Handstitched

G'day, and thank you for your replies. I'll have to take a photo and/or draw a diagram of the simple technique that I seemed to have taught myself, and works for me. Its only a silly little thing, but it works for me. It may not suit everyone, and with the deepest respect to Bruce Grant, everyone has their own technique that they too may have taught themselves. I have always believed that there are no set 'rules' when it comes to leathercraft or leather work. If you have a method or technique that suits you and works for you, and you're happy with the end result, then so be it!! We also talked briefly about handstitching. What she was told, and the way I do it are completely different, but the end result is the same. But thats another story. All the best, HS

G'Day from a very hot Western Australia. Sadly, I see that some parts of the US are experiencing the complete opposite. Well, in the last few weeks, our little town in the WA wheatbelt had a lovely visited by an artist from De Vry University in Atlanta ,Georgia.( hope I got that bit right) I won't say her name for obvious reasons, but she was a lovely lady that was the 'Artist In Residence' in our town. Not only did she meet many people and have a lot of fun with many activities around town, she also wanted to learn how to do some leather plaiting. And someone in town said " O'h theres a leather worker outta' town......" etc etc . Well, you may know the rest. ( I'm the only leather worker in town btw ) . I was happy to oblige. She did have a good read of Leather Bradiing by Bruce Grant , ( 4 strand round plait) previously , but there were some things that she couldn't quite get her head around. So I showed her what I learnt...from that same book, ...........that took me hours to learn. (I consider Leather Braiding by Bruce Grant my braiding "bible". One of the best books in my collection.) But then I showed her my own technique that I taught myself . She picked it up and was plaiting literally within 5 mins. I also taught her the secret plait, talked leather and so on. One very happy lady . What goes around............. Not only that, she also bought a few things from me, Cane Toad skin bangle, a roo skin, local leather souvenirs ( made by me) toy kangaroo ( my Mother makes those), mainly Aussie and local stuff to take back home. I had no-one to teach me, all self-taught, with books, and lots of them word-of-mouth, practice practice practice , and a lot of mistakes, so I'm more than happy to pass on what I have learnt. HS

G'Day, Every time I go on the Tandy (Aust) leather website, I can't always get my head around their leather thickness measurements. Its either in fractional inches, or ounces. With deep respect to Tandy Australia, we are a metricated system down here . So, for those who prefer millimetres, here is a helpful conversion table that I found on the interweb ( saved & printed for future use) http://www.pinterest.com/pin/140948663310162519/ All the best, HS

G'Day, This may not be the problem you're having, but I adjusted the tension on the shuttle case on my Seiko STW 28-B ( very similar to 226R). You can just see the tiny tension screw just to the right of the slot where the thread comes out in the 'shuttle pic' , also my shuttle wasn't sitting in the right spot. The little square bit ( you can see on the right in the B&W pic). It has to be sitting in the square 'notch' on the needle plate, otherwise it will spin around. It took a lot of frustrating fiddling about to get it the way I wanted, but I now have it going really well. I use mine for horse rug repairs. Its quite a strong machine, I'm surprised of what it can sew. Just a few self taught things I've picked up, thanks to LW.net Hope it helps. HS

G'Day and thank you for your reply. My obvservations were way off eh ? OOPS! After reading your post, I now have a much better idea . After some searching I found the auction site where it came from and the info attached to the pic, and its a '44 S & W Pistol Cartridge Belt' , which more or less confirms what you said. Thanks for that. BUT , (theres always a 'but') My client wants me to do a similar belt for shot gun cartridges ( 12g) . He's supplied some samples for me to work with. SO, as they are much longer and fatter , I'd be safe make the belt 3 inches wide, and that front piece 4 - 4 1/2 inches. I'll use my 'artistic licence' for the width of the buckles. maybe 1 1/4" or 1 3/4 " Thanks for your help Handstitched.

G'Day, I've been asked to make a double buckle cartridge belt similar to the one in the attached pics. The pic was taken from an auction web site. Although the description says is approx 2" wide, it looks more like 3" almost 4" ? looking at the cartridge in one of the loops. The billets & buckles look about 2" ? And the front piece look approx 6" from top to bottom.? Some pics can be deceiving , so I just need a bit of help on the dimensions. Thanks for any help Handstitched

G'day Peter T, Today was the big day. I had a 3 hr drive from the bush to the Show grounds, after having to put up with a lot of idiots on the city roads. ( I hate the city with a passion ) ( I was also looking quite dapper, if I say so myself, I scrubbed up real good ) Anyway, I found the pavillion after 2 attempts in finding it. The stewards were lovely, kind & helpful, mainly oldies, but lovely & sweet none the less. After a few neatly cut ham ,cheese and lettuce sangas ( and I bet they too were Judged) and a cuppa it was immediately down to work. The quality of the exhibits was very good, but not as many as I expected going by the classes & criteria . There were only a few that I simply could not put a place on. For example, I spotted a big mistake on a belt before I even cast my full judgement on it. A nicely carved , oakleaf/acorn pattern belt, nice tri-colouring on black b/ground with a nice single pronged polished brass buckle. BUT....there were no holes on the billet to do it up!! OOPS!! Its just a strip of leather with a nice carved pattern on it.If only they put a few holes in it, it might have got a place. The one item that I was really looking forward to and hoping to Judge, was whips. THERE WAS NONE !!!! Damn, Bugger & Blast !!! After all that effort in buying a good quality whip, practicing my cracking, there were no whip entries!! I was soooooo dissapointed !!!! I was so looking forward to putting my (self taught ) tuition into practice . Acording to the steward, there were none last year as well. Now that surprises me, because there are some prominent whip makers here in WA . But all in all, I think I did very well. O'h well, thems the breaks eh mate? I now have a lovely whip and some experience in cracking it, so not all is lost in that respect. Maybe next year....if I get the gig again. But I really really enjoyed it. its all experience for me , its another 'notch' on my belt, and my name has gone onto a register of Judges....I also received 2 free tickets to the show .... you lil' beaudy!! All the best Handstitched

G'day Mate, I left a message in your in box. The big day is Friday 20th Sept. around 1.30- 2pm . It'll be a long 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive from here to get there. Not looking forward to the city. My whip cracking is doing quite well. the cracks are loud!! I'll let everyone know how it all went, maybe over the weekend. Best Regards, HS

G'day, well done, I like it ....and the dye covered fingers. I don't bother with gloves either. Handstitched

G'day again, I forgot to mention ( in case anyone spots it), this machine was originally a twin needle, but I changed it to a single needle. I can change it back if I want to, but I have no need for a twin needle. HS

G'day, If its any help, I have a Seiko STW 28-B ( 226 equivalent, see pic.) with only minor variations to the Consews. It gets used for horse rug repairs mainly . Horse rugs often present a variety of thicknesses, like thick seams, folds on ripstop fabrics, and variety of materials etc. But I can also sew 2.5 - 2.8mm leathers quite easily. Its quite a strong machine, but being mostly used for horse rugs, I keep it clean and well oiled. Hope this helps a liitle bit. All the best Handstitched

G'day Red Cent & Ian1783, I have a Q Stitch Colt, which is vertually identical to the Techsew 5100 in the vid. with only a slight difference on the thread guides. On my machine, I loop the thread though the eyelet through the (top) discs , give it a slight tug to make sure it 'sits in' ( sometimes hearing a slight 'snap' of the discs ) , and back through the eyelet , and continue threading. Before I did that, on some very rare occasions, the thread 'snapped out' of the (top) discs whilst sewing. This threading method rectified that little problem. Also, as we all know, oiling your machine/s at regular intervals is important . As well as oiling all the regular oiling points on my machine, I take the shuttle hook assembly right out and put a little bit of oil on the rounded part of the assembly. ( and anything else on the machine while its out), but not too much . Just a little thing that I've learnt from my own experience. It now runs whisper quiet. All the best, Handstitched

Yes, I do a lot of handstitching as well Probably one of the most relaxing , and perhaps theraputic part of leatherworking. A machine is wonderful timesaver when doing large volumes. I don't feel quite so silly now giving my machine a name Without going off topic too much, I once called my old Landy 'Enterprise' ...but thats another story. Handstitched

G'day, I would have to say that my fave tool to begin my leatherworking day with, is my Kingchrome Folding utility knife: https://bnnn72.ssl-cdn.s.mel.secureinf.net/Product-298x298/1c0ff2db-33ae-4f17-9c61-c2132bbedaf9.JPG I have small hands and can't quite accomodate a large round knife, so this is ideal for me and the work I do . Because it folds, it's safe, blades are changed quickly ,easily and safely.The Kingchrome brand blades seem to last longer than other brands from experience. I can also sharpen the old blades up on a stone or strop to extend their life. My second choice ,when tooling, is my fave beveler ( the exact number escapes me right now , but maybe a B801).I have many bevelers, but the texture on this particular beveler is all but gone, its so well worn, but its the one I reach for on just about every single job/project, giving me just right effect that I want. Last but certainly not least, is 'Brutus' , my sewing machine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40990121@N05/4111321665/in/photostream/ Best investment I ever made. ( I' m probably the only one that give his beloved sewing maching a name!.....needless to say, I am single...still ! ) Good luck in your leatherworking endeavours. All the best Handstitched

G'Day, A bit more 'whip' news. These last few weeks I've been so busy, but I have managed to get some whip practice in. Youtube vids have been very helpful. Adam Winwich was one of them. My first attempts were pretty dismal , with only limited and poor sounding 'cracks', more like 'flops' than cracks. My next attempts were a slight improvement, but still no definite "crack". And in case anyones asks, yes, I have hit myself, quite a few times. But, no pain, no gain eh? Anyway,just now, I went outside to practice some more .I have now developed my 'swing' after practicing the cattlemans crack, but only this time theres a definite loud "crack", loud enough for it to echo across the paddocks.......its even got my sheeps attention. (hope people don't mistaken it for gunshot!!) That happened several times...YEY!! I want to do some more now !!! Quite pleased with myself actually. But now my right arm is tired.( like I've just arm wrestled with Arnold Schwarzenegger) No doubt in time my arm will strengthen and get used to doing stuff.....like...... cracking whips. Might do some more this arvo. All the best Handstitched

G'day again, When I go to my supplier , I have noticed that nearly all of the hard leathers veg tanned or otherwise, are stored flat . When they receive leathers, they are rolled up, but are unrolled soon after. I have also noticed that theres hardly any sunlight getting into the warehouse, only flouro's I am now having a think as to how to store my hard leathers flat. I have absolutely no idea how and where......as space is at a prime. My first thought is to modify the wooden shelf under my bench....somehow. all the best, Handstitched

G'day, I was just having a read through this thread , and there seems to be no set rule as to how to properly store leather. However, just to add my 2 cents worth. If I had the space ( which I don't) ,ideally I would love to store all my hard leathers (mainly veg tanned, harness etc. ) flat in a safe place, away from sunlight, ( as veg tanned is photosensitive), covered up to protect them from dust , and anything else that a dusty messy workshop presents. But thats the ideal scenario. So instead, I roll mine up, stored on a purpose built wooden shelf under my work bench. I use 4mm veg tanned double shoulders ( some up to 60" ) for my belts. I have learnt not to roll them up too tightly, because I have noticed that if I do, they do have small creases in the finished product. If/When my shelves are full, then I have D/shoulders standing up all over my workshop looking like totem poles, or leaning against benches etc....makes the workshop look untidy too. It makes me wonder if rolling them up (OR rolling them up for too long?), can have an effect on the grain/ grain side, in the long term. Interesting subject eh? It would be good to hear more on this Best Regards, Handstitched.

G'Day , I got my new whip today to practice cracking whips for Judging at a show coming up mid Sept. Its a 7' 6 plait stock whip, cane handle , red hide, and VERY well made. Peter T, you may well know the maker. Nemeth Whips ( Brain Nemeth...and family ) of Queensland. pretty much identicle to this one: http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/products/whip-wood.jpg I can't help but keep sniffing it!! Smells wonderful !! All I have to do now........is practice All the best Handstitched

G'day Cookiemonster, Just be warned that leather work is very addictive, once you start, theres no turning back If ever you get stuck, you'll have plenty of help on here, and theres no such thing as a silly question on here. I wish you the best Handstitched

G'day again, Thank you all very much for your great advice, its all been very helpful, especially Peter T. I have just over month to go before I go to the show to Judge. I could always buy myself a good affordable whip from a reputable supplier to practice my whip cracking, as I don't want to look a complete goose on my big day. I know there is a knack to it. Grampa Joel, I will keep the bevelling in mind, in fact , that could be a difficult one to judge on. I would have to think very carefully, did they leave it un-bevelled on purpose, or was it an oversight? but I would think bevelling would look nicer. I think colours would look quite nice too. Thanks once again, Handstitched

G'Day, I have been granted the very honourable position of Judging leatherwork at a large popular show this year....and its my first time. It was my understanding there was some difficulty in finding a Judge this year for the leatherwork section, and if I didn't accept the position, it would have been granted to a 'General Judge' ( that judges everything if a Judge can't be found) , that , ( with great respect) may not know too much about leatherwork, so with my experience behind me , I took the position. I've been doing leatherwork for almost 10 years now ( thats gone quick ) , and I know from experience what to look out for when it comes to bags , belts, etc the quality of the tooling, carving , attention to detail , craftmanship, functionality and so on. However, when it comes to whips and braiding, I know a quailty made whip or a quality braid but is there anything that I should be looking out for? I have done some plaiting, but not whip making. Am I excited? you betchya!! Am I nervous.........just a little bit Thanks for any advice. Handstitched

G'Day again, just a quick 'P.S' on that. I noticed that Thread Exchange have 207 in a variety of colours ( more than 277 ) .Looking at the write up, the 207 can go through my #24 needle, which is what in wanted ...COLOURS than can go through my machine ...yey http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TTE&Category_Code=polyester-thread-size-207 all the best HS

G'Day I was going to ask where can I get 277 threads.... cheaper than what I'm paying here in Australia, as I'm getting a little peeved at paying around $87 (Australian) + postage ( totaling around $ 100+) for a 2000mtr spool of 277/M10 , and that price is supposed to be "wholesale". Its also hard to find colours other than natural, black white etc. in 277. Needless to say, there are very few industrial sewing machine specialists and thread wholesalers in Western Australia , mostly in the east. Then after a search on here, I found The Thread Exchange.And surely, even with freight, getting my threads from the States much be cheaper than what I'm paying here in Oz . I also discovered Weaver's they have a selection of threads too, and now have a customer number and hope to do business with them soon. When in business, a little saving is better than none. All the best HS

G'day leatherworkers This is just a simple upholstery job on a basket ( and the little strap on the tool box) for an old motorcycle but I'm more impressed with the bike it went on . Just thought I'd share it with you. My Father was an upholsterer by trade in his early days, and I picked up a few simple tips . The bike is approx . 1920-1924. I wasn't expecting such beautiful photos, but the owners son is a professional photographer. Enjoy. http://www.flickr.com/photos/40990121@N05/8995413008

G'Day ,and G'day to mcjerjer, from Western Australia You'll have to be careful about starting your new leather hobby, it can be very addictive, and once you've been bitten by the leather craft bug, there is no antidote and no cure. My leatherwork started out as a hobby, and now, 9 years later, its a full time 7 day per week business. If you ever get stuck on anything, there are many people on here that are more than happy to help, and there is no such thing as a 'silly question' . Good luck with your new hobby . HS