KellyJ

Hi folks - I'm really getting into hand sewing now, but I'd like to use the old-fashioned saddler's clam (or clamp) to hold my work. You know, the one you hold with your legs... I could no doubt make one, as I am pretty good at woodworking, but I'd like to at least try to start with the real deal. Anybody out there have one they'd sell me? Kelly jons_k@Shaker.org

You know, I was wondering if any of you handstitching masters would be willing to sew me a half dozen stitches in a couple of glued together small pieces of 6 to 8 ounce leather. I think what I need is to actually see and feel what properly done hand stitching looks like. I'd be more than happy to throw a few bucks your way if you'd be willing to do this and mail it to me in a small envelope. It would not need to be very big... an inch or two's worth of stitches should answer all my questions. If you're willing to do this, please send me a private message or email me at Dodge1943@yahoo.com. Thanks, guys! Kelly

Hi folks - I am new to hand stitching leather and have a question or two. I have purchased some of the recommended tools and materials for hand stitching. I have a Bob Douglas awl (amazing, by the way), the Al Stohlman stitching book, and so on, and I have followed the stitching advice in the "Hand Stitching Guide" sticky and the one on the Wild Rose Trading Company website. And for a rank beginner, I'd say my stitches look really good and even. I have no trouble at all stabbing the awl properly and squarely into the stitch grooves or doing the double-needle stitching. But the pre-waxed linen thread, which is 7-cord, by the way, seems to leave stitches that, for lack of a better word, just look so WAXY. I use the overstitch wheel on them and they can be molded into shape as if they are mostly wax. I don't have access to any actual hand-stitched leather items, so I don't know if I am doing something wrong, or if this is how the stitches should look. I've looked at some of the photos on this website, but it's hard to tell. The only leather items I own are all obviously machine stitched, which of course has a totally different look, especially on the backside, and the thread doesn't feel like it was ever waxed. It's probably nylon, in fact. One item I have is from Saddleback Leather (an iPad case) and the maker brags on his website that he doesn't use linen... but I want to stick with the traditional materials. Do any of you use the pre-waxed linen thread (like Tandy sells, among others)? Or do you all start with unwaxed thread and wax it up yourself? I have considered rubbing the thread on a brown paper bag to see if I could get rid of some of the wax and get a cleaner look, but maybe I am being too picky. Sorry I don't have a photo (our camera's out of town with our son) but I believe I can say with confidence that my stitching _technique_ is OK, it's just the final heavily-waxed look of the stitches that concerns me. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Kelly

Hi fellas - Where can I get Barbour's Irish Linen Thread? I've been looking around and no one seems to have it anymore. (My apologies if this has been answered many times... I am really just starting out with leatherworking!) Love this site, by the way. Such a great group of people. And I've learned so much! Kelly