Sylvia

One method of pattern making is to make a "cast" of an item. Say you want to copy a coffee can. Wrap the coffee can in plastic wrap. Then take duct tape and tape the entire body of the can, overlapping the tape strips by at least 1cm. Make sure you cover then entire outside. Make reference lines. Using a ruler, make vertical lines and a few perpendicular ones to that line. These lines will be helpful when you go to make your pattern. Run a horizontal line around the bottom of the can. (typically this line is about 1/2 cm up from the bottom.) Make short vertical reference lines. I should say that it helps to use one color marker for the main cut lines, and a different colored marker for the reference lines. Cut the cast from the can. Cut the bottom off the cast. Open the cast up and lay it flat on pattern paper. Pattern weights are helpful here but you can use canned goods to hold this in place. Now, trace around the cast piece an transfer the reference lines. Remove the cast piece... and measure your seam allowance what ever size you feel you need and use a ruler to mark your cut lines and to extend your reference lines. Now a coffee can would be fairly easy to cast. When you get into making patterns for a body part, you'll deal with having to make a 3D cast into a 2D pattern. This is why the reference lines are so important. You'll need to take several tiny tucks to make a 3D cast lay flat so you can trace all they while trying to not lose those reference lines. This is sometimes called easing. I think by now you have a general idea of how to cast and pattern objects. Have fun practicing. May I suggest you try this on your feet? BTW... use a decent quality duct tape to do this... the cheap stuff is a pain to work with.

OUCH! Or... she could be looking to do both.

Thanks Gentlemen: I thought that might be the case.

Good idea, but I've noticed that sometimes the d-rings and clasps show wear so I would recommend taking time to look the purses and belts over very well. Another thing one can do is find second hand leather jackets usually they are soiled pretty badly but the amount of leather found in some of these is astounding and also good for wallet linings.

LOL I thought I felt a distinct tug on my left leg... but just thought it was my broken toe bugging me. Good theory though... I buy it actually. From my studies, I learned that all the "norse" tribes were excellent wood workers and engineers. I did a few reports and learned a lot about their ship building techniques. I almost think I could build one if my body could hold up to the heavy labor. I remember that you are American, but admittedly, I did confuse you with Suicide for the moment.

he he he... It must have been my Viking Studies getting the best of me. Finlander, Vinlander... But Ok, I'm with you... FINNISH. No disrespect intended. Uhm... 18*F is not perfect in my book. It's currently 43*F at 4:11pm. I've seen plenty of 18*F days here, hoar frost, gloomy snow ridden days from Hades... Nope, still don't like the cold. Nice to know the etymology of Finish Carpenter. (American Spelling) Makes a lot of sense actually.

I agree... turns out the most disastrous results.

Ha ha ha.... Not sure I could do the Finlander thing. Just too dang cold.... and I suck a driving in the snow. Trust me... there ain't a lot to fatten my wallet these days. It's just a big wallet. (just in case I guess) LOL

Suicide is a productive little devil. Looks cool! I would never carry it because my wallet would never fit... but it looks cool.

Hate to butt in but I have been wondering for some time now if vinegar would work since Lemon Juice might work?

LOL Nope! I think I would rather do a Veg tan. I found a tutorial on how to veg tan with bark tea (tannin) a couple months back.

I actually knew a native of Alaska... she had the most beautiful hand made leather and fur parka. She said she chewed the hides herself. I believe she did.

Interesting, that's a ways away from me.

Hi Tim: I'm near Boise, where are you located? Maybe you, cyberthrasher, and I should create a guild. ) Syl

I agree. Also save like 33% of your sales to pay sales tax and fed and state taxes. Nothing worse than having to come up with $3k at tax time.

Talk to a CPA. Generally if you make over a certain amount, you'll pay taxes on it. The good thing is you'll factor in all your materials and other cost of goods sold. Sadly even kids get taxed these days.

Make sure your dies are sharp too. A dull die can cause you issues.

Get in touch with Spinner. He makes very nice burnishers for drill presses and dremels... I bet he can do what you need.

LOL! It is faster than a ruler and a razor knife though.

Great tutorial Kevin. I did something very similar to this recently but instead of using posterboard that will eventually wear out, I used aluminum flashing from a roll we had out in the garage. A pair of tin snips, a file and I have a sturdy template I do have some questions though. What program do you use to digitally draw your designs? Do you use a Wacom Tablet and stylus too? S

HI Angie: I saw your post yesterday but I don't have any advice to offer. Probably your best bet is to click the Green "Boss" banner above and pose your questions to Tippmann directly. Here's a link to a video that may offer answers to your questions. http://www.tippmannindustrial.com/video.php?image=Clicker%20700&osCsid=8269a19108d008dc44259b5e304c0746

LOL! Why thank you kind sir.

I just hope he speaks or writes English well enough that I can ask him questions.

That goes for us gals too.