What Are You Afraid Of / What Dont You Like In Leather Working?

[DoubleC]

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

OMG I just grooved a stitch line on the guitar strap I'm working on and didn't screw it up......doing the happy dance

[Horrrk]

OMG I just grooved a stitch line on the guitar strap I'm working on and didn't screw it up......doing the happy dance

Woohoo!!

The happy dance is always good..

I'm afraid of people who don't do the happy dance.. lol

[DoubleC]

I am too Phil. Where are they HIDING there happy dance. But I've slowed it somewhat since I'm having to use a finishing nail and hammer to put my sewing holes on the overlays because my awl is making too big of holes and splitting the leather Painstaking one hole then hurry and sew while I can still find it. I'm working on the tractor right now, decided to do it first since it was going to be the hardest, pic below. I used a multi-technique on this strap and I like to happy dance a kick to my hind end

[Horrrk]

I am too Phil. Where are they HIDING there happy dance. But I've slowed it somewhat since I'm having to use a finishing nail and hammer to put my sewing holes on the overlays because my awl is making too big of holes and splitting the leather Painstaking one hole then hurry and sew while I can still find it. I'm working on the tractor right now, decided to do it first since it was going to be the hardest, pic below. I used a multi-technique on this strap and I like to happy dance a kick to my hind end

I'm not sure where they hide theirs..I've found its always good to keep it handy..you never know when you may need it..

Sounds like you're at a fiddly stage with your sewing.! That's dedication for ya when you're down to the nail..!

Oh and the strap is looking good now, by the way..the tractor is standing out well against the backgroung colour too..

You mean, you actually aim for your hind end with your happy dance kick?!? Hehe..

I think mine has more arm movements than legs.. I shall try to put more effort into the leg swings..

Now THAT'S scary!! lol

Regards

Phil

Edited October 16, 2012 by Horrrk

[DoubleC]

Actually no, I don't usually aim, I don't usually cross my happy dance with wanting to kick myself. But if I added more arm movements right now I'd probably wanna slap myself upside the head instead. The stupid tractor was my idea (love this guys music and he sings a lot of songs about disappearing family farms, small towns turning into ghost towns, things like that. He considers him the singer for the blue collar people who identify with their way of life disappearing. So I said, 'do you care if I try to put a rusted, broken down tractor on it?' So of course I cut it out like a TRACTOR, LOL. I mean I'm working on a 2 & 1/2 inch canvas of a guitar strap and I put stacks, the steering wheel, etc. Did I wonder how I was going to sew those without splitting them? ANYHOO, up doing the happy dance again to whit flag by Dido because the tractor is done The state will be easier (she says just like she actually believes it, well because she's deluded!)

Yeah I like the color combos. I was so glad when he decided on dark brown. I was tearing my hair out trying to make it work with the light he originally wanted. Every time I finish something like this I think I'm not afraid of anything anymore and that lasts until I pick up the next project!!!!!

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

OK, it seems like it is time to step in and make a couple of observations. I have read all the posts and they all are spot on for those who care about what they do. I found out early that a couple of simple pieces of advice will get you over all of the "hates" you have listed. First, the guy that coined the phrase "patience is a virtue", must have been a leatherworker! Always take the time to enjoy what you are doing and do it with the intent of enjoying it when you are done. Second, (this is a piece of advice given me a long time ago and it still holds true) seek out the person that has achieved the results you desire, and then ask him how he did it. ( there are lots of good folks on this forum that will gladly share their technique with you). Once you have found out how he/she does it, strive to do it the same way. Third, always strive to improve. If you follow these, you will find there is nothing that you will fear or hate in your quest to achieve excellence.

Bob

[dallyguy]

I am not so much scared of any phase of the project, as much as I am scared that the customer will not like the work that I have done. While this has never happened I am alway scared that they will not like it.

[immiketoo]

OK, it seems like it is time to step in and make a couple of observations. I have read all the posts and they all are spot on for those who care about what they do. I found out early that a couple of simple pieces of advice will get you over all of the "hates" you have listed. First, the guy that coined the phrase "patience is a virtue", must have been a leatherworker! Always take the time to enjoy what you are doing and do it with the intent of enjoying it when you are done. Second, (this is a piece of advice given me a long time ago and it still holds true) seek out the person that has achieved the results you desire, and then ask him how he did it. ( there are lots of good folks on this forum that will gladly share their technique with you). Once you have found out how he/she does it, strive to do it the same way. Third, always strive to improve. If you follow these, you will find there is nothing that you will fear or hate in your quest to achieve excellence.

Bob

Bob, this is good advice. While scared is a bit inaccurate, there is still a bit of trepidation about using my stitch groover on a mostly finished project. So, I decided to use a different technique for my freehand grooving and guess what? No problems, no more worry. Now, about 40 years of practice and I'll have it just right!

[Lurker]

My #1 hate is pricing the finished product. I know all the whys and hows for pricing it, and I know that it's worth the higher number but my nature wants to give everybody a good deal. Doesn't mean I always do sell low, just that I WANT to. Sucks to need to make money to live.

My #2 hate is stitching anything 10+ stitches per inch. Dang english bridles...I swear the person/s who decided they should be stitched so small was OCD.

[immiketoo]

My #1 hate is pricing the finished product. I know all the whys and hows for pricing it, and I know that it's worth the higher number but my nature wants to give everybody a good deal. Doesn't mean I always do sell low, just that I WANT to. Sucks to need to make money to live.

My #2 hate is stitching anything 10+ stitches per inch. Dang english bridles...I swear the person/s who decided they should be stitched so small was OCD.

Or paid by the hour...