AndiH

It is a neat idea, but to secure the peg/dowel to the belt so it isn't lost...

Thanks for all the great ideas. I would have researched this before, but I was without net until they could get me a new modem (well that and life issues). Apparently I may have been over thinking it.

Thanks for the ideas, David and Michael. Troy, I'm very much a newbie. I'm confident I can punch holes, but at this point thats about it. Hopefully life slows down now that summer's over and I can really get to work on this stuff (learning it I mean). Andi

I have a friend who can't wear belts because she breaks out when she touches metal too much. I decided I'd give it a try now that life seems to be getting easier again. My thoughts were to use a dowel secured to one end with lacing then a loop on the other to secure it. Ideally it needs to be adjustable, but all I've come up with so far is punching holes the length of the belt then lace from the each end through, but that doesn't really look too workable when I try to picture it. Any suggestions ?

My dad is in search of a holster to fit the above gun. I would do it for him, but I'm not far enough along in my skills. He saw one in a catalog that could give you an idea of what he wants: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/ruger-mk-1-ii-iii-scoped-holster.aspx?a=797062 Since everything has to be run by him, I can't say y es or no to anyone immediately, but if you could let me know what you have or can do and estimated price, I'll discuss it with him. Thanks, Andi

Thanks for the suggestion. I had planned on using part of a blanket he chewed up a while ago, but the wool would probably be better.

Thanks for the reply . That's what I was thinking regarding the stitching. What would you suggest regarding the cutting?

A couple of years ago I bought a colorful picture of various North American birds. Unfortunately it fell off the wall and the frame was destroyed. I've decided I want to do a sort of patchwork leather frame with purchased leather scraps (trying to save those big enough for small projects) with a bag of scrap exotic. However, I can't decide if I should just glue pieces on or sew them together so there's a seam visible for added detail. I can picture it in my mind both ways but I just can't decide what would be better. Thoughts are eagerly sought after.

Thanks for the info Todd I wasn't going to make an overstitch wheel a priority, but as my ideas keep coming I'm realizing that I need to move that up. Tried to respond yesterday, but I had to go get more batteries for my keyboard.

Its nice to see what everyone else has going on. I'm on disability due to a multitude of physical issues and a few psychiatric as well. When I was working I worked in a vet hospital for a while, as a lab tech in a rural hospital, quality control in a shoe sole factory, and off and on as a medical transcriptionist. Since leaving my last job I've searched for a hobby I could get into with just a little bit of outlay and I think I've found it. Ever since I started researching leather work and craft my imagination has gone crazy on what I can do. Hopefully the body will keep up! I live in a rural area that is quite a distance from any Tandy stores or other leather shops (as far as I know) so this site is going to be my main source of information along with reading the books available. Thanks to those who have taken the time to help educate me.

Don't feel like an idiot. As someone wise once said, 'There is no stupid question.'

I like the grooves myself but it could easily become too much.

Thats beautiful. Since traveling to the Ukraine is probably not possible for most of us, how about some videos of you working?

I won't comment on the quality of work since those with greater experience have. I do have a style concern with the tobacco pouch though. With only a snap closure doesn't some of the tobacco escape?

I havent checked them out yet, nor did I bookmark the link (like an idiot) but I believe there are videos on YouTube. I'll be looking for it myself soon.

Thanks, Dwight, but I'm afraid I'm quite a bit further north than the ones I found in MN or even Wisconsin. Maybe I'll ask a local guy that advertises himself as a leatherworker for some advice/lessons but all I know about him is that he has a sign posted.

Hi all. I'm a complete newb and haven't actually made anything but have a couple of ideas for projects that won't require much equipment to begin. My main issue is what type/weight of leathers would you all suggest for the following?: First, like has happened to many in this bitterly cold winter, my dog has had some frostbite on his pads. I found some booties that he will tolerate and are easy to put on but they aren't durable and I think need a bit longer (think tube socks with velcro). I thought maybe a leather or combination of leather would work out better to duplicate the basic designt. I'm not sure about the velcro either, but it seems the most sensible given he'd chew off laces in all likelihood. Second project is a key case based on the pattern of some my sister found years ago. They were a soft leather with a small snap pocket outside and a pocket on the inside. They worked great when a purse wasn't needed. Unfortunately they of course finally wore out and the duplicates we had made just aren't the same with the main issue being the leather being too stiff/thick. I know I'll need an awl and thread and maybe stitch guide (hope I have the right word!) and I should be able to use my utility knife with a straight edge for cutting. I'm not sure about thread and stitch length would be best, but that I can work out for myself using some scrap leather. Thanks in advance for reading through my rambling and even more thanks for any suggestions.