hand sewing tips

[bruce johnson]

What kind of awls do you all use to punch holes, and how are the needles or blades sized?

L.A. Pat

Pat,

All awls are not created equal. I used to use Osbornes and Osborne blades. Worked OK, but like all Osborne tools, they sell you the makings of a tool. You have to tweak and sharpen and strop yourself to really get them right. I bought an awl and two different blades last year from Bob Douglas. They are much better in my hands than any others. They are sharp and polished when you get them. Remember that feel. You can order them directly from Bob at (307) 737 -2222. I expect Bob is probably headed to Wichita Falls this week. Vandy has them at Sheridan Leather Outfitters, their phone number is (888) 803-3030. The blades I have are a "regular" and "slim". He has a few handle sizes also.

[LAPat]

Thank you Bruce for your help. I was at Melanie Machine today to check in on my Bonis fur machine, which is in the hospital and I thought of you. Arnold showed me a fur machine that would sew King Kong. I get such a kick out of that place. There is something magical about all those specialized machines and the way Mr. Kay keeps them so clean. And your right, I do feel like he's taking care with me, not taking advantage.

I will check into the awls you recommended.

Best

L.A. Pat

[bruce johnson]

Pat,

Sorry but I can't resist this. Arnold is probably old enough and has been in the business long enough, that machine probably DID sew King Kong and Arnold sewed him. He probably also has the clicker big enough to cut the suit on one pass. Not sure if he told you, but at one time he owned a shoe factory that produced 5000 pairs of women's shoes a DAY for Sears. That was before that trade went overseas. Arnold knows machines and what they ought to do. It is fun to just walk around in there.

[Mike]

Not sure if I should start a new topic or not. I have white (natural) unwaxed 6 cord thread. I have used it in belts, checkbooks and so on without a problem. I wax it with beeswax and it still seems to stay white. It is what I used on the checkbooks on my website.

My problem is that this is the only size thread I have. (I'm not counting pre-waxed nyltex.) I would like thinner thread to use on smaller items or perhaps on inserts. Some books will tell you to create smaller thread from larger thread. Has anyone really tried this? I did and I won't be doing it again anytime soon. It was not much thinner when I went from 6 to 3 cords and it took too long.

Where can we get thinner thread and info on which needle size to use with them. This info does exist for machine threads. Most sewing machine manufactures have it available. Does it exist for hand sewing. The Stohlman book is good but seems to be dated. It does not cover light objects.

My checkbooks are too thin for a groove so I use a scratch awl to mark a line and very carefully use either an overstitch wheel or wing dividers to mark the hole locations for the awl.

Thanks,

Mike

[patricweill]

hello,

I may be a bit late on this, but there is an excellent tutorial about saddle stiching at british blades :

you will find it here : http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19963

hope it can help

Patrick