Hello from Northampton, UK

[LumpenDoodle2]

Welcome.    

Coming from the ‘sewing world’ definately gives you a head start in leatherwork.   You can see the finished product in your head so much easier, and patterns are easier to make.

Certainly, somewhere like Tandy is too tempting, and you can start buying things you find you never use.     I bought the cheap Chinese stamping tools, and then bought the quality replacement tools I found that I actually used.   I would also suggest you start checking out the other leather outlets, you can definately get a lot of better deals than the Tandy shops.    Not just leather, but tools, thread, and whatever.

Oh, and be patient over buying the sewing machine.    Too many used machines out there turn into money pits, unless you are happy to service and repair them yourself.    So even if you go for a new machine, try to arrange to give them a test sew, to see how you get on with it.   Just the same as you would if buying a ‘domestic’ sewing machine.

Even thread is a test and try out thing.   I’ve used the fil au chinois thread, and it’s nice, but the Tiger thread does it for me.   

The one big thing I have learned so far, you never know where this leather thing will take you, or what you end up specialising in.   It’s a fun journey, though.

Maureen

 

[Orangeleather]

On 10/05/2018 at 12:56 AM, dibsandthemachine said:

lol thanks Orangeleather. I go there now on my lunch breaks, just to smell leather . They have an open workshop every Wednesday evening where people like us can come and use whatever tools and supplies they have available and also get advice on our projects. That’s really handy for me because I can use all the tools I can’t afford now.

Wednesday evening' you say? 

 

Interesting and also dangerously tempting...

 

Thanks for the info.

[harryhorse]

Welcome to you!  I think the next time I wish Tandy were closer, I'll read these posts.   I live 250 miles round trip to the closest one in my state.  Probably a good thing.  The last time I went I allowed myself only 45 min, and got out in 30.  

Your background in designing and making clothing will help you for certain.  If push comes to shove, you will find that your background will come in handy with the leather work.

Dinah