awizardalso Report post Posted December 28, 2009 (edited) Greetings all, My name is Mike, though I'm better known locally as Wizard. In the late 70's I made myself a quick-draw Zippo lighter holster after my lighter leaked in my pocket with some very bad consequences. Interest in them was so good I started making more for friends and eventually had several stores selling them faster than I could make them. Eventually, I built a bicycle powered sewing machine to get into making clothing. To make a long story shorter, just as things started taking off, circumstances beyond my control caused me to pack it all up. I've always had the intention of getting back into leather work again and have lately been getting all my tools back out. A few years back, I was extremely blessed to find an old Singer industrial machine, mechanically in excellent shape, for free. I just finished building a bicycle powered drive system for this one also. My main goals are making small leather craft items like various belt pouches, holsters, and motorcycle gear (vests, chaps, saddlebags) again. I'm in need of tips on sewing with a machine. Things like thread/needle sizes, different attachments and their uses, etc. Nothing specifically at the moment but as things progress. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute something of value back to this forum. Here's a couple pics of some of my work. The rose and the initial 'M' are works in progress. The lighter pouch is only missing the finished edges (I can't find my slicker wheel). My bicycle powered sewing machine can be seen here: Edited December 28, 2009 by awizardalso Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildrose Report post Posted December 28, 2009 welcome to the group! We pass through Canton every time we come up from Radford, VA to my inlaws in Girard (outside of Youngstown). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timd Report post Posted December 28, 2009 Welcome, Wizard. I can attest to the fact that lighter fluid burns really suck, I've had them more than once myself. Be careful around here, this place is truely addicting! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted December 28, 2009 The way you have your machine fixed up is NEAT !!! Work and excrise all at the same time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BWL Report post Posted December 28, 2009 Welcome Wizard, I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work. This place is habit forming. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awizardalso Report post Posted December 28, 2009 Thank you all for the welcome. I need to find some local suppliers for leather. Tandy's has moved out of the area. The closest one is now 60 miles up the road in Cleveland. Leather isn't one of those things I like to buy without looking at it first. I did find a a full length coat to cut apart and as soon as I run find my old vest to use for a pattern, I'll be working on another one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JDRamsey Report post Posted December 29, 2009 Thank you all for the welcome. I need to find some local suppliers for leather. Tandy's has moved out of the area. The closest one is now 60 miles up the road in Cleveland. Leather isn't one of those things I like to buy without looking at it first. I did find a a full length coat to cut apart and as soon as I run find my old vest to use for a pattern, I'll be working on another one. awizardalso, From looking at a map, you are a hop, skip, and a couple of jumps from Mount Hope, SE of Wooster on hwy 241. There, you will find Weaver Leather Co. If you have/get a tax id number, they will work with you, since they are wholesale only. I've been there, like it, and recommend them to anyone who has a leather business. I found their products to be quite good. I'm not affiliated with them, other than being a customer. Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leatherman1457 Report post Posted December 29, 2009 wizard welcome to the site. you will find a lot of knowledge on this site,and people willing toput in there 2 cents worth by just asking. as for getting leather click on the springfield banner on teh top of the page and buy from kevin. he is the best at what he does and will work for you business,unlike some of the big corporate store that think they are the only game in town. go to kevin and you will be happy. .Again welcome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdthayer Report post Posted January 1, 2010 My bicycle powered sewing machine can be seen here: I enjoyed the videos of your bicycle pedal powered stand, and think it's a great idea. Do you have any photos of the pedal mounting area? CD in Oklahoma thayerrags.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
