First off thank you everyone for the compliments, they are greatly appreciated.
Craig, i actually used my machine for all the sewing, the chap leather is very hard to penetrate with an awl in my opinion so i figured i might as well use the machine. For the cross i didnt even use the motor, i just spun the handwheel watching where every stitch went. Also as you can see in the one photo i used tape to mark off a nice straight line to follow as i stitched on the liner. I'm sure your strap will be just as nice as mine, plus if its a gift from father to son it doesnt need to be perfect haha, it's the thought that counts. thanks again for the compliment, hope to see a strap from yourself soon!