paradoxbox

I made a kinda neat shoe/sneaker thing. This one was just a sample as I get used to using special shoemaking tools, the last, etc. The final version will have an actual sole and a wedge heel built into the sole rather than the simple block heel without any sole at all as in this photo. I also opened up an extra lace hole but decided not to put a loop in it as the holes were too low for my liking. The cuts done to the leather stripes of the Union Jack were pretty rough as I used a pair of leather scissors for them. Next time I'll just use a Japanese cutting knife which cuts perfectly straight lines much more easily without the fuzz and jagged edges. Next time I'll try to make the stitching straighter but I'm only used to hand stitching, machine stitching on leather is a bit tougher to keep straight for me, especially with all the curves going on. P.S. I'm not British! This kind of pattern is just popular in Japan among young people at the moment.

I'm trying to make a half camera case something like this: http://g3.img-dprevi...7BE5CCF192C.jpg The problem is that after I start sewing the bottom and side pieces together, the case stops fitting the camera. When my stitching reaches the 2nd "corner" of the case, it starts to get real bunched up and the case no longer fits on the camera. I have a feeling that it may be a combination of problems but I want to get some expert opinions before I re-cut some more leather. I grooved the bottom of the side piece as well as the bottom plate of the leather 2mm from the edge, then I saddle-stitched the pieces together. I have a feeling that around the corners the stitches are supposed to be more loose?? But I don't know exactly how to do that without screwing up my stitches or creating big tangles and knots.. Other thing I think may be wrong is that while the bottom plate is cut to slightly larger than the actual camera dimension (About 2mm larger) I guess it needs even more sizing up? Any help? Here's a test case I did that demonstrates the problem - the excess leather gets bunched up before stitching the last corner (forgive the roughness of it, it was just a general test)

Hi all, a few questions from a newbie to leatherworking. I know they're pretty broad but I have to ask anyway. I'm interested in making belts, pouches and bags out of the above mentioned exotic leathers but I have no experience working with them. How does one go about making a belt out of croc skin, does it need to be thinned then glued and stitched to a leather blank? In the case of small pouches i.e. compact camera pouches, is the strength of croc/caiman skin enough by itself to get away without backing it with another kind of leather or will it tear? Lastly, in the case of making purses or bags, how does one go about making the large side and bottom panels? Do they need to be reinforced with a stronger leather or can I just sew in a normal fabric lining as if making a regular bag? Sorry for the basic and broad questions. Look forward to any replies from those with experience working with exotic leather!

Thanks King's X, Shop Cram especially has good pricing on leather, caiman crocodile skins for around $170 and they have a lot of selection of other stuff too. The goods-japan guys have a great English website, unfortunately if you're living in Japan you end up paying a lot more by purchasing from them. May be a good option for people living overseas and without Japanese ability though. Thanks guys.

Hi all, I live in Japan and am a first time leatherworker. I'm wondering if anyone knows any reasonably priced leather suppliers in Japan? I speak Japanese (And read it) but the leather suppliers I have found so far are expensive and offer only small sizes of leather like A4 sheets. I found an interesting link here on this forum but lost it... If anyone can help I'd appreciate it very much!