how to thread it. http://www.artisansew.com/pdf/manuals/exisiting/618SCmanual.pdf Once you get it threaded and want to change colors tie your new color to the old one and pull it through so you don't have to thread it everytime.

If you have a right toe foot you may be able to cut a piece of leather and hold it tight to the outside so the foot will have something to set on and be able to sew them. Really don't know if it will work because i haven't tried it before.

I have a 31 15 and sew 138 top and bottom and didn't change anything except for a bigger needle.

Your machine will come with a thread stand. The thread sets on it and goes straight up then over to your machine so you spool should never turn or need to turn.

Because denatured works and regular rubbing alcohol dosen't or it didn't work when i tried it.

You wil be money ahead if buy a side. If you have them cut you a piece it's going to cost more per foot than buying a side.

I really don't think you will be happy with that piece of leather it's a split where they have cut the good/ grain/hair side off. What your left with will be more than likely rough to the the touch. If you look at at the second picture you will see what i am talking about.

That's a home machine. You don't want it.

Both of the knives that Springfield sells are Osborne's their good knives, i have a couple that i use regular. Not the best but their not 2 to 300.00 each either. I would ask if their 4 inch wide knives, 5 inch wide knives get you a little far from your work for me. You sharpen them on a regular or diamond stone then strop or buff on wheel with compound.

The first thing i would do is get rid of the rotary cutter and get your self a round or head knife. Leave the bottom a little wider and cut it with knife. You will be able to see what your doing with knife to and no need for a ruler. Thats the way i do it anyway and it's worked fine for 30 plus years.

I would leave the edge a little wide, put a right toe on sew it and trim the edge.

Personaly i like the polyester thread A LOT better than nylon. I will use nylon when i have to but i don't like it as well.

You'll be money ahead to get rid of the speedy stitcher and get a sewing awl and some needles to sew with. Punch your hole with the awl then push your needles through the holes. Their are several movies on you tube showing how to hand sew.

I like both of them.

Looking good !!

Nice job !! One thing about it, it will stand out in a crowd.

Nice work on the seat. Your hands came out great !! Their the best hands i have ever seen done !!

When i do that i cut a piece of chrome tan and fold it over with the seam in the middle glue it and glue again to what ever i'm sewing to and stitch it in. Cut some small pieces first to make sure everthing looks like you want. Then cut the size you need for where ever you want it to go.

Give Bob a call he will fix you up with needles, thread and such. http://www.tolindsewmach.com/