midwestislander

Samar, you are amazing. I third the video/youtube idea!

Dye first. Dry well. Think the mink oil is interfering with the dye penetrating evenly. When I wet formed-then dye, sometimes I would have areas that seemed to slick/burnish and the dye didn't penetrate as well either. This happened when I was "enthusiastically forming for a more detailed/tighter fit.

If Dwight says it's Okay, then it's okay. very nice. No shame, no fear. it's about the end-user.

Nice job. Like the burgundy reinforcement

THAT is absolutely beautiful!

A good place to start looking is the Getting Started Forum. Soooo informative. I just saw a few replies from members in UK that gave a link to a leather supplier. good luck.

Welcome to the most informative place I have found. You may try "searching" (upper right corner of the page). notice you can search in a particular forum or "all" forums. I have seen many listings for armguards as I have been browsing through various forums. Also notice that in the list of forums are different subspecialty areas. Browsing in the appropriate one may give you many tips and ideas, as it has for me. I notice that there are many members from areas of Europe and in the UK. As you browse comments, check the brief profile to the left of the text box, as most often they have given their location. I mention this because As I am in the US, I am not able to help you with suppliers. As to tools, etc, browse the forum topics or do a search. I have learned much both about tool quality and brands. The philosophy I have used in tools is if you are starting out, buy a small less expensive starter set, you will learn what will need upgrading as you go along. Some you will find adequate for as long as you do this. If you are looking at a tool or equipment which costs a lot, buy the best (often more expensive) as it will do better in the long run. Check the suppliers forum which may help you find leather suppliers in the UK. One last thing, The people in this forum are the nicest and most helpful you will find. Many have their own leather business's and so are busy and may not be able to give you an "instant" response, Others have a "real" job and this is their passion/hobby and may not have the time to be on the forum for long periods of time.

I have successfully used a soft pencil eraser to work the glue off, not pressing too hard to mark the grain. Work from the edge of the "smudge" in towards the middle, or if on the edge of a piece, work it to the edge of the piece until you can pick it off.

really like your traditional Japanese design on the Japanese style wallet

What a great design!

I have been getting mine at Springfield leather. Work well.

OK, I checked my friend at Pathfinder leather, and his two machines are old; a Singer 29-K-71 and a Pfaff 345-H3-60, both treadle machines. He uses these daily, however not continuously. Between the two, he is able tosew almost anything. The Pfaff is the heavy duty, being used for holsters and other heavy jobs, up to 20-25 oz.

I have a buddy that has a leather shop that has 2 treadle machines used almost daily. (Singer - model # ?, and a pfaff model # ?). He makes wallets, bags, backpacks, knife sheaths on them. I will be there tomorrow and will check the model numbers.

If you only need a few, I bought some nice polished (and matte finished)solid brass ones like that at my local Ace hardware.

Funny! I see a market there.

What beautiful, unusual and intricately done work. What criticism could there be except do more, do more.

I too enjoy the variations and scars in leather. I think it adds to the uniqueness of the piece. Love those edges.

This is what I love about this site; everyone is so helpful. These are very nice. The finishes and look are very consistent, something I am trying to achieve, even with pattern.

beautiful work, beautiful material, amazing painstaking detail. Gives us all something to shoot for! Thanks for the lead on the french calf. It's difficult to find french tan like that.

so, so can relate. I wanted to get into machine sewing with the intention of using it for bolsters, straps belts, and heavy stuff. bought a Techsew 3650HD and went merrily on my way... Until I wanted to do bags, pouches and light to medium leather. now I am looking for a free arm compound walking foot with servomotor.

I have dealt with Techsew and spoke to Ron on the phone. I bought a Techsew 3650 HD and was pleasantly surprised as to how fast I was able to get to sewing after receiving it. Very simple to assemble ( came in 3 boxes ), came preset. Very straight forward operation. The servo-motor is INCLUDED and makes sewing much easier and more precise (I am a super newby). Service is fast.