Good Morning!

[BettyJ]

Hi I'm Betty

I joined a little while ago but have been too shy to say hi.

Would like to say that this is a truly awesome resource. I've done many google searches regarding leather sewing machines and this forum has been the most helpful.

Just a little background on myself, I've only just started working with leather in January/February this year. I'm currently learning how to make leather handbags and accessories from my teacher, Anthony Vrahimis, up in Upper Holloway in London. It's been so amazing and I'm totally hooked.

I'm an Aussie and I currently live in London with my partner and two cats. We've been here for the last seven years and have enjoyed every minute. London is an awesome city, I really enjoy it here.

On to the leather working, well, so far, I've made one bag all by myself (of which I am very proud), a leather toiletries bag (which was part of our machining class) and I cut out and glued pieces for another bag. Because I hadn't done a machining course at that stage, my teacher sewed it together for me. I'm currently working on two little bags at the moment, one for me and one for my mum. These are both being made all by myself but under my teacher's guidance. He's currently teaching us different bag construction techniques and lining techniques. There is so much to learn but with every bag, something sticks and I keep getting "aha!" moments more and more frequently. I am having an absolutely fantastic time. I've also done a pattern drafting course with him which has been so worthwhile. I can now create patterns for bags where I previously had no idea how they were made. The only thing that kills me is that I can only do this on Saturdays as I work during the week. If I could spend my days surrounded by leather with the sounds of a sewing machine in the background, I can honestly say, I'd be a very happy woman.

I hope everyone has a lovely day and I'll definitely be snooping around the forums, gathering knowledge and information that everyone here has so kindly provided. May even put a pic or two up of my bags when I can talk my partner into helping me photograph them properly.

Seeya

Betty

[bluesman1951]

Hello ,and welcome ,what a plesant introduction about yourself. Its nice that you are enjoying your learning and your teacher . I have a small journey for you to take if you are up for it . So here goes : www.twistedfringe.com this site belongs to friends of mine . In my part of the world they are famous. The retail price of these bags exceeds 1,000 us dollars in some of the upscale shops in Santa Fe . Hope you enjoyed looking at the work . I look forward to seeing some of your work posted here . Bill

[BettyJ]

Hi Bill

Nice to meet you!

Thanks for the link. Your friend makes lovely bags. They are very unique.

Hopefully I'll put some pics up soon. Once my two little veg tan bags are done, I'll put up some images.

Seeya

Betty

[Havamal]

Welcome aboard Betty!

I agree that this forum is one of the best resources for help and information! Looking forward to seeing some of your work

[BettyJ]

Thanks Matt.

It really is. I'm quite impressed, to be honest. I didn't think I'd ever find anything like this and that I'd have to figure out a lot of leather working things by myself.

I'll post some pics soon. Currently all I have are dodgy iphone photos.

Seeya

Betty