My first leatherwork project

[red devil]

I've been looking at a lot of the amazing leatherwork done by forum members, and fancied trying something myself, so here it is, my odds-and-sods pouch:


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The skin is actually camel hide which I got from the Barrhead Leather Company on the southside of Glasgow - it only cost £10 for a huge skin but, in truth, it's probably a wee bit thick (about 2.5mm) for a pouch - I had trouble marking it for stitching because my awl hasn't arrived through the post yet what with all the snow.
I used linen for the stitching and would have waxed the linen with beeswax - but that's in the same parcel as my awl!
The drawstrings is made from three pieces of leather thong braided after a short soaking, so it should tighten up nicely and then I'll oil or wax it, as it's a bit stiff.
I really enjoyed making the pouch, which I'll use for fishing/camping, but my fingers are sore as heck - what a wuss!
Be glad to hear any comments/criticisms/tips.
Cheers,
Steve

 

[dave53]

nice job there steve ive just stripped down a handbag for the leather so i can make something similiar regards dave

 

[Indoorsout]

Looks good I know what you mean about the fingers though, mine are aching after doing a pouch today!

 

[Barn Owl]

Nice piece of work there.

 

[lucifer93]

Well done mate it looks great.

 

[red devil]

Thanks for the encouraging words, much appreciated.
I learnt a lot doing it:
Be patient and wait for the postman bringing your shiny new awl and beeswax, 'cos they'll make life easier
Be patient and plan things out in advance
Be patient and do a job right the first time, or be prepared to do it twice
Be patient and don't hurry 'cos your tea's ready because you will make mistakes
Be patient with your daughter 'cos she wants to help daddy sew his bag

There's a theme there, isn't there...
Cheers,
Steve

 

[rancid badger]

Never mind, after a few years the fingers harden up, as well as strengthen! You find that, with time you can push and pull needles through thickness's of leather, that before; you needed a pair of pliers to do

Looks a nice piece of work and I like the sound of the camel hide too

cheers

R.B.

 

[Bluemerle]

Nice work, trying to be patient waiting for my tools to arrive!

 

[red devil]

Never mind, after a few years the fingers harden up, as well as strengthen! You find that, with time you can push and pull needles through thickness's of leather, that before; you needed a pair of pliers to do

Looks a nice piece of work and I like the sound of the camel hide too

cheers

R.B.

Hi RB,
The camel hide is ok - it's quite a heavy hide with a nice finish, sort of mid-brown/tan colour, but it's a bit too heavy for pouches.
I'm going to look at maybe using it for a sheath for my axe, or for a larger pouch for my daughter to carry her art materials/sketchbook in (but don't tell her... it's a surprise!).
If you PM me your address I could send you a small piece - enough for a pouch the same size as mine maybe.
Cheers,
Steve