onlyoblivion

Thank you all!

Thank you all! I am improving on the cutting! I will try a utility knife next time, as I have several around and a few new blades. I havent tried it yet, because I wasn't sure how to navigate curvy cuts with one.

You guys are super great! Thanks a bunch for your comments! Let me see if I am picking up what you guys are laying down so kindlly , 1. different projects require differing order, gotcha! I know doing rivets and such differ in order by project. I think after reading your responses that perhaps its the finishing that I'm unsure what the sequence is. Probably because I have read a million posts on it, and watched videos, and everyone uses different products, so I am not sure exactly what each does in the finishing process. I have pretty much what I found at hobby lobby. Gum Trag, beeswax, and 4 Way Care. I also have eco-flow dyes (I know... I know, But I got Fiebings black, which I guess is NOT the same as USMC Black, arg) and Super Shene but don't like the finish the last gives. Anyway, It seems like different leathers I use respond very differently to my attempts at burnishing and finishing. I'd like to do better. 2. YES! I totally am in agreement with the importance of cutting, but I struggle with it. Why do you think I sand after gluing? Honestly, I measure a bunch, but usually botch the cut somewhere and have to do some improv routine to justify the leather use. I have an exacto set, which, frankly, I think is pretty bad at what it is supposed to do. I have also tried box cutter style blade, but was also not impressed. I most often use a rotary cutter for thinner stuff, and a pair of orange handled fiskars, sharpened by my husband. I'd sure like to blame my knife selections, but I thought one would work. What do you folks use? (Also, please tell me its not just me that has this issue!) 3. I think keeping a book is a great idea LumpenD! Maybe I will make a little binder with patterns and the notes on each. Luckily, I can manage to cut patterns out!! I really appreciate all your feedback! Hard to convey in text, but communities like these make the rest of the internet worth putting up with , Thank you!

So I've been practicing! I am feeling more confident with building patterns and stitching, but i find myself stymied usually by two things: User error and order of operations. The former will take practice, and the latter seems to differ by person. So what is your order, and why? Right now mine is as follows, but it needs help Transfer pattern Cut Attempt to still fit pieces together despite cruddy cutting job Glue Sand edges Run stitch groover Slowly, tediously, imperfectly keep stitch spacer in groove. Fail. Drill stitch holes (yes I know this is frowned on, but lets leave that for another debate) Burnish with water slightly Stitch Then what?

Thanks all, I really appreciate any and all words of advice!

Thanks robertmeco! I live near Ft. Hood

Hi folks! I'm brand new, and I am HOOKED! As I wait on Amazon drones to bring me books from Valerie Michael and Al Stolman (I'm doing my research, see!) I want to share with you my errors and ask advice. First error, bought an angle pronged chisel and a speedy stitch awl. Turns out the lock stitching tool doesn't jive too well with the angled fork thing, turns out that is for buck stitching, and buckstitching lace, not thread, yes? Second mistake, buying another fork like chisel, this one not angled, but very small! Is there standard sizing for these guys, ie, use 4mm for veg tanned thick stuff, and smaller for say, the remnants you an get from Tandy and hobby lobby? I ask because I would like to use both thick and thin leathers. On top of all these questions, I came across pricking irons. So many options folks, it's tough. I know too that many of you recommend single diamond awls. But again, so many size and quality varieties, the head spins. I'm not asking for easy answer, just some clarity. Is 1-1/4 a god all around size? Additionally, I see multiple tutorials on double needle saddle stitching, but very little info on when to use this stitch. Is it just the universal leather stitch, or is it popular because it appears the same on both sides of the piece, or is it recommended for thicker leather, or what? When would one want to use a different stitch pattern, such as a lock stitch or similar? Lastly, and I am sorry for my multitude of questions, my rivets look funny. Smooshed on one side, and buckled on the other. I used a setter from Tandy, but this has been consistent with each I've tried. What gives? The photos come from my first go at this, using the angled chisel with the speedy stitcher. I'm also not doing super great with keeping thin leather flat while cutting, but I'm hoping that will come with practice Thanks in advance to you kind folks!!