Am I just passing Thru?

[CZoc]

Introducing myself, Chris from Tennessee.

This has been a strange journey that has brought me to this forum and leather working. My passions have always been building and creating things , mostly from wood and steel. I have made furniture of all types, and from many different materials. Repairing and rebuilding things gives me a special pride and I have used all these skills in every aspect from cars to antiques. I love hunting, and have a great collection of guns and gear. I am never afraid to take apart anything, and rarely give up until its fixed , refurbished or I buy the tools needed. Its no surprise that I have the aptitude to learn leather working, but I had no idea how fun it would be.

I am 53, married with two great kids (soon to graduate college) and about 18 months ago I was asked that horrible question."what do you want for Christmas". I indicated a leather working kit. I had looked at them and wanted to try my hand at a holster. We recently refreshed some carry guns, and it was time to go custom on the method of carry. I have been pumping out leather goods of all kind ever since.

I have made everything from holsters, sheaths, shotgun butt covers, bible covers, kindle covers, guitar straps, key chains, and probably some other stuff I cant remember. Recently after selling my brother my George Lawrence saddle, he asked for some saddle bags. I thought No problem, except I refused to sew any of it by hand. I started looking at sewing machines, and that's why I'm here today.

I have realized.....Chevy, Ford, Craftsman, Colt, or even Browning cant compare to an early model SINGER !!!! 

Never having even seen one before 6 months ago, Im on my second 29-4 rebuild. All my passions have come together almost like it was meant to be. I know this sounds sorta dramatic, but I also have a real appreciation for history. Not much for antiques (except my belgium A5 Auto) I have learned that these machines were truly a remarkable piece of engineering. I own something that is better than 100 years old, and it works just as designed. If it could only talk right?

Anyways, I plan on making some mods to this second one and will post some pictures when I get time. I have browsed this forum during the entire journey and picked up a lot of great info. I just wanted to say hi and thanks. Im not sure if this is a phase, or if Im just passing thru, but Leather working, the tools, and the finished product all occupy my thoughts and time. 

signed, Glad to be part!

 

[alpha2]

Hey, we're all just passing through, right? Congratulations on your new passion. There a LOT of machine gurus on the forum. 

[bikermutt07]

There's a lot of guys in Tennessee and Kentucky on this forum as well. I wish I could find local leather guys to visit with.