gr8legs Report post Posted July 19, 2018 Hello all and thanks for a great site. I can't claim to be even a leather hobbyist - more like a 'hackerist' with an interest in many things mechanical. I stumbled (or Googled) into this site when I was interested in getting a sewing machine that would reliably stitch fabric webbing and a bit of leather from time to time. Our Singer 401 is a lovely machine but definitely not up to the tasks I had in mind. After studying the recommendations and conversation links on this site I found what looks like a pretty good cylinder arm machine at a decent price - so 'thanks all for your advice'! Long, long ago I did my first leather craft in Miss Hallock's seventh-grade shop class and my skill has only slightly improved since then. It was fun but I definitely could not make a living off of leather crafty work. It was a good thing I had more aptitude for electronics and software engineering. Now that I'm semi-retired (down to operating only three businesses) and still have a fascination with a variety of things it seemed like a good time to re-kindle a long dormant interest. Among my hobbies is collecting 'implements of human restraint' - my early interest in mechanical devices led to collecting handcuffs, leg irons, nippers, etc . . . which evolved into also collecting a few 'soft' restraints - many of which are either made entirely of leather & webbing or have significant leather content. Some of the items I find at local flea markets and garage sales (and, eBay of course) are a bit worn or otherwise in need of a bit of maintenance so I'm now studying this site for inspiration and instruction on doing some repairs. I hope it proves relaxing - I have enough stress already Thanks for reading - have fun! Stu Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rockoboy Report post Posted July 20, 2018 Welcome Stu. I wonder if your 7th grade shop teacher was as muddled as mine was? At least he (Mr Burns) instilled a love of leatherwork in me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gr8legs Report post Posted July 25, 2018 " I wonder if your 7th grade shop teacher was as muddled as mine was? At least he (Mr Burns) instilled a love of leatherwork in me. " It was a much different effect on me. I was in Junior High (grades 6-8) in 1960-62 and ours was a small school, maybe 80 kids per grade. MISS Hallock was THE shop teacher - from leathercraft to lapidary to wood shop, SHE taught it all and did it all. She also designed and built her own house and it was a marvel to behold. Truly a Renaissance woman. She may also have taught home economics but my memory is dim and also I did not take that course. It just wasn't done way back then. But 'muddled' was not in her character - and I still feel her influence when I think of stereotypical gender roles and how they just whooshed out the window with her influence. Thanks for the memories Stu Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
