dibsandthemachine

lol thanks Orangeleather. I go there now on my lunch breaks, just to smell leather . They have an open workshop every Wednesday evening where people like us can come and use whatever tools and supplies they have available and also get advice on our projects. That’s really handy for me because I can use all the tools I can’t afford now.

Thanks DJole. It’s true what you said about my other interests. Unsurprisingly, I really really enjoy hand stitching leather. I find it so relaxing. I am trying to figure out how to post the right size picture so you guys can see my work.

That’s true. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the knowledge on here. And you are right.My husband never shops for belts and for the past 2 years he has been wearing my belt...he literally stole it from me. I have made 3 bags already and I am really happy. For some reason this site keeps saying my pictures are too big so I have not been able to upload pictures.

Thank you Ger. I have quickly realised how expensive this hobby is . I think the way I will try to approach it is buy tools as I need them, depending on the project that I am working on. Like now I want to make a belt for my husband so I am going to invest in a good crew punch and practice my burnishing techniques. That way when I want to make another thing that involves the crew punch and other tools, I will only buy tools I don't have.

Hi everyone, I have just recently caught the leather bug and I am so happy to have found this community. I attended a hand stitching bag making class last weekend and Now I never want to stop sewing bags. I want to learn everything about leather and leather accessories , especially bags. I live in Northampton which has a rich cobbler history and there are many leather merchants around. My office is a 6 minutes drive from The Tandy Leather store in Northampton which is dangerous for me as I find it hard to control my spending habits when it comes to my hobbies. I am already dreaming of Blanchard tools and fil au chinois threads and I want an Adler sewing machine .....I know, champagne tastes on a beer budget . For now though, I am just trying to learn as much as I can and finding out exactly what tools are essential for me at this stage as opposed to what I see the master craftsmen/ women using. Finally I just want to thank everyone on here who shares their knowledge.