Hello From Sunny Florida!

[Malabarmcgyver]

Thanks for the addition to your group.  I am approaching retirement and hope to have more time on my hands for crafts and I have been exploring groups such as this for guidance and motivation.

I first got into sewing out of necessity and had a couple of Singer 15-91s that I used to repair sail covers and upholstery.  I have since been through about 8 machines trying to find ones that fit me.  I now have a Sailrite LSZ-1 clone, a Sailrite Yachtsman, a Brother embroidery machine, and a Cowboy Outlaw that I haven't even setup as of yet.  I got all these machines from Goodwill and have dozens of bolts of fabric from there as well (I am a cheap bastard!).  I expanding my crafts to vinyl cutting for boat decals initially and found many other uses.  I started basic designs with 3D printing a few years ago as well and found that it is a great compliment to projects.

I started making bags, primarily sail bags from old sails, about 4 years ago.  That is when the 15-91 started to let me down and struggled to go through four layers of sail cloth.  Leather was sort of a natural progression.  I had to hand sew sail tacks and clews with leather reinforcement using a sailor's palm and I started making small items such as replacing leather handles and straps and found that I could sit in the recliner with a cocktail and watch a movie with my wife while still being productive with a needle and thread.  Plus, a big plus, the eyes on the leather needles are much bigger and I don't need readers to thread them!

Fast forward to present, I have a small area with a craft table in the house with enough space to handle most of my projects, which are almost always presents to friends and family.  My wife has made it very clear, however, that the Cowboy Outlaw stays in the shop.

I'm here to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.  I one of those weirdos that can never sit still and need to keep my hands and mind occupied.  I have always had sort of a reverence for leather.  My grandad was a gardener/sharecropper and made bullwhips and repaired harnesses for his mules, so I guess I come by it honestly.  I don't think I want to open a shop or try to gain income from my work, but I feel like I need to make stuff.  I'm totally utilitarian and have a hard time being creative or artsy so I am apprehensive to tooling. 

I am sure that is much more than anyone wants to read, but I felt like it was appropriate to introduce myself.

Thanks again and have a wonderful week!

Jeff 

[AlZilla]

Welcome aboard, Jeff. I saw your other post and it looks like you're already turning out some quality stuff!

Nice job scoring that Outlaw at a thrift store!

There are so many types of Leatherworking, it's hard to know what to try out next. But whatever you want you do, it's probably been done here!

[Malabarmcgyver]

The Outlaw was a great deal.  It was Goodwill online.  It still had the original mounting bolts and plastic on the needle.  Pretty sure that it was never used.  Looking forward to trying it out. Thanks for the welcome words!