Dogfisher

That is really good to know. I think I might pass on the machine in that case. Thanks for your help.

Hmmm. That sounds like an issue. So is there a way to convert it to a walking foot? Otherwise, seems like a no-go.

I actually have some experience on a Juki from years ago when I worked at a marine canvas shop. I'm just curious if I'm limited to like 4 oz combined thickness or therabouts with this machine.

I was just offered this Necchi Supernova for free. I am interested in sewing messenger bags and zipper padfolios. How thick of leather can I sew on this?

That's actually what I was thinking. Thanks.

I want to make my own version of Galen Leather's Medic Bag and I have created a 3-D pattern with tape and posterboard. What do I need to consider as far as accounting for leather thickness. I'm thinking the leather will be around 5-6 oz. I have made some totes and zipper pouches but this is a little trickier and I don't want to waste too much of my good leather. I also need to reinforce the panel for holding pens. I've seen a few youtube videos about accounting for thickness but I thought I would throw it out to you guys for some real advice. Here's a link to the bag. https://www.galenleather.com/collections/writers-medic-bag/products/writers-medic-bag-crazy-horse-tan

I just polished the outside. I haven't attempted between the tines yet. Trying to find the best method.

The Aiskaers are great. They come with a little case and after I polished them up, they pull out of the leather very easily. Hindsight, I should have gone with 5mm. Wider stitches, less stitching.

Ha! I started with bears but fish were my bread & butter. Haven't done it professionally in over a decade.

Luckily, I used to be a professional chainsaw carver. I should be able to come up with something.

Wow. Thank you so much. I am on a mission now klutes!

Looks great. I really like that top bag. So how do you merge the bowls into 1?

That looks awesome! Please, if you don't mind, do you have photos of some of your other work and or process?

Please, if you don't mind, do you have photos of some of your work and or process?

What kind of dye should I use and when should I apply it?

Fascinating, right? How do you think he glues the two bowls together? I'm thinking dry out both bowls, apply glue and put them both back on the form and pull something down on top of them like canvas until the glue sets? Perhaps the slight diameter difference will work itself out during the gluing and repressing step? Maybe they aren't fully dry when he glues them together? I'm going to take a swing at it. Stayed tuned for the results.

I want to try this. I saw a YT video about Neil MacGregor from The Gloucestershire Guild Of Craftsmen. He wet forms leather over a polished wooden stump, then he repeats the process on another piece and glues them inside of each other. He mentions, cow skin, calfskin, and goat skin. The YT video is below.. There are some aspects of this process that he doesn't explain. Can anyone help me guess the rest of the process? Leather weights and types, at what stage would I dye or oil the leather? How would you glue the two bowls together? Will it retain its shape long term or do I need a stiff finishing product? I will also include some stills.

So I just sharpened and polished my crappy diamond chisels. Much nicer. Thanks for the advice. I also ordered these Aiskaer White Steel 4mm Diamond Lacing Stitching Chisel Set for $11 on Amazon. We'll see if the thinner prongs work better for me.

Sinabroks would be nice. Still on a startup budget, however. What's a good stitch length for saddle stitching? Also, how the heck do you polish the black matte diamond chisels? They are crappy. The missed stitching groove was an attempt to punch the wallet folded. Bad choice.

Help me upgrade my setup. What's a reasonably priced set of stitching chisels or pricks? How close do I need the holes for saddle stitching?

These are some crappy stitching chisels out of a kit. They are black and not polished at all and I think they are too close together. I don't want to buy more until I really know why I don't like these. Good tools area big investment and I'm still just learning. I am going to try oil dyes on my next test to see if it keeps the leather softer and less likely to crack.

I decided to learn about dying veg tan yesterday so I cut out a flap wallet pattern and I created my first beautiful sunburst, oiled it nicely and then I tried to punch stitch holes. It was stiff and the leather cracked on the edges and between the holes. I do a lot of trial and error style learning as I imagine most of you do as well. I'm assuming my process is not in the right order. I would love some advice about your processes. When do I cut out pattern, punch stitching holes, stamp the makers mark, dampen the leather for dying, when to oil, , when to finish the edges, when to stitch, etc. I used a cheap diamond chisel from a cheapy set. Probably part of the problem. Also, I came of my stitch line because I attempted to punch it folded, without glue. Rookie mistake.

Ah. Last night I took a thin waxy piece of oil tan and cut some lines with my swivel knife. Then I rubbed some gel antique into the cuts. They were too thin and the wax blocked any ink from adhering. I will try some veg tan and scratch it with an awl before dying.

Could this be tattooed somehow?

Can anyone tell me what technique is used here and what kind of leather? The Etsy ad said cow leather. Looks super thin.