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Hello, I am a novice to the craft and recently made the decision to purchase a sewing machine, I made the mistake of going for something that was affordable at the time instead of doing further research. I ended up purchasing the Consew T-1919 through Tandy. I have since read many of the forums on here and realize my mistake. I am currently having the hardest time getting a stitch going (which could definitely be user error). The thread seems to be snapping in the tension knob so I have tried lowering the tension and it still seems to snap or unthread itself. Long story short, I have searched high and low on videos or information on this machine to see if i am the problem or not. I have come up empty. So for one, does anyone have any advice or knowledge on this machine? Two, I have talked to some people at a sewing place and they have got me interested in the Janome Memory Craft 6700P. Anybody with information on this machine and if it is worth me investing in?

Hey everyone, I have been making handbags for some time now, and like all my leather work I have taught myself how to do it. I have bought a couple books but for the most part they have been redundant to what I already know. Now I'm looking for an answer to a couple specific questions, and maybe someone can answer these questions here or direct me to a book or instructional video that could help. I have usually glued the linning to the sides but this doesn't work with zippered pockets, right? so I have to leave the linning loose. I have a certain adversion to this, I just feel like it's sloppy. Does any one know a solution other than a completely loose lining, or can assure me that this is the right way to do this. Next is my question of bag leather. Ive found that if Im using a 6-7oz leather it works good for messenger bags, but for a standard bag like a hobo bag I would want a 3-4 oz but sometimes it seems like that might not be enough stiffness, is it appropriate to use an interfacing

Hello leatherworkers I have for the last year or so been using the Eco-Flo Professional Finishes and have had great results. I have just brought some Eco-Flo (standard) Finish and I am am not getting the same result. Before I was getting a nice smooth clear finish but now I am left with a poor finish that has a kind of white powdery finish. I am currently using the Eco-Flo water based dyes and find the colours good and have had no problems with the dye coming out even after several year heavy use. I have this week also brought some Fibbing's oil dyes and plan on testing these. My main question is can anyone suggest a good proofer/fisishing product that will work well with Eco-Flo water based dyes and Fibbing's oil dyes? I am making wallets, notebook cases, keychain ect. Also if anyone suggest a good proofer/fisishing product that will work well with tannery dyed leather? I am making handbag/satchels. Thanks for you Help. Dave

Hello! I am in desperate need of some good advise and I think I have found the place. I am a beginner in the leather world however would love to be expert one day. I am over trying to fight my home sewing machine to sew lightweight leather with sad results. Right now I primarily work with handbags, large bags, etc- that is where my main interest lies but I would like to try some light shoes such as sandals or accessories however I wont be doing saddles or boots etc.... Im not sure where leather may take me in the future. I want a good reliable machine and so far after much reading seems like I continue to be pointed toward a Techsew 2750 or a Cobra 4. My concern is that I may outgrow the Techsew however worry that the Cobra 4 may be too much machine.. Am I over thinking the machines? Any advise would be appreciated!!