What Should I Do With This Leather?

[reddevil76]

Ok, I've posted these for sale in this forum, but there doesn't seem to be much interest. So I've decided to do something about them.

The story behind these is, I've got a friend who does leather work full time, but does not own a credit card. So he gets me to place orders for him whenever it needs to be done through the internet, using my card. Recently, he mentioned he's looking for camo print leather, and when I found these, he said he'll take 10 of each. So off I go, placing the order, when the whole lot came, he said what he said was a casual remark, it's only a "Maybe" he hasn't confirmed his intentions yet! Well, not only I don't make a profit from doing this, I have to bear the loss when this kind of thing happens.

Anyway, enough of the rant. These are goat skin, and very thin. Only about 1mm thick. I am told the UK army uses the desert pattern for their gloves.

Since I am a hand-sewer, I am used to work only on projects which uses 3-4 or 4-5 oz leather with a medium firm temper.

I've thought of lining small projects with these, but what I am worried is when it comes to burnishing the edges, this particular layer will not burnish to the same effect as the other layers of veg tan.

So other than usage as a lining, does anyone has any suggestions on the type of projects to use up about 40 hides of these?

[bison]

Maybe as an insert in a cover of a log book for hunters? Something like this image?

[Randy Cornelius]

Are they big enough to hide your friends body! LOL seriously, how about a womens purse, hunting gear, gun sligs, back backs etc.

[reddevil76]

Yes, other than lining, I've thought of using it as inserts. That's why I posted a question in another section asking about sheaths and holsters. As I have no access to guns or dummy ones, someone said I could use the patterns in Tandy's book. So I will be looking at that as well. But I didn't know hunters uses log books! Thanks for the tip.

Randy - I've thought about women's purses and bags. LV and such has produced camo series in the past. However, I gave up the idea as I have no idea how to use a sewing machine. And typically women's bag require a finer kind of finishing, so hand sewing with waxed thread might not work. Even if I used triple loop lacing in lieu of hand stitching, I noticed every hand bag has a cloth interior to provide separate compartments in the bag, and that will require machine stitching as well.

So currently, I am set for using them as inserts for hunter gear. But with each hide at 4-5 sq ft, I've got alot to work through! So anymore ideas with a larger usage?

[Randy Cornelius]

Sounds like you need to get money up front for special orders.

[reddevil76]

Don't think that's gonna happen

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

I think in order to use up this quantity quickly you will be looking at larger items like purses, backpacks, jackets, skirts, leggings for brushy areas, etc. Learning to use a sewing machine may be a good thing for you to do. It will increase your capabilities for future projects. One is never too old to learn, and gain new skills.

[Suze]

from now on YOU do get the cash up front - no arguments - just plain refuse to order it without cash in hand

when he gives you the cash THEN you order the stuff

I mean he has to pay for it anyway if he wants it - right?

it would save you from being "stuck" with leather you have no real need for

[bkingery]

Sorry to hear about your dilema, I was recently talking to an archery guy the other day trying to drum up some interest and he mentioned off hand that to him it seems the archery hunters seem to be left aside because there is just no really good camo accessories so maybe that would be something you could do, I don't sew yet either but I,ve been looking at a lot of stuff and alot of it seems like it coule be hand sewn. Use it to cover light foam so it moves easily or maybe an insert. Just wondering though what the tensile strength of stuff that thin would be cuz I think it would look cool cut into lace. Just a couple thoughts.

Peace

Bryan

[reddevil76]

Hi Suze, it's a unspoken "trust" thing that makes it awkward to bring up the topic of money. Even now, whenever I see him, I don't bring up the topic of this leather anymore. He has taken 3 pieces of it, and it has become "a favour to me" to take that few pieces! Anyway, I am a bit more careful now and now focusing on moving on and trying to come up with ideas to use it.

BigGun - As affording and storing a machine is somewhat out of the question in the near future, I don't think I will consider that. My current worktable is in my bedroom, and it is only 30" X 20" big. But I will not rule it out entirely in the distant future.

Bkingery - I'm not too sure about the tensile strength of these. But I do know these were made by Pittards UK to supply the military. So it has to be tough. But they are very expensive, and I would be reluctant to cut them into lace. Morever, I think the camo effect might be lost if used as lace? But the archery goods is a good tip, and I will include that in my "to research" list.