Chevota

I just want to thank everyone for the information. I really appreciate it. I'll be on the search and I know I will have more questions.

I have only been into leatherwork for the past two to 3 years now, and still have a lot to learn, but I have started to sell some holsters. I have gotten fairly quick at making the holster, but I am incredibly slow at stitching. It takes me forever. Right now I hand punch my holes and saddle stitch my work. I have done this up until now, and don't have any complaints other than the time it takes to do this. For this reason, I come to you sewing machine folks. I love machines (lathes, mills, etc) but I don't know the first thing about sewing machines. All I want is to get away from hand punching holes and hand stitching. Its too time consuming, and it looks like I may have more work than I can handle soon. What I want to know is.... Will an older (50's era and older) Singer do what I need if I crank by hand? If so, what model should I be looking for? I can find Singer 221 's for cheap and want to know if this would work. I know this probably sounds crazy to you guys/gals that know about these machines, but even cranking by hand would save me so much time and I think it would make my work look more professional. I apologize for my ignorance when it comes to sewing, but any info would be greatly appreciated. I did read the pinned section on sewing machines for leather, and I understand that there are much better options for holster making, but I don't have that kind of money right now.

Is that a leaf sprung seat or am I missing something? I want to do that on my bike. If you get a chance could you post a picture of the seat mounted. Thanks for showing.

I actually like the way they came out. Finish looks great.

No pictures of other side. I'll try to post some soon. It is unstained because I thought being partly pressed up against skin might cause dye to come off on me. I don't know if that is true, but that's why I didn't stain it on the back side.

Looks great. Seems to fit well around the belt too.

This is my first IWB holster as well as the first holster that came out ok, in my opinion. My others were a little rough. Just bought this pistol and I intend to carry concealed so I thought I should make a IWB holster. Had some problems with finish, as always. I recently started airbrushing the stain on so let me know what you think. Briar brown with coal black faded along the outside. Finished with tan-coat. I really don't get why tan-coat doesn't water protect the stain. I touched the holster with a damp hand and had a fingerprint where it took off the stain. Do you guys all use resolene with good results? Let me know what you think. I am still very new to the game so any feedback is helpful.

This is my first IWB holster as well as the first holster that came out ok, in my opinion. My others were a little rough. Just bought this pistol and I intend to carry concealed so I thought I should make a IWB holster. Had some problems with finish, as always. I recently started airbrushing the stain on so let me know what you think. Briar brown with coal black faded along the outside. Finished with tan-coat. I really don't get why tan-coat doesn't water protect the stain. I touched the holster with a damp hand and had a fingerprint where it took off the stain. Do you guys all use resolene with good results? Let me know what you think. I am still very new to the game so any feedback is helpful.

Really like the airbrushed stain. Looks awesome.

Just didn't have any projects at the moment and still wanted to make something. Tried my first dog collar. Used the hardware off of her original collar. Could be better, but not horrible.

Wow! Really like the distressed style you did. Looks Great!

That inlay really works for that holster. Looks GREAT! I will have to try that when I get a little better.

Really like the airbrushed stain and contrast around the edges. I WANT TO DO THAT! It looks so good. Great job.

That sounds like a possibility. Has anyone done that before?

That is some extremely clean work. Great job.

To each his own. I've looked at the quality of products you have made.... very nice to say the least. It's all open to interpretation on the style / functionality of something being made by hand. Like I say, I am very new at this and appreciate your comments.

Thanks Noah L for the comment, but I think that the front of the trigger guard should be covered so one cannot draw and have their finger inside the guard. As for covering the whole thing, I'm not so sure about that as far as functionality. When I draw a pistol (or revolver) I have my index finger running along the outside of the guard. The design of this lets me know where the guard is located with just a touch. Like I said, I appreciate the comment, I just have a preference in this area. There are actually a lot of revolver holster's in which the trigger guard is totally exposed. I'm not so sure about that though.

All of your advice is very much appreciated. Thanks for taking a look.

I really like the design. I think that something that can be used in two positions would take at least twice the planning time in design. Great job!

Just finished up last night on this thing. It is my first holster attempt (and I do mean attempt) so I am looking for some feedback as to what I could do to make look more professional. I made it for my wife and her little Charter Arms .38 special. Don't sugar coat anything, just want honest opinions. This is probably my 3rd or 4th real project with leather, but I learn so much after everything I do.