Hi reddevil76...do u mind sharing your resources on where u learnt leatherwork and where we can get tools and materials?
Actually my friend does it for a living. So one day, I needed a toolbag for my bike, and he was too busy to do it. So he taught me to do myself. But the thing is, he is working while teaching me, so sometimes he will take the thing over, go "like this, like this lah.." and hand it back to me.
Then when I went back home and wanted to do things myself, I realised I couldn't do it. For e.g. braiding. He would start a braid and then show me how to braid. Then when I finish, and I ask him how to end it, he will take over and do it for me cos he was busy.
The problem then is, I knew how to braid, but I simply didn't know how to start it, or end it. I also didn't even know how to end my stitch. And things like wallets, how long? how wide? How much spine to account for bending? I didn't know, because I only made a tool bag. All these I had to learn simply by
trying out. I paiseh to keep bothering my friend especially when his time is his livelihood.
I mainly look to the internet for articles and resources. I would say 95% of the techniques I learnt are from the web, and
trying them out. As the materials my friend could supply me is limited, I also sourced my hardware from the web. Sometimes I get the wrong stuff, but i learnt. There are tons of them out there, but the bookmarks are all saved in my old fujitsu, so i don't have them anymore. i believe if you google hard enough, you will find it.
And as i go along, I also unlearnt some things I picked up earlier while making my first tool bag and re-learn new things to suit my decided direction. For e.g. stitching method.
There is no replacement for simply trying to make something yourself. For e.g. instead of asking someone else how big to make a wallet, measure dollars bills and cards yourself, and decide how big you wanna make it. Allowances for stitching edge, etc, actually is derive from common sense. There is no right or wrong. Who knows, you might just set a new standard instead of following current trends.
Also, I found that only after you have tried and failed, then you ask, you will understand the advise better because you can better visualise what the other party is describing.
However if you prefer a more structured learning approach, maybe you can approach OGL to see if they are conducting any workshops in the near future. There are also leathercrafting books for sale online which covers the basic skills.
But if there is a workshop, I think its the way to go, because you can then not only learn something, you can also "test" your level of interest rather than plonking down a huge investment then realise you no longer interested. Whatever basic tools you get from the workshop, you can add on to it as you progress. Even if you no longer pursue it as a hobby, occasionally still can make gifts for friends and family.
, hand stitch our craft this way.
