If you want to offend a leather dealer call them and ask for leather with brands, scars etc. You would think I asked if their teenage daughter was single. No use naming names and I understand in a way. no one wants to be known as the folks who sell crappy leather. I guess, for that there is Ebay, and I found some nice folks selling "craft leather". Obviously off cuts from their own leather work. I bet they will have what I need for those notebook covers.
Project number two. This time I will need quality leather and that seems to be easier to source but I have no idea who would be a good honest place to order from. I will never be some place where I can view the leather before I need it. Thus, honesty is key. I don't have the money to waste.
Patterns. Is there a source for patterns out there that people find good. I found armatige leather through their you tube videos but not sure if their patterns are worth the money.
Thanks for the help.