Members DoubleC Posted October 7, 2012 Members Report Posted October 7, 2012 Suddenly I've found I'm afraid of doing something new....which has always been my strong point. I'm doing a multitechnique guitar strap and cut out the leather plugs quite a while ago. But it need a tree of live carved and stamped on it too. I have put that off for ever. today I PRACTICED on a piece of leather the same width as the guitar strap. I don't remember when I've ever practiced anything first...although I probably should have. To make it worse, it needs to be a maple tree which does not lend itself to the circular pattern you need for a tree of life. It turned out fine, and now I can dye the practice piece and antique it to clear the colors with the customer.....but I practiced it. Aren't we supposed to get more confident as we go along instead of regress? Cheryl Quote http://www.etsy.com/shop/DoubleCCowgirl
Members cjdevito Posted October 8, 2012 Members Report Posted October 8, 2012 I'm afraid of carving circles. I'm afraid of carving long straight lines. I'm afraid of carving parallel straight lines. I'm afraid of cutting closely spaces lines. I'm afraid of using any geometric stamp that doesn't indicate where the next impression should go (like how the 'teeth' of tri-weave stamps do). I'm afraid of how much dye the application of finish will remove. I'm afraid of cutting out pattern pieces. I never quite seem to get the edges as straight and even as I want when I cut them. Quote
Members Horrrk Posted October 8, 2012 Members Report Posted October 8, 2012 I'm afraid of carving circles. I'm afraid of carving long straight lines. I'm afraid of carving parallel straight lines. I'm afraid of cutting closely spaces lines. I'm afraid of using any geometric stamp that doesn't indicate where the next impression should go (like how the 'teeth' of tri-weave stamps do). I'm afraid of how much dye the application of finish will remove. I'm afraid of cutting out pattern pieces. I never quite seem to get the edges as straight and even as I want when I cut them. Hi cjdevito..whatever you do....don't look behind you.. BOOO.!!! lol.. And breathe..... Now go and drink some Earl Grey tea in a dark, quiet room.. (just don't stare at the shadows for too long..) Regards Phil Quote Being defeated isn't the worst thing in life..giving up, is..
Members cjdevito Posted October 8, 2012 Members Report Posted October 8, 2012 Hi cjdevito..whatever you do....don't look behind you.. BOOO.!!! lol.. Heh. I didn't say I let it stop me. But if I'm being honest, I dread all of that. Was an interesting exercise to make the list and figure out what I do dread and what I don't; if nothing else it highlighted to me that swivel knife practice is really what I need to be working on. Quote
Members Horrrk Posted October 8, 2012 Members Report Posted October 8, 2012 Heh. I didn't say I let it stop me. But if I'm being honest, I dread all of that. Was an interesting exercise to make the list and figure out what I do dread and what I don't; if nothing else it highlighted to me that swivel knife practice is really what I need to be working on. No..don't ever let it stop you.. lol.. I'm afraid of it all, when it comes down to it.. I've only done a bit of tooling so far and dyeing is my next big milestone, followed by hand stitching.. The forum helps, big time tho.. If there's a way, not to do something, you can be sure, someone, somewhere, will have done it and will be willing to help you avoid the same mistakes.. The rest is down to your own hand at the end of the day, which is helped along by practice..and possibly a large scrap bin.. Take care.. Regards Phil Quote Being defeated isn't the worst thing in life..giving up, is..
Moderator immiketoo Posted October 14, 2012 Moderator Report Posted October 14, 2012 Ok, I've decided that I don't like my stitch groover. Its the one thing that can kill a project and I always mess it up. Especially on inside grooves that theres no edge to follow. ^#^%#%@$! Quote Learnleather.com
Members DoubleC Posted October 14, 2012 Members Report Posted October 14, 2012 Mike I hate using mine to and even though it adjusts where I can put it on the edge of an inside groove, it's nerve wracking. I recently had two grove 4 lines on a dog collar, two for stitching and two to put pyramid spots on. I messed up the outside when I got to the strap end, ran it off them end and I'm just going to use some water and my modeling spoon to smooth it as best I can before I dye it and stitch it. I needed something to follow for the spots too and used a fork I have to line up where I should put them to be far enough apart and the holes marks don't line up? Same fork, started the same place, first 4 do and rest don't. What's up with that? LOL Same fork so I had to have use it differently some where along the way but they are close enough that as I set the spots I think I can alter that too. If not my dog will have a new collar and I'll have to start over. I agree with you assessment %&)U%%*)^Y!, Cheryl Quote http://www.etsy.com/shop/DoubleCCowgirl
Moderator immiketoo Posted October 14, 2012 Moderator Report Posted October 14, 2012 (edited) Mike I hate using mine to and even though it adjusts where I can put it on the edge of an inside groove, it's nerve wracking. I recently had two grove 4 lines on a dog collar, two for stitching and two to put pyramid spots on. I messed up the outside when I got to the strap end, ran it off them end and I'm just going to use some water and my modeling spoon to smooth it as best I can before I dye it and stitch it. I needed something to follow for the spots too and used a fork I have to line up where I should put them to be far enough apart and the holes marks don't line up? Same fork, started the same place, first 4 do and rest don't. What's up with that? LOL Same fork so I had to have use it differently some where along the way but they are close enough that as I set the spots I think I can alter that too. If not my dog will have a new collar and I'll have to start over. I agree with you assessment %&)U%%*)^Y!, Cheryl )(*^#(*^$_@+&$! are my sentiments exactly! This is why God invented sewing machines! At least in your case, you can say, "Aww fork it!" Mike Edited October 14, 2012 by immiketoo Quote Learnleather.com
Members DoubleC Posted October 14, 2012 Members Report Posted October 14, 2012 I USE a sewing machine, or one of three singers I own on a lot of my projects but since I can't sew a straight line anymore than I can score or cut one, having a line to follow is a big help :-) I have a 1908 Singer 28 HAND CRANK I use on most of my straps. I truly get tired of hearing so often how these things won't sew leather, LOL. I also have a 15-91 that's such a beast I can't keep up with it most of the time. It would sew my HAND to the leather strap if I let it. But keep in mind these old domestic iron machines won't sew leather.....Aw fork it, they do great jobs. Quote http://www.etsy.com/shop/DoubleCCowgirl
Members St8LineGunsmith Posted October 14, 2012 Members Report Posted October 14, 2012 without a doubt Dyeing and finishing is my biggest fears which is also a part of leather working i need more education on I have been thinking about going to the local tandy store on saturdays to get some training in that area. Quote No Matter Where Ya Go There Ya Are. Chattown Leatherheads American Plainsmen Society Society Of Remington Revolver Shooters(SCORRS) THE SUBLYME & HOLY ORDER OF THE SOOT, (SHOTS) The St8 Line Leathersmith I was Southern Born, I am Southern Bred And when I Die I will Be Southern Dead! I fly this Southern Flag Because my Ancestors Flew it in A war to ensure our God given rights against a Tyrannical Government. Heritage Not Hate!
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