Nakhla Report post Posted July 10, 2012 Hello All! This place is a great resource Well, I decided to take some first steps in this hobby, but I'm really not sure exactly where to put my resources initially. I took out a bunch of books on this from the library. There seems to be quite a bit to learn, so I figure what I want to learn first is the construction side of things before tackling stuff like dyeing and tooling ( i.e. not much use spending all that effort making nice looking leather and not be able to make stuff out of it! ). Reading up on sewing machines it seems they need to be rather expensive and specialized when it comes to leather, so I'm thinking of focusing on hand-sewing to start. So, given this as a starting point, I have a budget of 200$ to get started on this, what would you recommend I get? I don't have one specific project in mind, more some sort of all-around starter kit for making things like belts, bags, etc. without too much specialist equipment. Thanks folks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pete Report post Posted July 10, 2012 WELCOME!!!! I would start (with that budget) with a Tandy lucky 7 kit. Basic tools and you can afford a few "kits" to give you a feel for what you want to accomplish. They may be kits and not the greatest leather, BUT... you will still have to trace, cut, bevel, and tool them and start learning to lace/sew and finish edges. It would blow you away with what some of our craftsmen here could do with a starter kit and the inferior leather that some kits come with. Practice! 30+ years ago I made 2 or 3 starter wallet kits and by the 4th, it looked good enough to sell. Each one got better as my focus got better- now you have a forum to show your work and get feedback immediately!!!!! What a blessing to have a Bruce Johnson or Bob Park (and DOZENS of others) here at your disposal to critique each effort to make you a better craftsman!!!!!! Show us what you are doing and again welcome! pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted July 10, 2012 I think you are right to concentrate on construction first. Tools can add up real quick, and then you find that you want to make things that don't require them. $200 worth of sheridan style carving tools are no help when you want to make a non-western style pocketbook. If you lean more towards the non-western style, then hand sewing can become tedious, not to mention the length of time to learn to do it right, so you'll quickly need a machine. Coach and other high end companies charge thousands for their hand sewn bags, but they have the market, the most of us little people don't. I think after reading all the books, and spending a great deal of time reading everything on this forum, you'll be better able to decide on your first project. Whether it's a coaster for your living room table, or a tote bag, you'll be able to think it through, and buy the specific tools you will need. With every project you tackle, you can decide on the next tool, piece of leather, etc. Good luck, and don't forget to show us your projects as you complete them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
