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DoubleC

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Posts posted by DoubleC


  1. Marcos, I use my Singer 15-91 for everything from silk up to 1/4 inch of leather, denim, etc. It can handle #69 thread and Bob at Toledo will tell you these are good machines to start out on while you save up for other machines. You're not going to saddles I assume, and I just sewed a guitar strap that was 7/8 oz veg tanned, foam, and 4/5 oz chrome tanned for backing. I couldn't even get the presser foot down completely. It just does what I want it to.

    I have the one below for sale in a cabinet and another one that will be for sale after I rehab it (yeah, I kinda love and collect them). The one below is a centennial model, has the blue and red tag instead of just the brass one. So I want a little bit more for it. If you're interested pm me. Cheryl


  2. Slack I use conditioner when everything is finished, either plain Ole Vaseline or plain ole VT. Bag Balm (only because I live here and that's what they sell, any bag balm should do). I put a bunch the end of the strap, then use a hair dryer to liquefy it and rub it in by hand, starting at one end and using my fingers to fold the strap over probably every 1/2" with the rubbing. I always have a lot left on the surface but I hang it over something with middle at the top and let that leather just soak it up (Hey bag balm was good for the cow when it was alive, still is when it's leather). Couple times a day I try and rub the excess in using the same process as the first time. Then when it has to leave the house I take a t-shirt and buff it and get the excess off. Gives it such a nice, mellow shine and just drapes at that point, as much from using your hands on it as the conditioner. It doesn't matter what weight you're working with, it'll drape. And they also sell fancy expensive conditioners if you want to try one of those :-) Cheryl


  3. I made this train overlay because....well just because I wanted to. I just got this idea in my head of using leather itself as the overlay with black lizard behind it to darken the windows and open doors. I think it's pretty primitive looking myself but I didn't look for a hard design to do this the first time. I had intended on doing the reddish tan with a decorative edge and antiquing the edge, but now I wonder if a distressed strap might look better with the style of the train. helpsmilie.gifCheryl


  4. Well Mike I downloaded a free pic of a brook, meadow and some trees. I was going to put Sienna in the meadow so it will be more than a traced calender, LOL. But I thought you wanted us to get a feel for perspective ( I'd settle for a touch, forget a feel) and learn a little about using our tools to create that. Like you said, closer images sharper, etc. And perhaps I should get started since of course there's only 30 days in this month, but I have been churning out product, and have to make myself stop and do something that's just for the fun and learning of it. I learned so much on my dragon and after some coloring help it is actually one of my best and favorite pieces, as I think this will be. Cheryl


  5. I'm glad you clarified that Syl because I didn't realize you had to draw your own picture. I downloaded pictures of covered bridges and streams and also a brook by a pasture I was going to insert Sienna into. If I have to freehand I'll never get done, LOL although I think I could the brook one from looking at the picture. I'm still not started yet :-( I got everything out last night but and ran the copies off of the brook picture, but didn't start yet. Cheryl


  6. Very true Art. These are not industrial leather machines, and I get mad when I see them advertised as such. But I'm a production line of one and I sew on mine with leather maybe 15 minutes a day. You can't use these 8 hours a day everyday to sew leather or they will eventually die and it ain't easy to kill a Singer :-)


  7. Hi Ray. burgundy is probably giving you fits because it isn't a color. I mean everyone knows what burgundy is but it's not the same color to everyone. I hope you have more than fiebings spirit or oil dyes because you have to mix burgundy. It's just read and brown. I started with watered down dark brown water based dye and just kepi adding a dollop of red until I got to what I consider burgundy. Hope this helps. Cheryl


  8. I have a Singer 15-91 and just sewed a guitar strap, foam, and piece of backing last night. They keep telling me here I can't use a 15-91 for leather and upholstery, and I do some almost daily. It's not an industrial machine but it'll sew anything you can shove under the foot. And I used a regular #80 needles and #30 quilting thread. I am beginning to think the #69 thread and the leather needles were a waste of money.

    I admit I love them, but I don't think there's anything the old singers can't sew. Just my opinion but backed up by the fact last night I couldn't even get the foot down :-)


  9. I am starting to work tomorrow for a woman who does all custom clothes. I was hoping to discuss some of the details of this with her. I need some information than just a pair of pants that are rock inspired if I'm going to be able to help you.

    To stay off spam lists splitting up my email should you want to discuss this.

    canncrossan at myfairpoint.net


  10. I have never EVER heard of cleaning the leather before dying with saddle soap... Fiebings has a dye prep cleaner that is basically water and sudsy ammonia and clear booze. You are supposed to clean the piece with it and dye immediately.

    But I tend to agree with Benilly... that looks like glue or something that resists dye.

    I often wash my leather, I mean lather it up and rinse, rinse, rinse with saddle soap to make sure I have all the sanding dust off, then let it dry over night. It's not a resist Syl......at least mine isn't, LOL.


  11. I'm looking for someone in the New England/New York area who does custom leather clothing. I need Vests, Jackets and Pants. Particularly custom, rock n roll inspired pants. I'd like to start with a pair of pants and seeing how that goes their is a lot of potential for many custom pieces.

    I'm located in Connecticut but will travel within New England and New York for this. Price range must be considerably less than the current 'High Fashion' custom designers. I'm not looking for someone currently making pants for Slash and Motley Crue, I know who she is. I want someone who knows what they are doing, and are reasonably priced.

    Thanks!

    Are you looking for lots of bling, and black leather, sleek, tight, vests that can be worn alone by women, that sort of thing? Cheryl (VT)


  12. I agree with John having a brat horse myself. I would never put her on 5 oz leather. With the most well trained and mannered horse something can always go wrong. A heavy lead won't always help but a light one never would. Good luck, and please show us a pic when it's finished. Cheryl

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