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I haven't been on here much lately, because I've been occupied with buying a Singer 111w153 and refurbishing it. Okay, let's be real... I obtained the Singer because Ole South found it for me and made sure it was running, and then I watched my extremely helpful husband get it fixed up. I'm about to start ruining some leather and canvas with it as soon as I finish my current project. Most lately, I finished this camera harness, edge creased with my makeshift on-the-cheap creaser.* Horween Derby on the exterior, and croc-print from SLC on the inside, all hand-stitched. Chicago screws and most of the other hardware from BuckleGuy. Nautical clips from ebay. Before that, I finished up a black backpack made from Horween chromexcel horse hide. Practicing my minimalism, since I'm really bad at that. Before that, I made a small duffle protoype - the principle reason why I decided to get a machine. I want to make some of these, but they take so long to hand-stitch, and stitching the canvas by hand is harder than stitching leather. This one is marred principally by the zippers, which hardly work at all. :-P Also, an apron, pattern courtesy of Ole South again. *Maybe not the best solution for everyone, since it required threading the tips, but here are the links, for anyone who is interested: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brass-Soldering-Iron-Tip-Edge-Marking-Creaser-tip-Leather-Edge-Decorate-DIY-Tool-/181724887923?var=&hash=item2a4fa5bb73:m:mrlRVXFxAGDiX0as75-SLPAAnd here's the handle:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WAXLPY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 Criticism welcome, of course.

Hey guys, finished up another color combo of my military inspired weekender duffle bag. Inspired by the Navy sea bag and an army duffle this weekender carry on is anything but the ordinary luggage. Selvage canvas from the esteemed White Oak factory of Cone Mills in North Carolina. Leather is veggy tanned Hermann Oak #1. The color combo came out really nice. Canvas is a warm grey, sort of in the "dogwood" range. Leather was undercoated in tan, then top coated in dark brown for a very deep brown with a hint of reddish tone to it. Does anyone else use 2 different colors when dying leather? Solid brass hardware, and hand saddle stitched with havana brown tiger thread 0.8 mm. Canvas is finished with an outer layer of otter wax. Top closure is an envelope style folded closure that has some range to fill it all the way up or not so much. Inside large pocket and "hanging" dopp YKK zip bag for personal items. Would love your input on the leather work, but overall style comments are welcomed too.

Hi all, I'm just getting started in leatherwork and would like some advice. I have specific things that I want to learn to make in leatherwork and don't know which one to start with. My goal is to make all of the luggage for my family which will include duffles, backpacks, and briefcases as well as leather journals with wrap closures, and wallets. I will be needing the luggage in 3 months or so. Which piece would you advise that I start with and which to progress to next? Anything else you think I should know would be great to hear too! Thanks, Ben