katkon Report post Posted June 27, 2010 Hi everyone, my name is Katkon and i live in Gateshead UK. i have never worked with leather before until yesterday, when i made a collar for my Jack Russell Katie. i went to the nearest store in Newcastle and purchased a strip of bridle leather, buckle, D ring,and keeper all Brass, my basic tool kit i purchased is an awl blade and handle, pack of needles, bees wax, 18/3 linen thread and a hole punch. The gentleman in the store was most helpful and gave me a crash course on using a saddler's stitch and the using the awl in the correct fashion (great customer service). I really enjoyed making the collar, yes the stitching isn't perfect, the finishing knot is like a small wart but it didn't fall to bits when my partner and i gave it the tug of war test . I would like to make more things with leather and i would be most pleased if members could give me any pointers in getting started in leather craft, such as recommend good books, tools, and info on sewing. Many Thanks Katkon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildrose Report post Posted June 27, 2010 Welcome! We're glad you're here! It sounds like you've found a helpful store/good service to start with, and that's always great. I remember when I got back into leatherwork after college, having first learned it at a camp as a teen, our local Tandy was incredibly helpful to me. There are people here from all over the world, who make leather into all kinds of things. I've done dog collars myself on occasion, and I've found it's nice to make something that's basic yet very useful - and still offers so much chance of customization! Anyhow, I'm sure others will chime in with suggestions and comments for you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ferret Report post Posted June 27, 2010 I'm already envious, you live close to one of my favourite breweries:cheers: and my favourite leather/tool supplier. Get a copy of Al Stohlman's "the art of hand sewing leather", it will show you (almost) everything you need to know about sewing and what tools to use. It's a good idea to read through the relevant threads on the forum before starting projects, there's lot's of usefull tips from the pro's and you can avoid the mistakes the rest of us made when we were newbies . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyBates Report post Posted June 27, 2010 (edited) Hi Katkon, good to hear from you and keep at the leatherwork! I'm actually based in Hexham, not 20 or so miles from you! If you want any help or advice give me a bell or an email (via the website My link) or just drop into my studio in Abbey Gate House in Hexham. I'm there pretty much every day at the moment and am always up for a coffee and a chat about leatherwork. See you soon, Andy Edited June 27, 2010 by AndyBates Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celticleather Report post Posted June 27, 2010 Hi Katkon . . . welcome to the Forum! You mentioned your 'nearest store in Newcastle' . . . I'm guessing that's Le Prevo - very helpful and obliging people! There's acres of useful information at http://www.kingsmerecrafts.com/ (scroll to bottom of page) or at http://www.bowstock..../tutorials.html . . . probably a fortnight's reading! And then, of course, here on the Forum. Loads of useful stuff and helpful people! Have fun! Terry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katkon Report post Posted June 27, 2010 Hi again and thanks to all, thanks for recommending the book and web sites . after looking at some of the work on the forum i can see how bad my stitching really is, but i have been stitching this morning after reading some tutorials and it has improved . I have only a very basic tools at the moment as stated in my first post. What should i buy next? I think i shall stick with dog collar's and lead's at the moment until my stitching improves. Thanks for the welcome ! Katkon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jbird Report post Posted June 27, 2010 Welcome aboard make your self at home. Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ferret Report post Posted June 28, 2010 Hi again and thanks to all, thanks for recommending the book and web sites . after looking at some of the work on the forum i can see how bad my stitching really is, but i have been stitching this morning after reading some tutorials and it has improved . I have only a very basic tools at the moment as stated in my first post. What should i buy next? I think i shall stick with dog collar's and lead's at the moment until my stitching improves. Thanks for the welcome ! Katkon. I'd go for an edge beveller, adjustable crease and overstitch wheel. Tandy UK have one on sale here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
