Thanks very much, Nighthawk and TwinOaks.
Nighthawk: I thought of using an awl, but I think it won't make large enough holes for my purposes (at least the crochet I'm thinking of at the moment; my goals might well change after I get started). The other tools look useful. I found this helpful thread about the overstitch wheel. I like your futhark. :-)
TwinOaks: Yeah, I was wondering about the economy tools vs. more expensive tools, so thanks for the advice. I don't have a drill press. I have leather from an old coat and suede from an old vest (from thrift stores, seem like good quality, fairly thin), and I was planning to start by trying to make some small pieces out of those.
I think at this point I should keep reading this site and Tandy, and see what leatherworking books are in my local library, and see how much of a Christmas bonus I get, and buy my tools then.