Colt W Knight

Something else to consider, aside from thickness of leather, is what size thread the machine will use. For heavier duty projects, you will want to use #277 or even #346. Smaller machines, wont do thick thread. In my opinion, thicker thread looks a lot better on items you were talking about sewing as well.

One word of advice. BUY BIGGER than you think you need. Once you get a sewing machine, it will open up a whole new world of possibilities, and you will always wish you had one that would sew another layer of leather. I have a consew 206, and I never imagined I would need to sew more than its capacity. I didn't have it a month before I was trying to sandwhich more and more leather under the presser foot.

I recently made my first bag, and they are super tough to get everything lined up pretty. That bag should last a long time. Keep up the good work.

Thats great, I have been wanting to make a canvas/leather duffle bag.

The movies really perpetuated the "Two gun" shooter thing where gun fighters hold a gun in each hand and shoot at the same time. Most pistol fighters shot with one hand, and when that pistol was empty grabbed another. Cross draw holsters were more popular in the old west than TV/Movies let on, and the common man was more likely to have a pistol tucked in his pants than in a holster.

What I have come to learn is holster making is as much art as science. I still haven't made enough t get the feel for placing those stitching lines perfect.

I don't know how I missed the entire middle section of this thread.

Are sewing machine decals simply waterslide decals? I have had to deal with really old waterslide decals before restoring vintage guitars. They can be a real trick to do right, but like you say, when they are done right they look great.

Anyone have any experience burnishing edges with Murphys oil? I got tired of mixing the tins of saddle soap with water, and I didn't want to buy the expensive liquid version from the local feed store. I thought I would try the Murphys oil. I have done a few pieces, and so far it looks really promising. I just wasn't sure about long term.

That is slick, Id like to see the back.

Maybe one of these days

All those 60s model Colt were beautiful. The 1860 Army, 61 Navy, and the 62 pocket police model. What is funny, is that back in 1862 the Pocket Police model was bigger than modern full size police sidearms

Those are impressive

Bob is great, he helped me setup my used consew( I bought from someone else) and set me up with a nice servo motor and accessories.

Thanks Bob

I am a big fan of Ranger belts, and that is a good one.

I could see it being useful on my machine. Its much easier to line up a nice bright red laser than trying to do a line of sight with the stitching groove and needle.

The first step is always just Doing It. So many people never try do things because they assume its hard or to difficult for them. You've already tackled some real projects with those holsters, and if you keep it up your work will definitely improve. IMO, a stitching groover or a set of wing dividers will help you mark your stitching lines out nice and straight. They also are great to make decorative line borders.

Cut it square, and she will never know the difference.

Neat.

I like those.

I really like Stohlman books for techniques and such, but a lot of the patterns are out dated in a lot of his books.

Sherling is always classy Neoprene yoga mats you can buy at the store make a nice padding material as well. Nice and cushy.