billybopp

One of the nice things about having a lot of different demonstrations to watch is that you sometimes pick up details from one that another might miss or take for granted. Additionally, there is more than one way to stitch (and other things too). Most will just show you one way to do a thing: Not right or wrong, just different! Some things, for example that I do differently from this video are: 1. When attaching thread to the needles, pierce the thread twice, and if the type of thread calls for it put a dab of glue on the "knot" to keep it an inch or so back from the eye of the needle. When the knot moves up right next to the needle eye, it can bunch up making it bulkier and harder to pull through. 2. When inserting the second needle through the leather, simultaneously pull back the first thread a little bit to help ensure that you're not piercing it with the second needle. That can be a real pain in the neck to have to try to un-do when it happens. 3. When starting a line of stitches, if the starting point will be visible start 2-3 holes in and do a "backstitch" the will match what you normally do at the end of a line. It's not necessary, but at least both ends are symmetrical. The point being, some videos (and for that matter printed sources) are certainly easier to follow than others very few if any are totally complete. Tips and tricks can be picked up from multiple sources. Furthermore, instruction that totally makes sense to one person might leave another confused, but that second person might find another source that just clicks! As much as it is sad to say, also, there are certain videos that I've seen that I just can't watch. Sometimes the video quality or angles are impossible to see what you want, and once in awhile I just can't listen to the presenter due to an accent that I just can't get through, audio quality, or whatever. Multiple options are a good thing!! - Bill

I'd be pretty suspicious. But it could be legit. I'd find out where the machine is, and if it's a reasonable drive distance - even if you have to take the hit of a night in a hotel, I'd ask to see it and pick up in person, and pay when it's there in front of you! Just my thought - Bill

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Some say my skin is particularly thick around my skull. - Bill

W&C will split to your requested thickness, and offers pasting the back if you wish as well. Unfortunately, the will not cut a full hide and split parts to different thickness anymore. They used to do that. - Bill

This popped up on YouTube the other day, and may help a bit with dilution. I've found that I can get more even dying with dilution than without, but it may take multiple coats. I also find it's a little easier to get an even color if I dampen the leather just a bit first. I have used Fiebings dye reducer, but find that 90% rubbing alcohol works just as well. - Bill

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Singer generally use proprietary screw sizes and thread pitches? - Bill

Neither of those is really suitable for leather. Both are meant for fabrics. You want to use needles specifically for leather - of which there are a few types. LR comes to mind offhand. This may be helpful. - Bill Schmetz leather-needles.pdf Groz Beckert needle_points_leather.pdf

The cost of leather has been going up dramatically for several years. That started long before the pandemic, unfortunately. Shipping cost has also slowly been creeping up for some time as well after having stayed fairly steady for a long time. Shipping service has also gotten really bad. Granted, I do get the majority of things that are shipped to me, but far too many take forever to arrive - if at all. The US Postal Service has always been fairly bad here, but UPS/FedEx has become as bad if not worse.

... The movie is currently available on Netflix, as well. - Bill

W&C will get your their leathers unfinished on the back, or you can request pasted so that it is smooth. They will also split to whatever thickness you like, which usually leaves a fairly smooth finish, but pasted is smoother. - Bill

Back in the day, until about 30 years ago, McDonalds used to use beef tallow for a portion of their fryer oil for french fries. They tasted wonderful! I use about 20% tallow in my fryer at home for just that reason. - Bill

Sounds good to me! I've never been able to do much with string instruments myself. My left hand simply refuses to move the right way to play them, and now with arthritis I wouldn't even try. I do pretty fair on 88 strings, and wind instruments, tho! Enjoy making music when you can, even if it only pleases you! - Bill

Cattle makes hides. DUH. Although occasionally another imposter animal will make 'em too. Just sayin' - Bill

I really love this. Friends who are gamers just announced their engagement. I may have to make something like thise for them as a wedding gift! - Bill

One of the channels that I watch for enjoyment on YouTube is "Acorn to Arabella". This fella decided to build his own wooden yacht mostly from timber found on his grandfather's property. It's coming along nicely and starting to look like a boat! Yesterday, he released a video about the sails that are being made for it. While they aren't sewing leather, I thought our sewing machine aficionados might find the way they do this interesting! The sewing machines and operators are in a pit in the floor so that they have tons of open floor space to support the sails as they are sewing! Enjoy! - Bill

Same for me. How thick, and what type of leather, and for that matter small and curvy cut versus long and straight. It's not a one-size-fits-all for me! - Bill

Wow. I'm kinda jealous! That's an awesome bunch of tools. - Bill

White dye exists .. or used to. It sucks. Not worth the money nor the effort. - Bill

Who can ever forget "Rich Corinthian Leather" ...

Very nice! - Bill

I'd suggest offering different shipping options at the customer's choice. Where I live, USPS all too often loses things. When they don't loose them, the simply leave them on my front steps on a fairly busy street, with no knock and no notification. Things get stolen that way. UPS and FedEx tend to do a far better job of actually knocking at the door and sending a notification as the package is delivered if nobody can answer the knock right away. Your customers know who does a good job at deliveries and who does not, let them choose. It should also help you to avoid having to replace things that go missing before they are received, saving you over-all. When shipping liquids, put them in a zip-lock bag or something to avoid them messing up everything else in the box if it the bottle should get broken in transit. You may have to replace that item, but won't have to replace everything else when that happens. And... Agree what all I've seen above as well! - Bill

I have Seiwa, have yet to try Kyoshin. They arrive sharp enough to be usable, but barely. A little touch-up and polishing will do them a world of good. - Bill

It sucks. If you want white leather, it's better to buy it, or acrylic paint it. - Bill

Ahhh. For a headset you can get a foam pop filter which should help. If the headset will allow it, you can try moving the mic a little farther from your mouth. I wear a headset every day for work, and folks told me that sound was much improved after adding a foam filter. I had a problem with finding one that would fit exactly right but found one on Amazon that was close enough, but it needs a small rubber band to keep it from slipping off. - Bill