TXAG

Blah, blah, blah...

You don't need an etsy store to do that. Anyway, I posted a legitimate question -- I didn't understand why people are apparently drawn to poorly-made items, but thanks to most of the responses in this thread, I get it now. Too few people left in the world that appreciate well-made, finely-crafted items. Got it.

Looks like some people around here do not cannot differentiate between bad design and bad technique.

"F"or "S"ale

Ok, as far as the etsy guy I posted a link to in my first post -- in order for someone to "feel bad" about what someone else says about their work implies that they actually care what other people think. That is clearly not the case...they think their stuff is awesome and slopped it together like that intentionally so it would look "artsy-craftsy" or something (I happen to think it's because they don't want to 'waste time' doing things the right way when they think what they did was 'good enough') and they're happy with how it looks. They don't care what other people think because if they did, they'd take some time to cut straight lines, finish edges, and stitch straight. It shows a lot of arrogance for someone to put something like that up for sale. But that's just my opinion. I agree with almost everyone else in that's posted in this thread. Also, there's a huge difference in reluctantly selling items that aren't up to your own standards....and selling stuff that looks like that and not giving a crap about what it looks like...even being proud of it looking like that.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/169288621/leather-notebook-folio-for-35x55?ref=listing-shop-header-0 So there are buyers that actually prefer stuff that looks like this vs. made with attention to detail, care, straight cuts/stitches, etc.?? I'm baffled...it makes me feel stupid putting the care I do into the things I make if people seem to like (maybe even prefer) things that look like they were made by a child. And yes, I am sure my stuff isn't perfect, but it looks a heck of a lot better than that...I would be embarrassed to try to sell something that looked like that.

Nah, you'll be making nice stuff in no time. If you search threads by other makers, you'll be able to find detailed information for how to make these. Good luck -- I've already found a lot of info elsewhere. PM me if you have questions.

Thanks for the recommendation on the book/tool. I had looked at them quite a while back and opted against buying them...primarily because I don't want to have to rely on a tool to be able to make these. (I have nothing against those that do or anything like that...I just don't want to have to carry extra stuff around to tie knots...right now, I have it narrowed down to a small notebook and jumbo lacing needle, and piece of pvc and that's it...don't want to keep up with screws, pins, etc...) Anyway, here is a barber pole interweave I did with some 3/32" lace I cut... Yes -- I know it should be on a smaller cylinder and/or tightened.

From what I saw on their webpage, it looks like they may be the leather supplier for Col. Littleton's...at least for some of their stuff...

Nevermind. Doesn't matter.

Link does not appear to go to any sort of "store"...

Great pics. Looks like some kind of plastic lace to me...like this stuff... http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/PetitPoulailler/6599978/rexlace_plastic_craft_gimp_lace_lacing_variety_pack/indie_supplies/craft_supplies/other I would not use that stuff for anything even remotely useable. I don't know what the best way to stitch up your bellows would be, but I definitely wouldn't use that plastic lace stuff.

Made this with roo lace I cut...

The one I have will do what you want, but it costs a lot more than $400 unless you can find a used one and only want to do a straight stitch...and then they're around $500-$600. I think your budget is going to be your biggest obstacle in getting good machine to do what you want. I would stay away from any home machines and the heavier duty ones just cost quite a bit more than your budget, at least in my last quite a few years of researching and buying machines.

Thanks...I am partial to the chevron pattern also. I made a "barber pole" pattern last night too, but it is at home. I'll probably add a pic of it later today...

Again, I am stuck having to make a new post instead of editing my old one due to the restrictively short edit buffer. Here is one of the knots I made without the grid thing...(and the lace is some junky quality 3/32" roo lace I got from Springfield Leather. It is very dry and doesn't lay right (to me)...guess I was spoiled by the quality of the first roo lace (drum stuffed) I bought from a guy in Australia...)

Well. I was able to tie a couple of patterns without having to resort to that grid thing. Received instructions using simple over/under explanations and it worked fine. I'll post pics of proof later.

http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=nylon-thread

I use type 'E' thread and a size 18 needle...or maybe 20? I forget... F thread would work fine too though, but I find E is as durable as I need...

Yeah, I'm a disabled OIF veteran myself. I would start using the search function to look for info you're interested in...then if you have specific questions, post them in the appropriate subforum.

If I understand the process correctly from what I've read, you'd remove the pins and solder on a Chicago screw to the back of it. I am sure someone will come along to nitpick that and tell me I'm wrong, like usual.

I appreciate your posting the details on this for me very much...unfortunately, I cannot understand the grid diagrams...at least not yet. I haven't been able to find an explanation of how they work that makes sense to me. I will try to study it until it makes sense though...I'll try putting it on a TP tube and see if I can get it then. Wish I could just find a simple O/U formula for adding a different color...