First Attempts....!

[zukiestyle]

Hello, I'm new here and have recently completed a summer school learning how to handstitch leather goods. My aim is to be able to produce my current ranges in leather. In particular veg tan. The following I made while on the course (I had such workshop envy!!)

And the following is my first attempts at applying my new skills at home!

I wonder if somebody could help, I haven't been able to afford a skiving machine (is that the correct name?) so have just been using my paring knife for now on smaller items. Hence the reason for building up my pet range for now (bags to follow one day!). When applying diamante/studs I realise the collar would be best lined. What is the best leather for this? Should it be pigskin? And then when applying it, is it just a case of glueing it in place and stitch over? I've also found that burnishing the edges takes up most of the time - is there a secret to making this process quicker or just keep going?!

Thanks in advance, I hope you like my first attempts. Looking forward to expanding my skills with the help of this forum.

*Just realised my bag image didn't attach and not enough space, will post in a separate post!x

Edited September 25, 2011 by zukiestyle

[PHIPPS CRAFTED LEATHER]

One thing, first change your image size. I am using a twenty inch monitor and your pics are HUGE