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
Welcome to the forum Sam! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
I would use your old tools as much as possible, but if you need to add a few new pieces to the collection, brands like Wuta leather and Kevin Lee are fantastic for the price. They both produce pricking irons and awls.
Congrats on the new apron! With a little time it's going to break in beautifully.
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.😂