Bob, that is so funny as I have about 8 or 9 stingray hides and do the same thing! I pick them up, look at them, admire the texture, then put them away again hoping to get up the nerve to make something with them.
I am hand stitching holsters and belt cases until I can afford a machine. Where can I get unwaxed linen thread? I keep finding waxed thread everywhere I look.