JLSleather

Sounds like you have it pretty much under control down there. I'm going through stuff (new work bench) and found that I have [yet another] "Lucky7" pattern book for bilfolds, key cases, pocket secretary and a little whatever-that-is plastic craftaid pattern. PM or email with address and I'll send it. Couple of handbag patterns (cutting and carving), not sure what else yet, and the kids won't let me look at the moment

Help a girl out ... put in down there in the "Pay it Forward" section so she has it all in one place (?).

Yep, I like it. Funny, when I clicked the topic it crossed my mind -- how long do you use that name? Really, this is nicer looking than some of the "professionals" I've met... If you really NEED suggestions, I suggest you forward all of these rejects to me This is of course the difference between those who really are good at it and - well - others... The real talent is always looking for a way to do it BETTER.

Okay, I keep hearing about it's "tough" , but how thick is this stuff. Couple of girls here talking about stingray products, and I see lots of ads about the skins being small. ANYbody tell me what this equates to in an ounce scale. If you can tell me in one sentence, I might follow it If it's a 3, I'm good -- if it's a 6, maybe gotta talk that first gal into a bag instead of a clutch ... The girl gets a bag, I get paid, supplier makes money, and you get to be the I-know-it guy (or gal). Everybody wins

There's some about that here. (Secretly looked it up when it was mentioned

Hello from Iowa. Lots of stuff around here. What type of patterns are you looking for? Cutting patterns? Carving designs? I have some stuff that's been in my way for a while now (spelled f r e e ). Got some more stuff for that youngster, too, but some of this I've already sent him (not sure how I got 3 of soome of these). If they're "open" patterns, I can post them here. If they're owned (sold) by someone, I'd have to send you the book (which is fine). I had a BUNCH of stuff stolen, so I know how much fun it is putting it back.

Might take me 'til this weekend to get my new bench put together, what with the snow n all. Long as we're talking about after that, I'm good

Those "In-Fisherman" boys in MN used to have a little segment where they would answer some questions people sent in. When asked, "What's the best fishin' lure for walleye?", he answered "The one you'll use." Oh, yeah ... mine are largely Craftool.

I'll do that. Headed down there soon as the wind is slower than the speed limit . Thanks!

Patterns for / of what? Doesn't matter? Tandy has 6 or 8 you can download for free, and there's a million or so "doodle pages" on Ebay for next to nothing. Otherwise, try this ...

Where can I buy soft, flexible leather with no finish? I want to be able to tool it and dye it, but have it "drape". Something in 2/3 or 3/4 oz, and natural. Preferably by the side, though if you know someone who sells shoulders that would be fine.

I snooped at some length last night, yours one of the sites I saw. There were some good (to me) aspects on many of the layouts. Just some things I've been thinking ... I personally like the cascading menus, as I think they're easier to use. I hate it when I get new software, or someone updates their site, and that button that used to be over there is now over there. CC's site was good in this way ... that little drop-down menu ... always in the same place. If I'm going to have a site where people can buy something, I want them to be able to find it. I know I've "hung up" on people - on the web, on the phone, standing in front of them - because they took forever to get to what they are selling and how much does it cost me. Spell checker is a good thing, doncha think? I used to play a LOT of handball, and I always like to play somebody BETTER than me. I'm getting what I need, enjoying doing it, AND learning something. Leather is no different ... so in addition to websites, I've snooped through a number of profiles (if you see I ducked in / ducked out of yours, not to worry ... I'm harmless ). If I ever start thinking I know how to color leather, I'll just go browse kiwidownunder's work. Yes, that's a "plug", and I'm thinking my site should include links to some other crafters' work. Maybe not the best business approach, but I like it.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll take a better look at it tomorrow today ... I'd be asleep if it wasn't for this toothache... You folks get some rest!

How tight a corner are you talking about? If you're thinking about a round or head knife, thinking you'd like to use those, maybe you just go ahead and get the knife you want and PUNCH out the tight curve and cut the straight lines between, until you gain some proficiency.

Okay, not illiterate, but usually busy. Before someone tells me to use the search I'll just say trust me, I did - to the point it's way past my nap time Ancient history has me creating .pdf's with Acrobat 5, stumling through a little Photoshop, and hacking out some bearable pages showing a couple hundred pics of my babies using GoLive (well, at least the kids are cute). This machine works 'ok' but my next baby will take it over before long. Since I'll need a new machine, might as well get the right toys right from the start. To the question .... especially now that there's a Directory. What are all those new sites being written in? I'm a hands on guy (my wife incorrectly diagnoses 'obsessive'). Wouldn't have a problem paying to get set up, but I'd want to be able to get in and change photos (by way of example), so would want the software anyway. With some skeletal knowledge of Adobe stuff, I thought to just get the latest CS. A look at their web site reminded me how proud of that they got ($1500 to fake it some more??). Hands-on like I said, so I'll research a bit anyway, but would appreciate a quick line from folks who know more about this (thanks in advance).

I like the color contrast. Bold without being loud. Oh, and the green color we all like, too...

There's a bunch of Weaver stuff - including the strop board -- here.

Pretty tough to see (it's way bigger than my screen), but if the customer liked it yer good

Website bookmarked ... thanks! Raphael Sewing Machines Inc. / TECHSEW Tel: 1-866-415-8223 www.techsew.com ron@raphaelsewing.com

I know nothing about sewing machines -- any sewing machine. I'm not mechanically challenged, but the terminology is a different language for me. I've had Bridgeport Mills, Thompsen surface grinders, Intel and AMD computers, and Ford Broncos apart AND back together, but one post on here about sewing machines left me scratching my head (though it seemed like good information to others who read it). Sew what I need (sorry ) is some plain information about getting started with this. Maybe a couple of years I'll have need for it and that guy up the street will sell me that shoe shop he doesn't use and won't lease out. For the moment, I need to sew multiple lining leathers for handbags/wallets/organizers. As in like 3- 4 layers of 2 oz chrome tanned. When I can carve and dye a dozen a week, it's irritating to then be bogged down the following week sewing linings. I'd buy them prefabricated if I could find them the way I want them, but then what do I do when those boys show up wanting changes? I make an occasional holster or lined belt, and have no problem hand sewing those. Is there already a video around here SHOWING some leather being machine stitched, but I just missed it? I started to watch that Tippman thing, but couldn't take any more about bolting it to the table Not to mention that seemed like a lot of money for something I have to operate by hand anyway.

Have to think about that one. Oh, are we talking about the black ink or the gray shadow?

Personal preference. I know alot of people have started out making belts/straps (7/8 oz up to 9/10 oz), but I think that's because it's a relatively small initial investment -- not because it's easier or harder. Everything else equal, heavier leather will have less stretch and shrink. One note; the very light (like a 2 oz calf or kip) can easily be cut right through if you aint watchin'.

Me, too ... tha's jus PURDY.

Love the swept basketweave. Color without "gaudy", basketweave without "boxey", balanced look. I'm liking it. One thing ... I would make a point of turning BOTH crosses right-side-up (definitely). Nice case!