GregS Report post Posted February 2, 2019 Hello folks. Newbie here and obviously from Maryland, USA. I'm a computer guy, I'm going after my Masters in a tech field, many of my hobbies are messing with Raspberry Pi computers and playing around with Linux. I'm getting a bit burned out and I started looking for a hobby that I can do and kind of unplug while doing it. Kind of ironic that YouTube videos led me here. I just started this week and here's my first projects. First was the stitching pony in the background made from scrap wood in the basement. The veg tanned piece was just to give stitching a shot. Turned out to be the perfect size for my thread scissors, strictly coincidental. The black piece is what I wanted to make first, it's just to organize the multitool, pen and flashlight that I carry every day. I'm happy with how it turned out, but I did learn that I'm not a fan of that thin leather, it's a little stretchy for my tastes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miacova Report post Posted February 3, 2019 Hello Greg! I am a newbie as well welcome! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charlesfalzon Report post Posted February 3, 2019 (edited) Hello greg i am new too here i used to be a computer guy too 1 thing i would have made the stiching abit closer to the edge but thats just me probably i am wrong and someone qualified can give a better answer Edited February 3, 2019 by charlesfalzon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SilverForgeStudio Report post Posted February 3, 2019 Whats up Greg! Norfolk VA fellow here- Welcome the the madness! Wife and I head to DC/Baltimore some in the warmer months- Im pretty new as well here. Looks good for a start! If you havent found Nigel Armistead- look his saddle stitching vids up- Be safe and as always- have a great day! Kerri Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GregS Report post Posted February 3, 2019 12 hours ago, charlesfalzon said: 1 thing i would have made the stiching abit closer to the edge but thats just me probably i am wrong and someone qualified can give a better answer If I had planned on using it for anything other than stitching practice, I'd have planned out the stitching better. It really only ended up holding my scissors because I noticed that they fit. Next project is a wallet, I think. Or maybe a belt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charlesfalzon Report post Posted February 5, 2019 On 03/02/2019 at 9:04 PM, GregS said: If I had planned on using it for anything other than stitching practice, I'd have planned out the stitching better. It really only ended up holding my scissors because I noticed that they fit. Next project is a wallet, I think. Or maybe a belt. I have never made anything so bought the books recommended by members here but i am trying to setup my sewing machine first and will be practising like you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GregS Report post Posted February 15, 2019 Well, next project ended up being a cup sleeve. I wanted to give a baseball stitch a try. It's ok, but I'll probably take it apart and re-stitch it. I'm not happy with it, I don't like that I couldn't get the edges to line up. I also didn't get the stitches tight enough. I also will likely stamp it next time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rockoboy Report post Posted February 15, 2019 (edited) Personally, I think the thickness of your leather is your biggest problem. Its going to be very difficult to get a tight seam with that weight leather. All my baseball stitch attempts (both of them) have been on lighter weight and softer leathers. Also the slanted stitch-line dos not assist you with aligning the edges. This might need its own thread rather hijacking another thread, possibly? Edited February 15, 2019 by Rockoboy Question Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smartee Report post Posted February 15, 2019 Welcome! I'm a Marylander and newbie to leather as well. Looks like you're off to a good start! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted February 15, 2019 Welcome to the madness! Prepare your check book to be assaulted in ways you can't yet imagine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GregS Report post Posted February 15, 2019 2 hours ago, Smartee said: Welcome! I'm a Marylander and newbie to leather as well. Looks like you're off to a good start! Joppa? I'm just up the road a bit, I'm North of Bel Air, in Street. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smartee Report post Posted February 15, 2019 10 minutes ago, GregS said: Joppa? I'm just up the road a bit, I'm North of Bel Air, in Street. Not far! I used to live in Street and my parents still do Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GregS Report post Posted February 15, 2019 5 minutes ago, Smartee said: Not far! I used to live in Street and my parents still do Cool, small world. So where do you get your leather stuff? Are there any stores other than Tandy in Essex? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smartee Report post Posted February 15, 2019 57 minutes ago, GregS said: Cool, small world. So where do you get your leather stuff? Are there any stores other than Tandy in Essex? That's the closest place I've found. Also use e-bay and Amazon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GregS Report post Posted February 20, 2019 I picked up some snaps and wanted to give them a shot. I made up a couple of earbud holders. Not really a lot of work, but I used my hole punches, stained the darker one and installed some snaps. My daughter loved them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScoobyNewbie Report post Posted February 21, 2019 Those could easily be reindeer for next Christmas! Cute! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GregS Report post Posted February 21, 2019 13 hours ago, ScoobyNewbie said: Those could easily be reindeer for next Christmas! Cute! Wonder if they make red snaps. ;) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites