Another hello from France

[Klara]

Hi,

I feel I should apologise for intruding I don't know whether I even want to be a leatherworker (I'll certainly never reach the skill level of some of you), I do know that my Borzoi needs collars! Collars that I can't buy locally... 

So far I have woven them (I'm a spinner, weaver, dyer with my own sheep) but I want to branch out into leather. The first collar turned out ugly, but it is functional and the dog likes it. And the total cost was zero, as I have some leather lying around that I bought ages ago for making soles for indoor slippers before I realised nobody here wanted to buy knitted slippers. The leather is probably garment leather (got scraps from a wholesaler) and I've realised that it's not what is generally used for dog collars and video tutorials don't really apply, but as the French say: "On fait ce qu'on peut avec ce qu'on a" (you do what you can with what you have).

I have an idea for the second collar (and a curve ruler, which makes all the difference) but also a question, which I will ask in the dog collar forum.

 

 

[Retswerb]

Welcome @Klara! If you’ve made a collar already then it’s too late to wonder whether you want to be a leather worker - you are one! 

Post some pictures and ask away.

[Klara]

Here's the first leather collar. Made with household tools (but I hadn't yet heard about using a fork to mark stitches). As I said, ugly, but Rika doesn't care... And the leather is nice and soft. 

[Aven]

Welcome Klara.  We all start where we start and there is no shame in that because you are beginning a journey.  The collar is perfectly functional, so for that alone, it's a success.  The fact that Rita likes it is a bonus.  You have figured out how to make it with the tools you had on hand.  The next step is learning how to make it match the image in your head. 

Leather working, like most other things, is a mastery of a bunch of little things that allows you to create what you envision.  Like learning how to sharpen your tools, learning the best way for you to hold/control a tool or learning the order of steps for a project. 

You've made a fine start.  I hope you decide to continue.

[Klara]

And a second collar. Found (and sharpened) an awl, made a stitching pony, bought some cheap pricking irons/chisels and groover, and 3/4 around after 3 broken threads  I realised I really had to ply it. On the dog it looks okay, but I guess I need to invest in a decent tool for skiving. And I'd really like to try a French-style clam (which of course I need to make first...)

[JayEhl]

Howdy from Texas.  The thing about dogs is they're great about telling you how great you are and the stuff you make for them.     They'll never complain and are ready to show things off.   

[jimi]

Welcome to the forum Klara 

[Klara]

15 hours ago, JayEhl said:

Howdy from Texas.  The thing about dogs is they're great about telling you how great you are and the stuff you make for them.     They'll never complain and are ready to show things off.   

Might be true for dogs, sighthounds are more difficult. Rika does complain about collars with things hanging from them - no way she would happily wear one with tassels (which I think beautiful); she doesn't even like snap hooks. Does anybody have an idea for an alternative? The quick release and attaching of a snaphook, without the hook? I've thought about knots, but I'm very doubtful whether I'll be able to hold on to a straining 70 pounds with one hand while I  tie a knot with the other...

[toxo]

31 minutes ago, Klara said:

Might be true for dogs, sighthounds are more difficult. Rika does complain about collars with things hanging from them - no way she would happily wear one with tassels (which I think beautiful); she doesn't even like snap hooks. Does anybody have an idea for an alternative? The quick release and attaching of a snaphook, without the hook? I've thought about knots, but I'm very doubtful whether I'll be able to hold on to a straining 70 pounds with one hand while I  tie a knot with the other...

Welcome Klara. You're doing well so far. Maybe look at coursing dog collars like Greyhounds, lurchers etc for inspiration. They use quick release all the time.

[Klara]

Thanks to a mention here in the forums I've already found lure coursing collars. I think they are a brilliant idea and I just ordered the D rings to make some. But they are not for taking the dog on a walk. Well, I suppose one could, but then one would have to take off the collar to release the dog and I've learned the hard way that it's easier to grab a dog if it is wearing a collar (or harness). I have a short lead that has simply a loop at one end and I pull the other end through to attach the lead to the collar, but that is a short lead. I'm looking for a brilliant idea for leads of 3 m and more... But I think there is just no way guess the various snap hooks have been invented for a reason.