Good day all, It has been just over a year since I started getting into working with leather but due to work and other circumstances I had not touched it for many months. I think I was also getting bored with making little pouches etc as practice pieces. There is also the aspect that I do not get excited in making something for the sake of making it. I find it more inspiring to get into the workshop if I know what I am making is needed/wanted by someone. With that said, I took the leap into my first large project, be it a more rustic project vs. the finer leather work on here. :) A good friend mentioned in passing that he was keen to get a cartridge bag for when he goes clay pigeon shooting which reminded me of a pattern I saw on line. The pattern called for 2.5mm for the main body and other bits at half that. At the time I had some burgundy hide at 3.5 mm and figured all would be fine. It worked but bunched up in place. The second one was made with a navy blue hide at 2.5. Far from perfect but if I can be so bold to say, I was personally thrilled due to never have made a bag, piping etc. I've got one more I want to make for my uncle which I hope will be better yet!

Good day All, It's been a long time since I've posted but have been enjoying all the info being shared here! So, I splurged and got myself a few knives from Terry Knipp. As I am a very amateur hobbyist, this was a bit of a splurge and indulgent. However I am feeling a bit deflated as I have a feeling I bought something that I can't use. The two images showing the branding on the blade is what I take as the top side and what should face me when using but it's if one is left handed. I also included a better pic from the website. The other image is the backside with the point up to the left, which for me being right handed is how I would use it. The website states 'Meant to be used with the bevel side against the leather when skiving.' With all that said, am I correct that this is a left handed knife? I tried it with me holding it with the branding facing down and while I can get a cut, it's very difficult. Flipped over it cuts like a hot knife through butter. Hope this makes sense :)

Good day! So a bit of a mixed bag here. As mentioned in previous posts, this is all new to me and enjoying getting my feet wet. I have found that just making something doesn't give me motivation but making something that someone wants spurs me on. With that said, my second go at this was mending a favourite bag of a friend where the handles were chewed through by a dog. It was very simple but satisfying to have mended it. In said bag I found an old cigarette tin that had some sewing bits in it. She is big into crafts and uses this when going to craft events. So I thought I would surprise her with a rustic leather pouch for it. This weekend I had a go at this large pouch for another friend who was looking for something to store a multitool and mini flashlight in their vintage car. The video's are a massive help and equally so, all the posts on here which give some inspiration. Don't be too harsh hehe

Good day All, I purchased some hide which I plan to use to practice on, however I did so before joining this group and truly having any clue on what to look out for. The finished side looks and feels lush but I find the underside is quite rough and not as smooth as I would like. Main issue is after pricking it, the holes are not always visible due to it's texture. Skiving the edges is also a mess due to it's finish. Any tips on what product I can use to give it a better finish, both for working with and for the final product. The specific leather is HAIG 2.3mm Whisky Tan Many thanks, Perry

Good day, I know I should be practicing on leather scraps and getting my stitching down but wanted to have a go at a few simple projects as a learning exercise. The first image of the unfinished pouch was something `I worked on during a 1:1 course and under the watchful eye of the instructor. Plus, better lighting, tools, extra eyes etc. :) The second one was me having a go on a smaller version, lacking some of the tools, a VERY stiff clam (mentioned in the Tools section) and fighting with a gusset that is the same thickness of the body as I don't have a splitter. I was a tad deflated after seeing the results, fighting with the clam, stiff gusset but kept at it. Need to remind myself this is all new and literally only a few hours of actual work time. Be gentle hehe

Good day All, A quick hello from myself. My name is Perry and have joined in hopes of obtaining some knowledge and guidance in regards to leather work. I have absolutely zero experience in working with leather. I do however have a fond appreciating for all things leather and especially those that are hand crafted. I work in the automotive industry and specifically with a brand that is considered the benchmark for bespoke craftsmanship, including the fantastic leather interiors which are still made and crafted by hand! I am also an avid automotive enthusiast and fortunate to have a Morgan 4/4 which I was able to visit while it was being crafted and witnessed all the fine detail that went into it's interior. I've since came up with ideas for my retailer's inhouse trim shop to apply to said interior. It was this and a few other bits and bobs that then got me thinking that I should finally give this all a go. I don't plan on making things to sell on but rather learn the craft and provide some lovely gifts for my family and friends. Perhaps for the car as well. :) A few pics of Oliver for any of you that are also into your cars. ;)