Notebook/pen pocket protector

[MarkCdub]

This should keep my notebook and pen from falling out of my pocket everytime I bend over at work.  This project sat unfinished for a couple weeks, its really hard to find time to punch holes, when kids/wife are gone.  Anyway, gimme any critiques y'all want.

[Tugadude]

There's a lot of good work there, but also some room to sharpen up the details.  Details matter, so always try to make certain things are squared up as it immediately draws the eye when they aren't.  An example is the slot for the pocket clip.  It isn't level.  Next time put a square on the edge of the work and use it as a benchmark to avoid that.  Your curved bottom edges look very well cut and those can be challenging.

On the stitching I would suggest that you use a tighter spacing.  The stitches are far too long for such a small article IMHO.

I would go with 9 spi or so on a project like that.  If you are using chisels, maybe 2mm or 2.5 mm.

Also, you apparently were losing track of needle priority on some stitching lines.  I see evidence of dropped stitches, especially on the far left.  See how the attitude of the thread changes direction?  Should be uniform.  Are you using a pony so that you can properly saddle stitch without losing focus?  

You are definitely getting there.  Just need to refine some of the details.

[MarkCdub]

Yes, I am using chisels.  I jeed to order another set.  I am using a stitching pony, but it was difficult to align with the clip attatched.  I realized my lines were crooked too late and just wanted to complete it.  This is my third project, and I know my stitching is a bit rough, I started going the wrong direction (against the chisel hole angle).  Unfortunately I don't get alot of time to work so I haven't been able to build any muscle memory.  Thank you for the critique and words of encouragement.  My next project is a holster, gonna be a challenge.

[bikermutt07]

You are doing great for your third project. It's hard to progress when we have so little time to spend on our hobby. There is a member here that started within a month as me 3.5 years ago. His work is miles beyond mine. I think he may be retired. Or, maybe I'm just not that good.

As a small piece of advice.... I have started to end my stitches without so much back stitching. Especially in areas under no stress. Like on the 2 lines down the center, I would just get the front thread back to the back side, tie a knot with the back thread and singe them into a tiny ball. It makes for a less bulky end to the stitching, and again it's not under any stress in that area.

And, tap those stitches down after you finish to help them lay flatter.

Good luck and keep at it.