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Hello from Canberra, Australia

Hi All,

My name is Samantha and I live in Canberra, Australia.

I love all handcrafts, and really appreciate beautiful handmade items of any type.

I began leatherwork in 1990 as a uni student - I did a short strapwork (saddlery) course at technical college at night for something different to my 'serious' studies. Our teacher was a retired saddler, and we learned traditional methods including how to hand-roll linen thread for stitching. I made bridles and headstalls with decorative hand stitching, and lots of belts which I was really happy with, but I never knew how to progress to anything that wasn't flat! I could not commit the time to do the next course which was making a saddle so my progress stalled and I eventually put my tools up (for 20 years).

Recently I have been making a lot of bags in fabric and cork (using a sewing machine), and whilst browsing YouTube for ideas, came across Phillip's videos and courses. Naturally, I couldn't resist signing up, and I have dusted off my old tools and started practising the basics of saddle stitching again.

I've decided I need a new awl, and I also want pricking irons ( I don't like the stitching wheel any more) - I am having trouble deciding what to buy, as everything has to come via mail order - which is slow, and you can't look before you buy.....

However - my old tools are not too bad for getting started again.

I love the videos and can't wait to decide on a first project. I did make the apron on the weekend with some leather I had on hand, and it isn't too bad - the instructions for measuring were great, thanks Phillip.

I have to hurry up and commit to a set of irons so I can get started seriously. 😃

Sam

4 comments

4 Comments

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William

Oct 06, 2022

Hi Sam, funny you mention that you don't like your stitching wheel anymore. I think I'd love to master stitching that way and stop using the diamond shaped chisels that I have.😂

Samantha

Oct 07, 2022

Replying to

Hi William,

Thanks for the comment.

I'd better set the record straight here! My stitching wheel (maybe I'm calling it the wrong thing?) is pictured below. It is a very basic tool but but does the job.

I find it very hard to make a straight line when marking out, and it marks the leather. I do need to slow down I think and that might help. I'll also experiment to see if I can run it along a ruler to help keep straight, but that will only work for shorter lengths. The problem for me is that I find it very hard to see exactly where the wheel is contacting the leather unless I look from the side - and that instantly makes my hand go off course!! That's why I was thinking the pricking irons would be better.

When doing saddlery items we used a groover to mark the course for the stitching and the stitching wheel was easier to control. I don't think the groover will be a good idea on finer and more detailed work - but Phillip please comment if this is wrong. (Also, this is poly thread - i am not hand rolling linen at the moment - and probably wont either :) )