WScott

That is good stuff You are going to break the stereotype of poor quality from China

For the Canucks on here, there are a couple of Canadian Etsy shops selling tiger thread.... Rolls or sample size. PM me and I can pass along the info

Good for you for sharing your knowledge With a someone who appreciates it. That is very rewarding. Would love to hear about your braid and stitch techniques. I completely agree about learning something and putting your own spin on it. I have never been a straight out of the textbook kind of person.

Many similarily tanned leather have a "bloom" that comes off them periodically. I know that Horween leather, which is very deeply tallowed in its processing, has a whitish layer come off it. They suggested a clean soft cloth and to buff it out. I have not heard of it attacking hardware, may be coated and easily oxidized metals?

Sending you a PM about Canadian source of rolls of Tiger thread Etsy store is here: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/148081406?ref=fb2_tnx_title

Yes, I bet it smells gorgeous, very envious of you for that; I love that when you open a shipping box and the leather smell escapes. Funny that a yearlong bath in oak bark can turn out such a beautifully smelling end product. I remember someone bought a bag in India and complained it smelled of urine and it wouldn't come out. After seeing the Moroccan video with pigeon poop as the tanning source, I wonder what they are using in other countries :0

There are so many really good online retailers for tools and supplies with better quality than Tandy. I think Tandy is good for a start out in leather, allowing you to get going with relatively a low tool investment cost, but after that you begin to want better stuff. As for ordering leather, it is hard to order it sight unseen; so much better when you get your hands on it before you buy. Neither online or Tandy handle that well.

I meant lots of folds in the card slots, darn auto correct D could be darn, damn or derelict just checking

It is really nice, lots of tough edges and foods in there Your stitching looks good Is a dh= darling husband??

These are great videos guys, thanks for posting them! It gives you a greater appreciation of what that skin and the workers go through to produce beautiful leather. Celtic, I would like to hear how that hand tanned leather feels and works! MU, I found the documentaries about yourself fascinating as well; I am not as talented but we have that kindred spirit of working in different mediums, doing a day job for money and other stuff for yourself. Love the liquor cabinet you made

Yes the leather work is good, but the iron work is great. The iron mounts really make that look sweet!

Looks really nice, like the detail work in the corners. Sucks when the machines let you down but most won't notice the stitching as much as it bugs yourself.

That is a great video David, thanks for sharing Anyone else got similar video links???

This is a documentary style video of the process of leather making with comments toward craftsmanship, automation and handwork. It is a couple years old now, but I thought it was interesting http://vimeo.com/37297121

I remember a couple good threads on what to take and what sells at shows. Do a search, I found this thread http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=51570&view=&hl=&fromsearch=1

Another great video and you are a dog person as well. My Bernese Mountain dog is sleeping happily at my feet while I watch. Even at 100 pounds, she still thinks she is just a little pup. Thanks for the time and effort in putting together the video, always good to see you work.

I have been thinking about the stitching pony you mentioned. You might try some large paper clamps....we call them bulldog clamps from office supply store I use them as gluing clamps after I apply thin pigskin to the jaws to avoid marring the workpiece I will post a pic when I get to my laptop later On another tact, if you have any woodworking skill, a pony is easily made from pallet or construction lumber

Ok, don't shoot me, but these guys have good mid range quality and priced tools. I have dealt with them and find the tools better than entry level Tandy stuff. http://www.goodsjapa...s/catId=4252437 OR, for a small round awl or fid I would look at a used woodworking tool, antique, second hand or hardware store in your town and sharpen and clean up an old one. To do your hand stitching, make an even stitch line on the leather with a caliper and then use the fork to mark even hole locations and punch the fid through the leather by tapping with a wood mallet with the leather resting on a protective material like a poundo board. http://www.tandyleatherfactory.ca/en-cad/search/searchresults/3461-151.aspx Just don't go too deep so you keep the holes just big enough to close around the thread after stitching and you don't bend the awl tip. If you are a bit resourceful you can find inexpensive alternate tools and equipment

If you use a round scratch awl or fid, the holes will allow the thread to be straighter. I would test it out on a small sample patch of leather before you try it on your wallet.

Sorry to feed the leather addiction, it gets worse and worse. At least you didn't waste your money on warm beer and tarts in the pub Glad to see some locals help you out on supply suggestions

I think Joe has you headed in the correct direction If you haven't already, take a look at this video. The gent is on your side of the Atlantic and knows a thing or two about leather work! http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=44874 My other thought for UK sourced supplies was Etsy.com A shop there has top of the line Tiger thread available and harness needles. I have ordered from this gent and he is awesome as well! 0.8mm for smaller looking stitches on delicate leather, 1.0 for bigger stitch pattern on thicker leather. Get one of both see what works for you https://www.etsy.com/listing/174952548/john-james-002-saddlers-harness-needles?ref=listing-shop-header-0 https://www.etsy.com/listing/120961806/tiger-thread-for-leatherwork-20m?ref=related-0 Hope that helps, let me know Scott

Ahh, those are sweet

I have seen magnet backed leather wall tiles before. Yours look like big cool panels I want I do something like that in my work office space If you want a quick cheat to shrink a pic, e-mail it to yourself and shrink it to medium size when it asks, then post the smaller pic Show us more of your stuff please!!!!

IMHO, you will have a B of a time stitching without a walking foot and risk wrecking your leather or the machine You don't have to spend a fortune to hand sew and it is really fun Use an old fork to mark the spacing, or maybe your mom has a marking wheel for sewing A round scratch awl, one for woodworking, is pretty cheap as well and works great Waxed thread and a glover's or harness needle and you are off. If you really strapped and need some tools, send me a PM and I will try to help you out Scott

I use a LED headlamp for focused stuff like stitching and tooling. There are a ton of different ones, not very expensive. Along with your desk lamp,should give no shadow lighting