Nigel Armitage's forthcoming book

[Klara]

On 3/30/2020 at 5:40 PM, Dangerous Beans said:

...

It is not yet the book I want to write, neither is it the book I have been asked to write.
I was asked to write what was, in essence, a craft-based project book but there are many like that already out there, so we came to a compromise.
There are of course projects and the techniques focus on the more modern tools rather than the traditional so pre-pricking of holes is the theme with very little awl work. I think trying to get over all the details of the traditional saddle stitch would take a book in itself.

...

 

Thanks a lot for explaining! Of course, traditional saddle stitch is the topic of about half a book which already exists, but I was still somewhat disappointed that from the little I could preview of your book it doesn't seem to be in there at all. I can understand Schiffer's reasoning - it must be easier to sell a book about making pretty things than one about the fundamentals of a craft (Interweave have sadly gone the same route recently) - but I want to at least be given a chance to do things the traditional way. If you ever get a chance to write the book you really want to write, please let us know! And you could tell Schiffer that there are people out there who want to learn techniques which they can then apply to lots of projects they think up on their own (I generally know what I want to make, but not necessarily how). Your projects seem to be interesting though, which is why I'll order the book.

[Rannoch]

My copy arrived, so here is my first impression, FWIW.  

The first thing that impressed me was the high quality and production value.  The photography is beautiful.  The printing, design, format and binding are all top notch.  It's a beautiful book.  There are plenty of opportunities to drool over Nigel's signature stitching, pattern making and finishing.  It's organized very well and projects proceed from one to the next in a graduated, intentional way so that the student, especially someone who is new to leatherwork, builds skills and understanding in an easy, natural flow.  The content is just what you would expect from Nigel Armitage.  It is, in a word, excellent.  This book is a good back up for Nigel's pattern packs, and people discovering Nigel through the book can move on to the pattern packs without missing a beat.  The fundamental techniques, skill sets and how-to, like pattern making, make this an essential volume for any serious leatherworker.  The projects themselves are not mind blowing (sorry Nigel), but they well serve the purpose of clearly showing the techniques and skills.  If you want mind blowing projects then order Nigel's pattern packs.  I give it five out of five stars.

As a side note, there is a strong European/British emphasis, which shouldn't come as a surprise, nor does it weaken the book for North American leatherworkers.  If the publisher, which is based in the US, had made a bit of an effort to include North American leather, hardware and tool suppliers it would have made the book slightly more useful.  Given the size of the North American market this is an irksome oversight.  I use Rocky Mountain Leather Supply in Utah quite a bit, and they would be a good source for many of the leathers, tools and hardware Nigel references.  Ordering from the UK can be expensive and a hassle.  Also, US Customs can sometimes be maddeningly difficult when it comes to importing leather.  Besides there are many excellent suppliers in North America.  Tandy, Weaver and the Buckle Guy will have much of what you might want after reading the book, however RMLS specializes in European tools, leather and threads.

I hope this has proven useful.

Edited April 20, 2021 by Rannoch
trying to make it a better bit of writing

[Klara]

@Rannoch Thanks for the review! But have I understood correctly, from the three pictures in Amazon and Nigels above message, that all the projects are made by punching the holes prior to stitching? Is the use of the awl explained at all?

[Tugadude]

 

Nigel sometimes drops in for a visit here.  I'm sure you could PM him for his input.

 

 

Edited April 20, 2021 by Tugadude

[Klara]

I'll probably order both books (Armitage and Michal) and keep the one I like better. Or both, if I can't decide.

[Rannoch]

6 hours ago, Klara said:

@Rannoch Thanks for the review! But have I understood correctly, from the three pictures in Amazon and Nigels above message, that all the projects are made by punching the holes prior to stitching? Is the use of the awl explained at all?

Nigel does briefly explain how to use a pricking iron or wheel and an awl, but he quickly moves on to stitching irons as an easier and more accessible way of making holes for stitching.  He doesn't go into great detail on how to stitch with an awl, the method of which could make up a whole volume on its own.  The section on saddle stitching is well illustrated and well worth reading even if you've been saddle stitching for years.  Nigel always illuminates something for me, which is why I watch his videos over and over again. 

Overall, the book does a great job of keeping things simple and clear enough for beginners, while offering insights and details more skilled leatherworkers will appreciate.  

Nigel's daughter took the beautiful cover photo, and he sourced many of the other photos himself.  The photography is really great.  

Compared to other books on the market intended for beginners as well as advanced leather workers, this book stands out as being very good.  

1 hour ago, Klara said:

I'll probably order both books (Armitage and Michal) and keep the one I like better. Or both, if I can't decide.

What is the title you refer to as being by Michal?

[Sheilajeanne]

Ooooh, going to put this on my birthday wish list!  

[Klara]

S

14 minutes ago, Rannoch said:

...

What is the title you refer to as being by Michal?

Sorry, lost an "e": Valerie Michael, The Leatherworking Handbook 

[Tugadude]

To be fair to Mr. Armitage, he has indicated that this isn't necessarily the book he has wanted to write.  I'm sure at some point he will offer a more comprehensive text on stitching with a saddler's awl.  

Update!  A second book is in the works.  You can find out more on Nigel's Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/ArmitageLeather/

[fredk]

55 minutes ago, Klara said:

. . .  Valerie Michael, The Leatherworking Handbook 

A most excellent book. I have it and I can recommend it