Winchester Model 88 Cartridge Holder

[Holzmann]

Hello all,

I just completed a cartridge holder for my Winchester model 88 rifle. It features my first attempt at leather carving as well as my first use of my new basketweave stamp. Finish is Fiebings oil dye, neatsfoot oil and Fiebings Tan-Kote. All things considered, I'm pretty happy with the results - with one notable exception: I decided to forgo the typical lacing and stitched it on (I prefer a more streamlined look), but now I'm thinking it's lack of removability might trap moisture and cause damage in the long run. I'm thinking I could possibly work a zipper into the design (I know it's hardly traditional) without having to sacrifice the work I put into it. Thoughts?

Another issue (although minor in my estimation) is that I had difficulty keeping the stitching tight as I progressed. It was my first time stitching with curved needles and I found I could get them tight, but they would loosen as I worked the needles through the next set of awl holes. Any advice?

Thanks for looking.

[GrampaJoel]

You did a very nice job.

As far as the stitching it looks great.

To keep the thread tight as you go along I would use a smaller awl than thread.

Joel

[Holzmann]

Thanks for the praise and the advice. I think I could have pulled the stitching tighter, but I'm using waxed linen thread and I've had it break on me a few times. As for the awl size, I've been using an awl that makes a hole big enough to pass the second needle through without snagging the first thread. Is that wrong?

[GrampaJoel]

From what I see in your photo it looks like you punched the holes with a hole punch.

An awl will cut a slot but the slot should close up somewhat after the needle goes through.

See if you can get one of the hand sewing books from Tandy. It will show you what I'm trying to explain with instructions, and pictures.

Joel

[jmkjmk2]

Now that is sweet!

[Holzmann]

From what I see in your photo it looks like you punched the holes with a hole punch.

An awl will cut a slot but the slot should close up somewhat after the needle goes through.

See if you can get one of the hand sewing books from Tandy. It will show you what I'm trying to explain with instructions, and pictures.

Joel

Joel, (that's my little brother's name by the way),

I'm using a diamond blade awl to punch the stitching holes. The fellow who demonstrated this stitch for me was actually using a bigger awl than mine and threading both needles through the hole at once (a skill that's beyond me as i only have one particularly good hand). I'm using an awl that's just big enough to accommodate one needle beside the first thread. I think it opened up because I was too chicken to put a real good pull on the thread fearing it would break on me. after hunting season this year I'm going to pull it off the rifle to inspect underneath and i'm thinking of re-stitching it with a stronger waxed nylon thread at that point (unless the wood looks like it's suffering in which case I'll come up with a different fastening method).

Now that is sweet!

jmkjmk2, thank you kindly.

[TexasJack]

Nice looking leatherwork!

[liveneasy]

Great looking Cartridge holder. Thinking out loud, you might consider using a modified 'tuck an roll' along the bottom of the stock and integrate it into your design. Wet mold the holder and keep it in place with a washer or a custom made 'keeper' held down by the sling hardware.