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Hey! I'm trying to make my first shoulder rig. My brother-in-law has asked me for a setup for a double 1911 shoulder holster with thumb break and to make things more difficult, he wants the holsters detachable to wear on his belt. I can do OWB and IWB all day but wrapping my mind around making a pattern for this request has me blanking out. Can anyone help me out?

Hi, I've just spent hours reading through old posts. Now I don't have a sad life, as you are thinking, 'cos I am 'foot up' die to a foot operation and cannot get to the bench. So I soon realised that if I could done this when I started leathercrafting (much better description than leatherwork - work is toil and craft is love) I would have shortcutted many mistakes and saved much scrap leather. So, to those reading this who are just starting out in leathercrafting, read as much as you can and copy from those who have gone before. One day you will have an original idea and you will have the skills to allow it to come to fruition. Al Stohlman's books are an excellent place to start. But as this is the modern age, online may be the way to go. (Yes, i am going to get there, eventually) OK, I'm here. The best thing you can do is to go to Youtube and search on IAN ATKINSON and NIGEL ARMITAGE and watch their instructional videos. Free, but donations are welcome, they will give you a firm grounding in basic leathercrafting. Do I get anything for plugging them? No, in fact I have donated to both by buying small items from them in the past (I can't bring myself to 'donate' as I would think I am short changing cancer charities) so I am not beholding. But they deserve my pushing them as i think it is the way to go. So, apart from one or two 'agreements' I would like to see your Youtube 'heroes'. Mainly for the benefit of Newbies, of course, but then again I do have a few more days of viewing time and an unlimited download contract with our beloved BT. Oh, both Ian and Nigel are Brits - so am I, but that was not a factor in my choosing..... Claire If anyone needs to see a photo of my foot as proof of incapacity I will try to post one, otherwise I'll not bother ....

Another thread led me to a thought, why did good leather instruction and pattern books begin and end with Al Stohlman? Am I right, or just not looking in the right place? My favourites are Al Stohlmans Handbook of Stitching, Cases 1, 2, and 3 and his Leathercraft Tools book. What are your favourites? While we are on the subject of leather 'knowledge', I do understand that here on this board is by far the best instruction if you can find and collate it. BW Claire

For Sale. the Stohlman Series encyclopedias. All three volumes in outstanding condition. Look to average $89 from Amazon. I will sell all three for $50 each shipped USPS flat rate included. Paypal accepted.

I'm new to leatherworker.net and I'm looking for leather braiding instruction here in Portland, OR. Does anyone know a braiding master or someone who makes horse tack who might be willing to teach me? I have Bruce Grant's book and I've taught myself to do a number of different braids but I am having trouble finishing the braids when using a core—so that they core is completely hidden. I'm also looking for ways to attach to an o-ring, learn more knots and improve my overall technique. I've seen quite a few people on here who teach at tradeshows that are coming up in the next year but I was hoping for something before March. I've also read about a number of great dvd's that I'm considering purchasing. Any help or guidance appreciated.

Hi everyone, I´m living in Europe and started leatherworking two years ago. I still have Problems with a lot of things. I didn`t find someone in Europe where I can learn more about leathercrafting. So we planed to come to USA next Year. About this trip I have some questions: I dont know anyone, and I dont know who is a good teacher for me. What is a good time to visit the USA? Is it interesting to visit one of the leather trading Shows? How long should I stay? I mean are three weeks enough for a course or is it too Long? I would be very happy about a couple of answers. Greetings Thomas