YinTx

I used some Hermann Oak vegetable tanned leather on a watch strap - treated it with lots of wax.. resolene... it still turned really dark brown from the oils in the skin and a few forgetful dunks in the dishwater.... Not sure what I should be using instead, so looking forward to hearing the answer on this one... YinTx

Here is someone making a belt with an almost identical look. You can see the pattern he cut into the leather, and the method he uses to bevel it. YinTx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L8DigdkDsM

Looks like a variation on the box stitch to me. One has a 45 degree beveled angle, the other has an overlap, and the third that I am aware of is a 45 degree bevel with an additional layer wrapped around the corner for reinforcement. I imagine there are other methods as well. YinTx

Now that rocks! Awesome creativity, and well executed. YinTx

Don't let the videos fool you. Stitchin ain't easy. And to get a really pretty stitch with an awl requires a lot of practice. And a lot of different blades to figure out what size and style goes with which pricking iron, and which one you like the best. From that perspective, unless you absolutely know you will be stitching a lot by hand, consider a very inexpensive awl to start with. If you like it, then you have something to base your more expensive purchase off of. If you start off with a $100+ awl and blade combo, only to find stitching isn't for you, you are going to be out some $$ and have to make a sale to get some back. I have a Tandy awl blade, and still use it on occasion. I also have an Osborne handle that won't hold a blade to save it's life, so it never gets used. My favorite blade is a Rasche, probably 70+ years old. The one I use the most, I broke, which was a Vergez Blanchard. I miss it, but I have too many awls now to justify buying another! Of course, you could be one of those gifted enough to make great stitches from the get go... in which case, by all means, get the nice one right away! YinTx

Is it too late to sign up? I saw registration had to be done by 9/28... YinTx

Sounds a bit like a dagger. Perhaps study dagger and sword scabbard designs... YinTx

This, ladies and gentlemen, would be The Understatement of the Year. That is some serious work there. How long did all that take? YinTx

I tend to use a lot of 25/3 and 532. 18/3 is a fairly thick thread for my work. I've used 35/3 for wallets before, as well as 332 - which to me was too thick for a wallet. I like thick thread so it stands out, but generally I have not found a good stitching iron to make a nice stitch pattern for such thick thread. Here is what I have taken from other sources on thread thicknesses: Fil au Chinois 832=0.43mm 632=0.51mm 532=0.57mm - standard for LV and Hermes 432=0.63mm 332=0.77mm Cambell Satin thread 832=0.43mm 632=0.51mm 532=0.57mm = 432=0.62mm = 18/3 332=0.69mm = 18/4 232 = .76mm = 18/5 If you are accustomed to 18/3, then it would seem that 432 would be a size you would be familiar with. If you are doing watch straps, my opinion is that 532 or 632 would do well. I have seen folks making watch straps with 1mm Tiger thread, so it just depends on the look you are going for. Hope this helps, YinTx

I use it a lot, and have sold small lengths of the thread I use. It is high quality in my opinion. The linen threads I use in order of my preference are: Fil au Chinois, Campbell's Satin Laid Linen, Barbour linen, Osbourne Linen. Shipping to the States from France is a bit much, but their threads are nice. Might be a bit more affordable to London. I have used others, including Ramey, Maine Thread Co. Linen, etc., but these are my go to threads. YinTx

Quick question: what did you use to attach the three ring binder section to the leather? Looks like a rapid rivet on yours, not sure. Solid rivets don't seem to work right because you can't set the burr without damaging the binder. I've been looking for chicago screws, but they are generally too large diameter to do the job. I was concerned the rapid rivet would not take the stress over time. So I'm in a bit of a bind(er), pun intended. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated! YinTx

Really? What kind of leather is that then? I was presuming a chrome tan of sorts... It came out well. Is the drawing your own art? YinTx

Neat horse! Did you use pyrography for it? I bet you are right, she's gonna love it. YinTx

And your holster looks pretty nice too, forgot to mention while I was commenting on dye! Any issues on retention long term? I had been wondering about how pancakes fare for revolvers... they seem to have less for the holster to "grip" onto than the semi autos... YinTx

I did this project with Angelus dye, as you can see despite my efforts, still blotchy. I think it is more the leather than the dye...or possibly just me... or me and the leather... but I don't think I'd pin it on the dye at this point... YinTx

Those are pretty cool! I'm seriously going to have to learn air brushing...inspiring use on those holsters! YinTx

Might appear a bit small, but your horse seems quite proud to appear so regal sporting that artwork! YinTx

I generally use the white vinegar. Can't say how many pads for 1 gallon, I generally use 1-2 pads for .5 - 1 quart.. so I imagine extrapolate from there... YinTx

Some top notch work right there! Well done! YinTx

roo4u, Yes, I have felt the pain, lol. Bikermutt, if I am stitching a difficult place, that cork comes into play. Oddly enough, I manage to do the bloodletting when I am not trying to poke a hole in anything - something to do with that momentary lapse of concentration/complacency that allows tool and fingertip to come into the same space at the same time. Just a good thing I am not using large power equipment, like earthmovers. End results might be a bit worse... (sorry about your... entire truck...) And thanks for the complement on the stitching, I still feel it has a way to go, but nice to see others enjoy the results! And this bag had a lot of stitching....next piece I am working on has a bit less stitching... a padfolio. It's coming along slow but sure, working on it between life's little interruptions and a customer order. I always sweat every stitch, I love doing it, and at the same time fret the entire time that I might fudge a single stitch and botch the whole piece! YinTx (still wondering how a leather satchel gets listed in the musical instruments section...)

Those are pretty neat. It's nice when you know something you made is going to be well used. Does he carry them all at once or one at a time? YinTx

Ah, a bit out of range for me. Thanks though! YinTx

Location please? Thank you, YinTx

Nice. That should last a good bit longer! YinTx

Heh, yeah black and blue! But seriously, nice design work. I had a random thought on straps: how about a D ring coupled with a Sam Brown stud? Or velcro...And form a permanant loop for the thumb to fit into that comfortably positions the mitt on the hand prior to adjusting the wrist straps...kinda like in your first example photo.. I would think it might be more comfortable than a rigid strap across the thumb for long term use. I really like the idea of the neoprene palm - good grip, water resistant, won't hold grit... Look forward to seeing your next iteration! YinTx