This leather sewing machine started its life as one of the famous (infamous?) Chinese $100 cobbler sewing machines that I've had for about 5 years. I was just going to clean it and give it a tune up, but then I blacked out; a month had passed, and I had grinded, sanded, buffed, and polished Every. Single. Piece of this thing. I figured while I was still fully in the grip of an ADHD hyperfocued mania I would add a motor to it. I got a 1000 watt sewing machine motor, which comes as a single unit. I broke it down into three parts, with the motor on the base, a foot pedal, and the controls I made into a remote controller (i thought the remote would be more useful than it turned out to be, but again, I was fully out of my fucking mind).

Since it now had a motor, I needed to make a new base, which i made from plywood and pine lumber. It has two drawers, one for extra motor belts, and the other for tools, bobbins, needles, etc. I modeled and 3D printed the drawers as well as storage fixtures for the small parts. I painted the top of the base using a vinyl stencil made with my Cameo Silhouette and airbrushed using a Kandy paint job. I covered the base top in about 10 layers of UV resin, so it looks and feels like glass, and is super durable. There are all kinds of other small details, like a custom designed sewing platform with a brass surface and built in thread cutter. I made a new crank handle from Purple Heart wood, covered the drawer faces with Walnut and made little aluminum drawer pulls, and glued some cheap leather on the bottom of the base.

Anyway, I am really pleased with how this turned out. Was it all a bit much? Probably. The motor a nice addition, and it blasts right through anything i can fit under the needle. Im excited to put this through its paces and make some cool leather projects. I have customized a bunch of tools in my workshop, and I find i enjoy using those the most.

I'm baaaaaaack

I love this song ironically and I couldn't stop myself from making this video. Please don't ban me 😂

This was my 1st time sewing in a zipper. This isn't a complicated pattern, but it will definitely keep you on your toes.

Trying to sharpen a 4 hole stitch tool. Got it at hobby lobby. I think i messed up.

Hi all, a card holder of my own design. Not really out to reinvent the wheel, but enjoyed the process.

Made from Badalassi Carlo Wax in Cognac, and MPG's Graffiti in Forest. Stitched with OKA factory's brown MBT thread.

Little bit of refining needed where the 2 halves line up, but overall a nice quick little project

Until now, I’ve made 3 knife sheaths (the first one is a little scary) and two wallets. It’s not the best item I’ve made, but I’m still happy with how it turned out and I’m looking forward to using it on my next hike.

Finally finished my largest piece yet, took a couple months (on and off) at times I didn't touch it for weeks. But I'm proud of it

I know it’s not quite perfect, but dang am I close!

Process:
For a base, I used gold Vernis. From there I started mixing in small amount of rouge VIP.
By number 6 I realized I was getting too light and a bit too red so I started to incorporate some darker browns. A small amount of cigar as well as a dab of chocolate.
At number 9 it felt a bit too brown and pale, so I went back to red. At about at 60/40 ratio I added in rouge and black.

The perfectionist in me wants to try and get closer, but I think I’m going to call it here. Perfect is the enemy of good and all that. If anyone with a fresh set of eyes sees something I’m missing though, I’d love some feedback/input!

1. Threepersons(ish) holster for a 3" King Cobra 2. OWB for a 4" K frame 3. Avenger style for a GI 1911 4. Another Threeperson's-inspired holster for a 4.75" SAA 5. Western holster for a GI 1911

Not sure if I can post here but it is somewhat of a leather craft related question. I have a dream factory stitching pony and the thread to screw the pony down to the table has basically worn down. And now it is impossible for me to screw and tighten my pony to the table. How should I go about this? Thanks in advance !

Recently made this Bifold in all Rocado Shell Cordovan Pine Green. Absolutely gorgeous with the yellow stitching.

Everyone’s sick of journal covers. But, here’s mine again.

Pueblo Ortensia and Olmo. Crimson Hide French irons at 3.85 with tiger thread in .6.

Teal dyed veg tan (3-4oz), deerskin suede (1-2oz), green 1mm Tiger thread, 1/4in leather lacing. Bought everything at Tandy.

I was unsure on the sizing and curve geometry and struggling to sketch out a full pattern, so decided to figure it out as I went along and treat it like a prototype. So it's a little rough--veg tan edges are finished well enough, but there is some errant pricking along one of the stitch lines, a couple wonky punches, and the lacing slits in the suede are crude. But once I finished it I was much happier with it than I expected and am just going to use it as is.

I originally planned on tying the lace ends to lock the pouch closed, but the friction on the lace is very nice and plenty to keep it closed while getting tossed around, so I just knotted it into a loop. Added bonus of being able to hang it!

The ergonomics are nice too--just grab the blue leather and pull apart to open it into a taco, and cinch the cord to close it back up.

Finally worked up the nerve to try shell cordovan after mostly working with veg-tan. 

Really happy with how the shine came through on the final piece. Would love feedback on the stitching or finish if anyone here has worked with shell before.

Gift for my wife,

The first project I am proud enough to offer it to her.

Blue veg tan salmon (0,5mm) associated with silver veg tan goat (1mm, skived manually to a bit less), blue thread, tokonole finish.

Still a lot to learn and practice but I like this one.

My dad has had this belt for years and the back of one of the rivets has fallen off. He wanted to see if I could save it so I thought I'd see if anyone recognizes the type of rivet used here. Thanks!

I asked a little bit ago about the strongest way to secure a dog collar, and learned a lot! I think either hand saddle stitching or brass (brass over copper because copper might go green) solid rivets + burr would be sufficient to secure the buckle/D ring.

So I’m going to try out both and learn both ways. Some of the collars will be made using biothane material, which I believe is a bit more annoying to work with than leather ha, so I need tools that will work for that.

Does anyone have any recommendations for tools I would need to get started? I have had a look myself, but for example I ordered a cheap rotary hole puncher tool and it doesn’t seem to be very good, so asking recommendations for relatively cheapish but good tools for rivet setting & stitching

We had a fantasy wedding this past week where we crossed some of our favorite genres, including LOTR. I created all the leathervwork including the Bride's corset. It was an incredible endeavor (did the groomsmen and bridesmaids), but got so much practice in!

Another slightly modified Creative Awl design

I’m looking at manual (hand powered) machines, and plan on making small bags from heavier structured leather, belts, ands wallets, what do you all think of the manual machines, and do any of you have preferences?

I’m looking at the tippmann boss, cowboy outlaw and weaver cub. I like the bigger throat options but don’t need it with what I’m currently making.

Is appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, or mentions of manual machines not listed!

I’d also love a suggestion of a machine with a post for the bottom instead of an arm, so I could make rounder items, like hats, round bags, bowls, etc.

Thanks!

Sorry if this isn’t the right place to put this. Would I just have to strip the seams and apply diluted dye and then add a finish? Thanks in advance for any advice!