bwillielv

Looks really good. I haven't done a wallet yet but I think I will try one soon

Very nice tutorial. I loved all the pics!

Thanks! I have found leather working to be very relaxing. It is a great way for me to unwind after a shift. I had a look at your website. I really like you glove straps. Stay safe, Brian

Very nice! How does the bag actually strap to the bike? Seems like it would need to be very secure there.

Thank you all for the answers

I am making suspenders for my turnout gear (firefighter gear). I need to find a place that sell the clips that hold the suspenders on to the bunker pants. I have attached a image ( i think) that shows the clips I am looking for. They are the ones at the very bottom of the image. Anyone know where I can find something similar to this?

I would like in too.

I have never made a bag and would like to make one as a christmas present for my mom. The problem is, the only things I have made are firefighter helmet shields, belts and other small things. I don't have a sewing machine, would I be able to do this with a stitching awl? What oz leather is usually used for a bag? Where should I look for patterns? I doubt I would be able to do this without a pattern as I have no clue about bags / purses. Thanks Brian

There are two screws that screw in to the helmet to hold it in place.

That is very cool! What size is it?

I wan't to thank everyone for all the help they have given me over the last month or so. I feel like I am actually starting to get the grasp of this. Anyway, here is my latest shield. Any suggestions for improvement would be great. Brian

Thanks for the reply. I have seen the Cowboy in a youtube video I think. It looked pretty awesome. I guess the thing to do would be try and sell some of the work the way I currently do it and save up for a good machine. Any specific models I should be looking at for what I am wanting to do? Also, will the bigger machines be able to do smaller projects like belts and upholstery? I hope to one day do custom motorcycle seats. Once my leather working gets better.

Hey thanks, yeah I think I did know my own answer, lol. What models of consew would be able to do this?

Like a lot of people I am new to leather working and would like to get a sewing machine. Unfortunately my wife isn't going to let me spend 1k or more for a machine. I am trolling around craigslist, ebay and garage sales trying to find something that would work. I am make fire shields and am currently hand sewing two 7-9 ounce veg tanned pieces together. Does anyone know of a machine I could pick up rather inexpensively that would be capable of sewing this? Thanks Brian

Thank you all so much for the comments. I am slowly getting there. I don't have a beveler yet so I probably need to go pick one up. Are there any draw backs to letting the leather soak before working it?

That would be great if you could take some pics. I have tried many ways to replicate it and just can't seem to get the same look. I wonder how deep I should cut and how wet I should get the leather. Should I let it soak for awhile?

I knew it was two layers but it looked to me like that was all done in the top layer. Thanks I will toy around with it and see how it goes.

I am a firefighter and am looking to make a new shield for my helmet. I found a design I really like and unfortunately the guy isn't making them anymore. I bought a starter kit and some 7 - 9 oz veg tanned leather. I am learning the basics but have one question about the design. The cuts around the stitch area, the inside area looks like it is pushed up. I can't figure out how to make a cut look beveled like this. Any ideas? Thanks Brian