I just recently started working with leather after my wife discovered the Midori Traveler's Notebooks. However, she did not want to order the refills online every time so she wanted to be able to go to a store and get the refill. So I went with the Field Notes or Moleskine 3.5" x 5.5" size. I used 4/5 oz. veggie tan leather for all projects. That being said I have decided to used Milled Veggie Tanned leather on any notebooks in the future because the leather became very stiff after staining, even with Neatsfoot oil. I know my saddle stitching and finishing needs work, but we all start somewhere right.