Tugadude

I can't speak for Chuck, he is more than capable of explaining himself and what he meant, but I can speak for myself and when I talked about people copying I was meaning rhetorically, not accusing anyone of anything. The only thing I really addressed directly to the OP was the suggestion that they reach out to the maker directly. Of course if possible. I have no idea where they found the picture. I noticed that RockyAussie responded saying "to show respect to the maker", and was somewhat vague in his answer. He can speak for himself, but it indicated to me that he also values creativity and doesn't believe in giving away the store.

Fred, nobody attacked anyone. I even said I didn’t begrudge him wanting to learn how. My points are valid regardless. If the OP is upset with me or anyone else I am happy to discuss with THEM.

That’s why links are not the best approach. Photos, and videos when possible should be inserted within a post. Links to hosting sites disappear. Links which can’t be avoided include company websites, but those seem more durable.

I am always up for discourse! And no hard feelings here, none at all. Like I said, I knew my stance wasn't going to be popular with everyone. Another example is in the watch world. The Rolex Submariner is an icon in the industry and the most copied watch design extant. Some are called "homages" to make the manufacturer feel better I think. As for me? I wear a dive watch that might share some resemblance to a Rolex Sub, but is also vastly different in many important ways. Innovation and differentiation are important if we don't want everything to look essentially the same. Which unfortunately happens at times.

Chuck asks some good questions and I'll try to answer them best I can. As far as copying and what is acceptable to copy and what is not, here's my take. We all copy. If you boil things down to their base level where the rubber meets the road or the leather meets the pony, we all copy. And we copy easy things, difficult things and yes, cool things. I think there's acceptable copying and then there's copying that isn't as acceptable. Figuring out which is which is somewhat easy for me, I just know it when I see it. It is that little voice in my head, the conscience that tells me not to do something because it is unique to someone else and they might be harmed should I take their idea for myself. I'm not suggesting I'm the only one with a conscience and I'm also not claiming to have the market cornered regarding ethics. We all have to make decisions. Some decide differently. Some read what I said and agree, some disagree and some fall in the middle, agreeing with some, but not all. If my post has done nothing but cause people to stop and think and ask themselves whether it is right or wrong to appropriate another's idea, then I've succeeded in what I set out to do. Regarding the fancy edge treatment, I have no idea whether it is a unique process or something special that the maker devised him or herself. In fact, maybe THEY copied someone else for all I know. There's a company that was selling wallets and such that were natural veg tan but they had a sort of indigo blue fade effect as part of their "signature". Looked pretty neat. It set their work apart. In my opinion it's best left that way.

I clicked on the link kindly provided by TomE, but I have my doubts that the hardware is domestic. Here is some of the verbiage from their "About Us" section. "Batz Corporation is part of an international group of associated companies with warehouses, production facilities and offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States." I would think they'd have Made in U.S.A. or something featured prominently on their website. Not saying they aren't domestic, but if they are, it isn't clear.

I'm going to express an opinion here that probably won't be popular with some, but I think it needs to be said anyway. But first, I suggest to the OP that if they really want to know how the effect was achieved they should approach the maker who did the work. Now, that maker may not wish to describe the process, and if they don't, I wouldn't blame them. Perhaps they have a proprietary technique and don't wish to publicly describe it, inviting competition. It is a somewhat unique look and possibly THE reason for some of their sales. It isn't always easy to find ways to differentiate your work. When you do come up with something unique and interesting that sets your work apart from that of others, why wouldn't you want to guard it? And of course there are legal ways to do that, but for many makers, their size and their access to legal expertise limit their options. So they just make something, put it out and hope that it isn't copied. I sent a message to a maker, who shall remain unnamed because I don't have permission to share his identity, letting him know that "someone" on YouTube had posted a video tutorial describing exactly how to make one of his unique, flagship products. It was a leather wallet, a minimalist one with some very cool details which differentiate it from most of the ones I've seen to date. The video was clearly based on his work. It wasn't similar, it was EXACTLY the same in every respect, down to the smallest detail. And that's a shame. Why didn't the YouTuber just provide a "how to" for a basic wallet? Now I know some are saying, and it is true, that an experienced leatherworker can study pictures of that wallet and figure out how it was made. Yes, but that doesn't make it right. I just think it is poor form to copy someone else's work completely, not even taking the time to make some minor changes so that it could at least be considered derivative and not a copy. It's sort of like magicians who go onto YouTube and expose the magic effects of other magicians. Sadly this happens after every televised performance on America's Got Talent or Penn $ Teller's "Fool Us". And those same magicians go onto magic forums and literally dissect the effects step-by-step until they finally expose how it was achieved. They are breaking a code that's been in place for centuries but they don't seem to care. I wonder how they'd feel if the situation was reversed and THEY came up with something really magical only to have it exposed in public on YouTube or on a magician's forum? There was a similar post here several years ago where a maker was using a unique method of stitching. It looked cool, and set their work apart from the herd. Someone asked how to do it. I thought then and still think now that it would be wrong to copy the technique just because you think it is cool. It is their signature. It gives their work a particular look, one that immediately identifies something as "theirs". That isn't easy to find and obviously even harder to protect. I don't think we as a community need to be helping. Let me finish by saying I don't begrudge the OP for wanting to know how this effect was achieved. If they want to learn it and use it on some stuff just for fun and for their own personal use, great! But I hope they don't want to take the idea and incorporate it into their business. I encourage folks to find their niche, not to copy someone else's niche. There are tons of things you can do from the choice of leather to the color of leather and/or thread, to the shapes you use. Every time I see something new I smile and silently congratulate the maker. Because I know they probably worked very hard to work it out.

There are multiple videos on YouTube where folks take various sized nails and make leather stamps out of them. Some look very nice.

And here's a cool thread from here:

Here's something on the topic as it relates to Al Stohlman: Taken from the now defunct International Internet Leathercrafters Guild Al Stohlman: August 15, 1919 - March 6, 1998 Al Stohlman's introduction to working with leather began in 1943 in the jungles of New Guinea during World War II. Some buddies were doing leatherwork. The only tools were nails, shaped into various forms to press the designs in by hand. Man has been linked with leather for centuries using it for clothing, shelter, tools, etc. Modern times have produced a great variety of tanned leather that can be used for anything imaginable. Al Stohlman has devoted most of his life to leather, constantly seeking ways to improve his work and develop new techniques. The results of his extensive research are published in numerous instructional books which have been - and still are - a guide and a source of inspiration for generations of leatherworkers all over the world.

You now have 221 subscribers! That's the way it works, you can't be a subscriber unless you know about the channel! I never noticed the link in your signature. And yes, I believe in encouragement. I believe it is one of God's gifts to me, and I use it as much as possible. Thanks Pastor Bob.

Hopefully some here have some patterns they've used and can share them with you. Might help to give more of an idea on exactly what you are wanting to make. I'd begin with the clutch, since it is probably going to be easier for you. Again, I recommend you do it in a turned-out style. You can incorporate a zipper on the top of the bag and one on the side. That gives you two zipper installations to get some practice in. Another thing you might try is to look for tutorials on YouTube. Can't remember his name (Calvin?) but he did some amazing purses, both leather and cloth, but the construction is similar in either case. Here's a video for a basic bag that is very similar to what you'd do to construct a clutch purse. Then just add a side pocket and you're good to go.

Getting back to the horse itself, it is a wonderful example of beauty in simplicity. No extra moving parts required. It is minimalist before minimalist was even a thing. Honestly the more I look at it the more I appreciate it.

that's what happens when you take something fun and make it work! I don't suffer from that affliction!

It takes time to build a brand. There's a young lady who I follow on two YouTube channels, one where she does reviews of watches (one of my passions) and boots. Because of that channel I am becoming more interested in finding and purchasing a pair of quality boots, the type you can wear outdoors but not feel out of place wearing to a social gathering. She also just recently started a channel to help other aspiring YouTubers to get started and to thrive. I'll link a couple of her videos below. Worth checking out. Her creativity and her camera, editing and presentation skills are formidable. There are literally thousands of leather channels on YouTube and when you begin to watch some of the videos an algorithm takes hold and the site begins to recommend other channels to you. Works just like all of the advertising "pop-ups", where your search history causes related products to be thrust upon you whether you like it or not. It is a double-edged sword, with some channels being foisted upon you that you have zero interest in, and every now and then leading you to a great channel with some really quality content. And watching those will cause even more to be recommended to you and on it goes. I checked the stats for the video featured in this thread. I like the video, it is quite nice, very professional. It was the first video and shouldn't be assumed to "tell the whole story". The idea I think is to hook people and entice them to subscribe so that they won't miss future videos. And it is through a succession of videos that the brand becomes more differentiated and identifiable. Each subsequent video helps to build a persona for the brand. Some do a good job of it, and others go off in so many tangents that it is difficult to tell what is important to the brand. The video has been up a year now and has generated more than 7,000 views and 726 subscribers. The channel owner has gone on to make about 23 additional "long form" videos. In addition, 7 "shorts" have been recorded and posted. The topics are wide-ranging from reviews to "how-to", and a shop tour which has generated over 8K views. Interestingly, the how-to sneaker-making video has generated the most views. I hope that everyone maintains a spirit of positivity for this brand and any others who are out there trying to make it happen. It isn't easy as we all know. And I trust that helpful people will offer advice based on their own experiences in striving to create a brand. I think the following videos show what is possible. In this first one, only 2 weeks old, Elle Grant tells how she got her channel monetized in a very short period of time. For those not familiar with YouTube, yes, they actually pay you once your channel grows to a certain level and receives the required number of views. She explains more in the video. And yes, it can be lucrative enough that some people's full time job is creating content for their channel and they earn well into 6 figures annually. A number of channel owners earn millions. You can find a list of them if you're curious. Anyways, hope these are interesting and helpful.

When you boil it down, a stitching horse or pony or clam is just a utility device. It is a "third hand" so to speak. In bike repair there is what is called a third hand tool, and when you have one you understand how easier it makes certain tasks. I just ask the Mrs. to "come and hold this". Cheaper in the short term, but not so much in the long term! Some people get really creative. I've seen linear "ponies" for stitching belts. They look great. Here's one I just happened to find in a quick search. That's just one, there's a dozen or more that came up when I searched. I've also seen folks use different methods for holding their ponies closed. I got the idea of using a plastic "C" clamp by watching a video of Ian Atkinson. Not elegant, but darned thing works perfectly for what I need. Takes literally a second to release and adjust. When people come over, I'll hide it! I'll admit it took a couple of times for me to understand exactly where to place the clamp so as to not interfere with the dangling thread. But once I got past that short learning curve it was smooth sailing. If you want to have fun, just look up stitching pony or stitching horse or stitching clam on the web and admire the plethora of options and the creativity. I just did and have ideas for my next one.

I don't own a skiver but it seems to me that many machines probably will struggle with what you are attempting to do. The 1.0mm is already pretty thin and as you said, it is stretchy. And trying to stiffen it up is probably not the best approach. If you insist on thinning it, I'd consider having a company do it for you. They might have a more flexible machine that can handle the task better than the 801. Just some thoughts.

The photo link seems to be broken. It is best to paste photos or images directly into the post because many "disappear" over time when people change hosting sites, etc. And when the pictures are lost, many threads don't seem to make much sense anymore.

I suggest watching the video below. If you stitch with the holes slanted down and towards yourself it is easy enough to pull the thread to the bottom of the hole, meaning closer towards yourself, before inserting the second needle. I rarely pierce the thread when I do it this way and when I happen to do so, it "feels" weird and I know to double-check. I don't bother to check with each stitch because of that technique and sensory feedback. There are a lot of good tips in this video. It isn't the only way to get a successful result, but this method does help to achieve a nice slant on both sides, not always easy to do.

Wow, with all due respect that's a lot of questions. Are you sure this is a project you want to tackle at this point in your learning? No offense intended but this will be relatively complicated, well above the skills needed to complete a truckers style wallet. Some of your questions will depend on the style of bag you choose and its construction. For example, if you do a "turned-out" bag you needn't worry so much about lengths of thread and how to start/stop saddle stitching runs. They won't show. Also, if I were you I'd be searching for some finished leather for the shell. There's enough work to be done without worrying about dyeing the leather. Springfield Leather and others have a variety of blues that might work for you. Zippers can be found at any fabric store, Hobby Lobby, Leather shops like Tandy and Springfield Leather, etc. I believe Buckle Guy has some very nice quality zippers too.

Glad to see it go to someone who obviously will treasure it. I've never even sat on one, but it seems to me that it would be cool to have one. I consider stitching one of the most satisfying, really the most satisfying component of leatherwork. And I find it easy to lose myself in the process and just enjoy the repetition. Thanks for sharing!

Need photos! What do you mean "ate the sponge up pretty quick?" Do you mean literally caused it to crumble? That shouldn't happen. All sponges aren't created equal though, so maybe it was not a good one.

I have mixed emotions about making fit adjustments to leather goods before selling them. Seems to me leather goods are only going to stretch with use and if you send something out that is "just right", it soon won't be. In other words, usage is bound to cause it to stretch more. That's been my experience. So I think it is a sort of double-edged sword. At least worth questioning whether to do it or not. There are many examples of things which improve with usage. I'd be tempted to just inform the consumer that the fit might be a bit snug at first but that through use it will loosen up, lessening any difficulty they might experience in removing the article. Personally, I'd rather it be on the snug side anyway. Not saying Dwight is wrong, just that there's always another way to look at things.

The pursuit of perfection and "paralysis through analysis" aren't really the same thing. Pursuit means action whereas the paralysis of overanalyzing things leads to inertia. So the goal is to keep improving what you can but by all means moving forward. And at the same time I find it helpful now and again to look back as previous work and evaluate it based on my current expectations. I did that recently and for example found that I was very pleased with the quality of my stitching but found that the edge work wasn't up to what I have come to expect from myself. And years from now I'll evaluate things I am currently making. Hopefully there will be less and less that I see needing improvement! At least that's the plan.

Personally I admire the pursuit of perfection. So long as you aren't driven crazy in the process! But in all sincerity, people are capable of so much more than they know. Nobody on the forum here is "superhuman", they're all flesh and blood, and they all have successes and failures. Some aren't satisfied with average work. Good enough for some is never good enough for them. They continue to raise the bar with their work. They learn from every failure or less-than-acceptable result and those become fewer and fewer. When you see something that looks great, remember that whomever made it didn't always turn out work that way. They learned how to improve and you can too. The simplest product still has a handful of factors which can impact appearance. From the initial dyeing of the leather to the final finish, from the cut of the material to the forming to the stitching and edge finishing, all of it adds up to an attractive product or not. As I said, I admire the pursuit of perfection. It is seldom if ever attained, but that alone shouldn't discourage attempts. Here's a few things which have been said about perfection: What did Mark Twain say about perfection? “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” What did Vince Lombardi, legendary football coach say about perfection? “The pursuit of perfection may be impossible, but if we chase perfection, we just might catch excellence.” And Michelangelo is purported to have said the following, which I believe is also applicable and happens to be a favorite quote of mine. "trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle."