Hello from Germany - New Member Introduction

[Tove09Tilda]

Hi fellow leather workers, 

I'm Tove09Tilda, 25 years old and from Germany. 
I started leather work when I was 15 by bedazzling Dog collars and horse wear, but ditched it for some time until I was about to finish my master degree in 2024. 

That's actually when the real journey started. I was traveling back to Sweden to get my degree (I studied in Sweden) and have a nice dinner with my fellow classmates and, well, with my dog. I knew that this was not a usual evening and of cause, when I was wearing something special, she also had to. So I started checking the pet stores in my area including an outlet of a big german brand, with sort of good reputation. In the end I found nothing that felt like "us" or was up to the quality that I was searching for. Following, I contacted a former supplier, who offered custom dog collars. That's when I learned that she produced in India and the collar would take weeks, if not even month, as it would have been included in a bulk order. And as I wrote my master thesis in cooperation with a very nice woman from Pakistan, with friends in the leather Industry … Let's phrase it that way: Production in India felt wrong! Especially for the price that was quoted (40€ including shipping (within Germany between 6 and 7€). Let's be real here - you don't need to be an economist to know that this price is unrealistic, when you expect fair wages. 

Unsatisfied, I started to remember that I had all the tools, that I knew how to saddle stitch and that there was literally no excuse to not try it for myself. That's basically when I got hooked again. I made a simple, plain dog collar, dyed it blue with angelus acrylic leather dye and called it a day, just to then teach myself how to make padded collars, make running loops, and of cause, making dog collars until my hands were full of blisters, but my stitches became more and more neat. Last year I also made my first handbag ( a little bit of a challenge at first! Due to all the backing needed!). That was the point where people in my surroundings started to suggest that I should try to become a saddler. 

When I couldn't find a job after my MBA, the original idea was indeed to try to become a saddle maker. My education wouldn't go to waste and I could follow my plan B. The economy made a big cross through the plan - unfortunately. Most saddles don't take apprentices at the moment or I got told I was better off with my MBA. Still without a job offer on the horizon, I at least find some peace in making collars and some occasional bags and belts. 

By now I make all the collars for our dogs, as well as leashes and also do some collars for friends, if asked to. 
My next projects are a dog harness for my little dog, two new collars for our dogs (finally matching for once!), and a martingale/ half-checker collar for my dog. 

Thanks for reading! And I hope to learn more by reading and observing the work of others in this forum! 
Best
Tove 

[PastorBob]

Welcome from SW Missouri, USA.  Lots of folks from around the world here.  Glad to have you and happy crafting!!

[FrankHester]

2 hours ago, PastorBob said:

Welcome from SW Missouri, USA.  Lots of folks from around the world here.  Glad to have you and happy crafting!!

And welcome from SE Wyoming, USA!