Don't be a one trick pony.

[immiketoo]

Well, shoes are as complex as saddles I think.  It's normal to be intimidated by them.  I'd like to make a pair or two as well.

[battlemunky]

Yeah, shoes, definitely are on my list too. 

Luckily for this thread anyway, I'm inexperienced enough to where I'm intimidated by most things so I have a ton of new things I want to try. Tooling is definitely something I'm working on improving but am no longer intimidated by it, I just know I need work which comes with more practice.

One thing on my list is to get away from raw veg tan. I want to try  a few sides of different colored leather instead of dying all my own. I see Nigel's videos and he's using pre-dyed stuff a lot of the time and the convenience appeals to me.

I'd also like to try working with more chrome tanned leathers but the little bit I've used doesn't behave anything like veg tanned so I don't even know how to think about executing with it. Floppy. How?

[immiketoo]

In reality, me too.  I am good at a few limited things, and I need to expand the skill set.

[Handstitched]

15 hours ago, immiketoo said:

I HAVE to learn something new all the time.  

Thats what I thought too. So I did.   I had to diversify   where I  live, and not just in leather. 

When a customer asks me " have you ever made one of these?.... No, but I'm happy to learn "  would be my first response . Or " I've never made one before, but I like to find out"   etc. So ,  thanks to the faith that some customers have had in me over the years , as well as my own yearn to learn ,   I've been able to learn all sorts of leather related  jobs,  harness repairs, hand bag repair, custom jobs and/or repairs etc.   These jobs  I would have refused in my early days.  

But, I have  also done so many things in leather purely for my own  edification ....and,  purely  for the fun of it . Its a case  of,  " Stuff it, I'm gonna  make one , and I don't care if anyone likes it or not "    Just like a leather hat I'm ( slowly)  making , theres no market for them here....but I wanna make one anyway  Its also good advertising   . 

But now, I also do horse rug repairs,  and canvas repairs etc. 

If I was to be a ' one trick pony' I never would have survived as long as I  have.  

HS 

[immiketoo]

1 minute ago, Handstitched said:

Thats what I thought too. So I did.   I had to diversify   where I  live, and not just in leather. 

When a customer asks me " have you ever made one of these?.... No, but I'm happy to learn "  would be my first response . Or " I've never made one before, but I like to find out"   etc. So ,  thanks to the faith that some customers have had in me over the years , as well as my own yearn to learn ,   I've been able to learn all sorts of leather related  jobs,  harness repairs, hand bag repair, custom jobs and/or repairs etc.   These jobs  I would have refused in my early days.  

But, I have  also done so many things in leather purely for my own  edification ....and,  purely  for the fun of it . Its a case  of,  " Stuff it, I'm gonna  make one , and I don't care if anyone likes it or not "    Just like a leather hat I'm ( slowly)  making , theres no market for them here....but I wanna make one anyway  Its also good advertising   . 

But now, I also do horse rug repairs,  and canvas repairs etc. 

If I was to be a ' one trick pony' I never would have survived as long as I  have.  

HS 

This is the best example of why learning new skills is important.  That and keeping your sanity!

[Handstitched]

.....and I'm still a learner......... and loving it  

And don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone, , " venture into the unknown" , as the saying goes,  sure , you  might make a few mistakes, but you could also  find a hidden talent and surprise yourself     

I'm even excelling with horse rug repairs these days too. Some rugs  that come in are absolutely  and totally destroyed , but,..... I still manage to repair them, and the customers are happy  .  Thats down to much practice .  Perhaps some other repairers would probably refuse them in such poor condition. 

HS

Edited November 8, 2018 by Handstitched

[Rockoboy]

12 hours ago, immiketoo said:

I want to make wallets that arent an inch thick while empty, etc

That has been my nemesis for 40 years, and I am yet to make a wallet. At least I am moving in the right direction. I have just bought some die-cut horween wallet backs. (the 1st horween I have ever seen). 

So the fun is about to begin ... sometime before I fall off the perch!

[immiketoo]

Can't wait to see what you make.  Also can't wait to get my hands on some horween!

[ScoobyNewbie]

But it is easy guys. You are already doing great stitches. Tight, small, straight stitches are what make a bag look either great or amateurish.

I will admit that bags are hard to use a pony with, but other than that,  nothing to speak of.

Personally, I like a turned bag with stitching inside. That means a liner. My bag for myself is going to be made of a beautiful bit of latigo, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to turn that! 

With my sisters bag, I’m making a lining that can be inserted, or removed when the owner gets bored with it. Or it needs washing. Lol.

Like I’ve said I’m a big fan of waterproof liners and removable ones. 

I’ve really got to get some pictures up...

[Rockoboy]

9 hours ago, ScoobyNewbie said:

I’ve really got to get some pictures up...

That you do! Pics, or it didn't happen. Them's the rules.