WScott

Nice stuff It caught my eye on the front page and I am glad you posted it here Really a cool finish on your leather, not seen that style before Great work

Nice work

This is a good stitching topic and video http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=44874&hl= Best stitching book ever http://www.amazon.com/Art-Hand-Sewing-Leather/dp/1892214911/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392583347&sr=1-1&keywords=al+stohlman Here is an edging topic http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=18101&hl= Let me know what else can help to get you going. There are so many ways to do things and you need to find what works in your hands with materials and tools that are readily available to you. You don't have to spend a fortune on exotic tools, leather, thread etc to get good results. Cheers, Scott

Yep, though I probably would have sewn it up like what you did, cursed myself and disassemble like I described. As for stitch grooves or not, it depends on the leather; chrome tan rarely, veg tan usually, oil tanned somewhere in the middle. If it is thin leather, just a divider to give an even distance from the edge. If it is a high wear area on a veg tan strap, I would groove a channel. Usually I do a test on the leather I have to see how it takes to grooving...some tear and rip rather than cut.

They all look fine Your edge detail is something that could improve so that there are no fuzzies on the leather, especially the three little straps on the buckle wrist band. There are tons of threads on here about techniques for burnishing and finishing edges The stitching on the knife sheath is a bit uneven with visible knots?? Again lots if stuff here to give some direction on stitching The best thing you did was design it yourself, put pictures up and ask for opinions.....this will take your work from good to great!

Ya, I was thinking a little de-construction to get it so you can either wheel or chisel mark an even stitch line and then use an awl. The bag is looking great though, you are doing a good job. Make a little diary of construction notes, maybe some drawings so you will remember to mark the stitch line before assembling. I am really good at making the same mistake, so make cheat sheets on my projects ,often right on the paper patterns.

Ya, no worries. If you don't have the book I would strongly suggest it. It may be old school,but so much useful information. http://www.amazon.com/Art-Hand-Sewing-Leather/dp/1892214911/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392257769&sr=1-1&keywords=al+stohlman

For old eyes like mine in a less than perfect garage shop, I wear a LED headlamp especially when stitching. It puts bright light right where you need it

Ok, now I am blown away AWESOME!!!!!!!

Your hubby is quite the woodworker! Maple base and mahogany body, that is a Lipizzan Stallion Pony

I guess it varies hide by hide. The wallets and such I have made have not been an issue....not that the potential isn't there with such tanned leathers. It would only take one bad run to ruin things.

Marking this to watch later Thanks for the video efforts again Chief

I think they allude to the wax/ oil rubbing off not the dye. Much like other oil tanned leathers sometimes can. Oh that jacket and the shoes aren't too bad either. That is a really cool website Gorgeous stuff but it does skuff up. I just give my wallet and key chain fobs a little buff they come back up. Mine are CXL horse strips

That is a great link, thanks for posting it! I would kill for that leather jacket

Gorgeous leathers; love the coloring and of course the construction is superb. Good stuff!!

I would test it out with the hide you have. Have made a number of angle wallets and wrist bands with CXL and no probs in my pockets or clothes with bleed out. It is more of a waxy than oily leather. Those are good project ideas btw......minimal wallets, card holders,wrist and watch bands. It is a lovely leather to work with

I like it too The brand makes it stand out

Lots of stuff on the internet both for free and by subscription. Here is a Tandy subscription one http://www.leathercraftlibrary.com/t-instructional-videos.aspx But You Tube has lots as well Hope that helps a bit

Next time burnish the thread by pulling it through a piece of folded brown paper bag numerous times before using it. Will heat up by friction and take away excess wax. That is an old Al Stohlman trick from his hand stitching book.

Maybe even outside, natural light exposure

Funding is rising slowly Hope you are doing ok Even a small donation helps this leatherworker

It looks even more sinister photographed so dark! The leather work is marvellous. You have nothing to fear showing your work, will only make it better. As said above, just work with the lighting. If you google search, can make an easy cardboard light box. For example http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent

That is cool! Nice work there

I have noticed quite a few posts of your work on Pinterest. Most of it comes from photos. You might want to set up a Blackthorn Leather board for a presence there. Just saying

Great looking baseball stitching!! You are a master my friend