New guy needs help

[valknutleather]

Ok I'll see about getting some better needles and learn to hand stitch. 

I'll probablygo through SLC because they sell it by the sq ft or etsy has some too

[Double Daddy]

Ditto what Dwight and JLS have proffered thus far...especially about HF and tools. My contact cement comes from Lowes (because its cheaper by the gallon and they're local to me)...I think my X-acto knife even came from Walmart (because that was where I just happened to be when I was lookin' for one)...my stamping "stone" is a 12" black granite tile Liquid Nail'd to a patio paver of like size (all purchased at HD & works marvelously for the marginal amount of stamping work that I do). Point being...I usually get what works for me without regard for professional trends (i.e. I personally have no need for a round knife or swivel knife). The only major purchase I have made has been my Cowboy CB3200 from Toledo Sewing Machine Co...the rest of my "arsenal" has been here and there and everywhere.

Now...some of you veterans don't be throwin' stuff at me here...but...FYI: Tandy's Leather Outlet has discounted "Low Grade Veg Sides 4 to 6 oz." on sale right now for around $70...complete with barbed wire drag lines, domestic violence markings, snow chain scars, etc. Granted it's no good for production work but its a decent amount of square footage (16-17sf) readily available for practice, if a person wanted to invest in it. When you're done practicing and learning...throw the unsightly pieces you made from it to the dogs to enjoy for chew toys and get you some HO or W&C leather.

http://www.tandyleatheroutlet.com/p-476-low-grade-veg-side-4-to-6-oz.aspx

GOOD LUCK!