Not that Tandy or hobby lobby is great but when that's the only game in town you do what you have to.they actually might make you better because you're going to have to learn to improvise.
As far as casing the times you guy s talk about is unbelievable you would never get a project done, and I live in one of the humid places in the country,are you sure you're buying veg tan it is right next to the other leather in Michaels.
As far as Tandy its about a two hour drive away for me and since Michaels. And hobby lobby do not sell half of the basic tools that are needed ,there's just so much improvising will take you, I have to go. And since the tools I bought at the two hobby stores are mostly cheaply made (they really are ) and the people working there say they get their supply from Tandy, I feel I have to go there and not order over the phone or internet.
All that being said I love doing leather work and I'd continue doing it even if I have to use a tack puller to take care of the edges for the rest of my life.(like I said improvise). Keep at it you'll be better for all the hard work and headaches. And some people call it a hobby.lot. jimmy