JRDill Report post Posted July 26, 2015 I wasn't sure which sub forum to put this under, so I figured this would be a good place. I wanted to start a thread to document my journey and progress as I grow in my leather experience. Last night I was finally able to unpack all of my Grandpa's tools from the storage bins I had of them (http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=64178 this thread in "Getting Started explains that a bit). I have yet to organize or catalog what toold I have, mainly because it is a lot! Here are some photos of my work area. I'm about 75% set up. Missing a few essential tools for belt making, which I will start soon, but other than that I am pretty set! Cool and old Stamper! Grandpa's first leather project was to make covers for all of his Al Stohlman Leather courses! Here is the cover ABC Stamps he used most often More alphabet/number sets Most of the tools. I still have a shoe box of stamps and another with more carving/design tools. Can someone tell me what the second to last from the left tool is (the ones laying on the desk)? It's got a small allen wrench looking attachment on it. I am set on dyes (especially black and dark brown), for the next lifetime. All of his traced patterns he ever used! His first swivel knife. My favorite part of the collection. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Blea Report post Posted July 26, 2015 (edited) Nice collection! I think the tool you were asking about is a Tandy stitch groover, but a close up picture would help. That home study course looks amazing. It would be cool to see what is inside. Edited July 26, 2015 by Bob Blea Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oldtoolsniper Report post Posted July 26, 2015 The picture of that swivel knife in your hand says about everything you could say about what those tools mean to you. Thanks for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrbeebs23 Report post Posted July 27, 2015 Love it! Glad to see you're carrying on Grandpa's leather legacy. Enjoy the process! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRDill Report post Posted July 27, 2015 I believe it is a Tandy stitch groover. And the study guide is great. Apparently he would do practice carves and tests, then send them in and they would send back a grade and critique. I'll post some photos some time of it. Thanks for all the comments! I will be updating this thread often as I learn and grow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRDill Report post Posted July 30, 2015 *UPDATE* 07/29/15 Today I did my first hand stitching, and I think it came out OK. I bought Al Stohlman's book on the topic and it was a huge help. Instead of using an awl for the holes I used a 2mm chisel. I think either the holes are too big or the thread is too small. What do you guys think? I really need to practice using my overstitch wheel. I guess the best technique would to go slow and steady? The back side doesn't look nearly this good. I'm wondering if re punching the holes on the back side will make it a little cleaner? I kept practicing by stitching up a little keychain I'm working on as well. I stitched this three times total so a lot thicker. Any and all critique/feedback is very much appreciated! Also, before I forget, I promised I would share some of the pages from the Al Stohlman take home course! I'll share more as I go on. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Blea Report post Posted July 31, 2015 For a first time stitching I don't think your work looks bad at all. You might be right about too big of holes, it's a little hard for me to tell. Thanks for sharing the pages from the home course. That looks like a treasure to me but then I love old books. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRDill Report post Posted August 1, 2015 Thanks, Bob! Yeah that book is wonderful to look through. I have five of them in total! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwican Report post Posted August 1, 2015 Wow, what a legacy. Its fantastic that you are carrying this on. Hali was right, you have a treasure indeed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRDill Report post Posted August 4, 2015 Today I spent a lot of time just working on my hand stitching. I made a "prototype" of a simple credit card wallet as a way to practice my stitching. Now that I am getting comfortable with stitching, I am going to start making some of my wallet ideas, once I get some good leather in. Oh...and don't even ask about the belt I tried to make today. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted August 4, 2015 Have a look on YouTube at Nigel Armitage's videos. Amongst others, he does one on the saddle stitch, and one on making a simple wallet. The wallet one is also a good introduction to basic leatherwork and can be applied to other items Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
club49 Report post Posted September 8, 2015 Do you have any of your Grandfathers work? You are very lucky to have all of his tools. Good luck ,you are off to a great start. Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rnuo2011 Report post Posted September 16, 2015 the book is very elegant, looking forward to your more sharing . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
