Lolligagger

Sorry about the lateness, Equus; I had a busy couple of weeks. So my carpenter friend's name is Yorgo Liapis and his shop is based in Toronto. His email is yliapis@gmail.com. He just finished the stitching horse yesterday, and it is amazing. I will post pictures soon. I'm convincing Yorgo to make some stitching clams as well.

I've recently discovered laser cutting services as an option. I have yet to try it myself, but it can cut out intricate designs in leather perfectly and with little money from what I've heard and seen. In Toronto I know of Toronto Laser Services, but I'm sure other places exist elsewhere. The only limitation is that Adobe Illustrator or a similar software must be used to feed the design into the process. However, considering all the slip ups one can have when cutting by hand and considering the costs of leather, the laser seems like a great option for really intricate work. I'm sure it also saves time and the occasional band-aid. When I finally learn how to use Adobe Illustrator, I'm going to get some pieces cut for a simple handbag to test it out. It may be the next best thing.

I figure it's only a matter of time before some industrious and curious person (ahem shtoink) makes a machine that can mimic a human hand-stitching and through it's use make perfect stitches fast and uniform. I understand that sewing machines exist that can sew leather, but from what I have heard they cannot compare to hand stitch in quality and strength. I can imagine all the motions involved with the awl and the thread and the tension put under the control of an algorithm with simple mechanics calibrated by a knowledgeable leatherworker, much like in welding today with its use of robotics. This could perhaps be the first small step. Just a thought.

I was going to build my own pony before I met my carpenter friend. I'm not very familiar with using wood, so I decided to spend a little more for something made professionally by a local artist. He really enjoyed making the stitching horse. His partner plans on photographing it thoroughly, and I will post the pictures. I am also convincing him to make stitching clams out of hardwood, as I imagine a few people would be interested. Equus, would you like the contact info for my carpenter friend? He's open to making more, as he had so much fun making mine. All the people who come into his shop see the stitching horse and are attracted to it. It is a beautiful piece of art. He even used Soss hinges for a cleaner look to the clamping mechanism.

I've found abebooks.com to be a great source for used and out-of-print books. There are a few of Valerie Michael's books there. I purchased mine through the site.

Hello! I too am into toy making. Have you got a hold of Douglas Kent's "The Better Built Bondage Book"? It's a wonderful book. Some of the projects in it are large and in depth and others are what MacGyver would make if left in a room and forced to start a scene. It has a section on braiding floggers with leather (Turk's head and all that). I highly recommend it! If interested, he also has great books on Shibari. I'm glad to find another like-minded Canadian here. Speaking of floggers, have you gotten into rattan yet? My girlfriend and I took a workshop in rattan and I must say it is absolutely wonderful.

I sure love my Toronto Makemelaughs. I'm glad they made it, but I'm realistic. History has compelled me to love good hockey--Maple Leafs or not--so as to avoid soul crushing disappointment. When you live in Toronto, you have to adapt. I already have massive tool lust (insert joke here), but I'm learning to love my entry-level ones. The secret to loving your tools is to put little googly eyes on them and pretend they have personalities. This way when they fail you, you can console them like they were errant children.

Hello, all, I'm so happy this place exists, and I hope to learn as much as I can from my betters. I've already read many previous posts, and I'm sure my craft will improve with such wonderful people willing to help and share their experiences. I've recently met a local carpenter willing to make a stitching horse for me here in Toronto, so I will post pics of this soon. I was going to make my own (MacGyver style), but I figured I could support a local craftsman and receive a quality piece of functional furniture. I can't wait to start making some larger projects with it and posting them for scrutiny and advice. Cheers, Lolligagger

Cardboard is great for mock-ups. Do your best to measure and mark some cardboard with the design you want, then do a little cut and paste. If you find a mistake, you can breath easy that it is only cardboard. This is what many custom metal fabrication professionals do. It prevents waste and gives you a feel for pattern design. For professional tips you could perhaps look into a library for books on fabric pattern making. I'm sure the skills are similar.

Kind of how I got into this whole thing. I would love to join. Please, sign me up.