JayEhl

I think your work is most excellent. And as mentioned above, your love and craftsmanship going into the project shows and will remind your son of you. As far as folks posting things here that are "professional looking", we all started somewhere. We only get better if we help each other get better. Please continue to share!!!

Probably not adding much at this point but since the post was resurrected.... After going through a few of the starter kits from Tandy, I purchased a several of their craftsman shoulders and even a side as I've been afraid of buying leather unseen. Fortunately, I live in Houston with three Tandy stores, two about equal distance for me to drive. Not an inconvenient drive time (about 35 min one way) but an annoyance to pick up just one thing. I then bit the bullet and bought an HO side from Springfield and was very pleased. It did tool better and seemed...well.... worth it. I am only a hobbyist, only built a few things for myself and use it for mostly 'art work -- and you should be laughing at that "art" statement! I'll probably order more again from them, shortly but I am a hobbyist and like what @BDAZ said most people probably can't tell what was used after the end product has been tooled up, dyed and stitched up.

Good advice. Thank you! I only started a couple of years ago and am 58 this week. I don't think age has anything to do with starting a hobby. It's more of a mind set that you CAN do something and that it's never too late to start. If anything, like anything, a fun hobby is only limited by the imagination....and your fun-ding.

A scrap piece won't cost much to try out.....

Check out Don Gonzales Saddlery. He looks to be out of stock right now https://dgsaddlery.com/product/lined-belt-material-pack/ Springfield Leather also sells belt blanks https://www.springfieldleather.com/BeltBlank-W-OSnap-1-1-2x72

fantastic art work!

I was thinking how you could even lightly spray on some glue and sprinkle some of the sand @chuck123wapati was mentioning. I would imagine if the sun ht it just right it will even sparkle.

@Techsew Ron Hi, I do not know if it is good form to resurrect old posts but this is exactly what I am looking for, that is a manual for the TechSew 2700, after purchasing a used one. If you or anyone here can help me with finding a link to download it would be sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

@YinTx Can you share what contact method is best to make this arrangement?

Wow.... I wished I could do that! Was a modeling spoon/tool used for the hairs?

Pictures of doggies always wins it for me.

Don't blame you. I run a department that takes care of video creation and editing and it is ALOT of work. And thanks for sharing.

Great catches on those errors. Thanks for taking the time to review it.

Hi, LOL. Great minds and all that. (well, not sure about my mind being great... ) I expanded your chart to show sewing machine brands and models and the kinds of things you can make with each. I don't know how accurate all of it is but I did list URLs at the bottom as I was researching. It helped me keep everything in my feeble mind in one place. If there are any inaccuracies, I welcome edits and can easily provide you access. (if appropriate). https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pdtUT-h8Vlisn8AJFt8XVrWNEnvHVQJewBk-jcYQyvk/edit?usp=sharing Maybe others can also find this useful.

Wow, thanks for this information, especially about the 135x16 and 135x17 needles. There is a local place on the other side of downtown that I am going to see what I can pick up (so i can start playing with my new toy right away! ) Thanks!

Thanks so much for your guidance @Wizcrafts. Since you have this machine, and your experience and knowledge base is valued, I would much rather go with what you're using. Would you mind sharing name brands? (PM if it would be more appropriate to share this with me, privately). ~JL

Okay cool. I'm checking out the site now. thanks!

fantastic! thank you for sharing. Sincerely, ~JL

Oh, man, you don't know what kind of a relief it was this morning when I read that! I was groaning a bit last night when I went to bed. Thank you so much! Oh, fantastic. I got a manual from the previous owner so if it's not detailed in there, I'll go official Tech Sew route. But that all said, I am super excited about the machine. After I got it all set up, the thread she gave me (207) was too big for the needle that was already in the machine so I was unable to play with it as I had hoped. I'm going to see if the wife will be able to pick up some smaller thread size and needles at a local store.

I bought a used techsew 2700 and after taking it home and figuring out the threading I noticed a bit of string hanging out the back. I removed the plate and this is what I saw!! Is this important and is it easy to fix?

I used to live in Florence and Birmingham (Bessemer). Very nice memories.

Very impressive work. the color combo work. Nice even stitching and very nice smooth edging. You'll sell lots!

Man, that is some spiffy work. What sewing machine did you use and what size thread? Are those shoes bought wholesale? Very impressive!

Very nice stitch color. What size thread is that?

Good point. Especially those long vine lines that are close together! But definitely the OP has made admirable on the first attempt.