craftyhunnypie Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 Hi - I'm wanting to make my own handbags & purses. GOt some patterns in mind and know roughly how to do it - but where can I buy the treated & dyed leather from & the tools. I'm off to look on ebay & google, but wondered if any of you knew of any specialist places? Thanks. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenzin Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 I went on a course last year so i could make leather leads collars and belts , theres alot involved . The tools are very expensive and leather hide is also . Made a small collar for my Italian Greyhound on saturday and it looks fab , have also made rolled leads and collars plus a few bits and bobs , great hobby , but the Indian market has taken over the old tradesman , so trying to make a living now is almost impossible unless you can get a job with a master saddler ............ i'll get a few links but Abby and Marcus Gear are good companies to buy leather and tools from , but you'll be suprised how dear they are Heres ABBY http://www.abbeysaddlery.co.uk/ Tandy are o.k http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/LeatherGuide.asp Le prevo is a good site as there are alot of pictures http://www.leprevo.co.uk/ May be an idea to get a book from the libary aswell .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 (edited) The only thing i know about sewing leather is that you have to have specially shaped needles for stitching together - not much help i know! Edited October 24, 2007 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenzin Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 For starters you need an AWL they pierce the leather so you can get the thread through Very sharp and if you use white thread and cut your finger ", yep it stains the thread RED Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenzin Posted October 23, 2007 Share Posted October 23, 2007 Have a look at this work , it's a master saddlers work . His name is David May and he runs basic saddlery courses . Have a look at the prices and it'll explain why our English saddlers can't make a living anymore as people buy the cheap and nasty Indian version all the time as it's 80% cheaper . Probelm is quality leather is expensive to buy .. http://www.saddlerycourses.com/hunter/showcase.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted October 24, 2007 Author Share Posted October 24, 2007 Hi - I've looked at that website & those are the prices I would expect to pay for good quality leather & tools. I expected the leather goods that had been made to actually have been more money than they were. Saddles? I think I best start with bags first! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenzin Posted October 24, 2007 Share Posted October 24, 2007 Craftyhoneypie , you have expensive taste Making bags is fairly difficult , see if you can get a copy or plan of how to make one . I have a couple of hides, " one havvana and a black one , each cost £140 , the tools are expensive and you'll need to get alot , it really shocked me , but once you've got them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted October 24, 2007 Share Posted October 24, 2007 Craftyhoneypie - will you stop this!!! every time you come up with something new it gets me thinking!! I really cant afford it think i'll just stay with my knitting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenzin Posted October 24, 2007 Share Posted October 24, 2007 It's such a relaxing hobby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted October 25, 2007 Author Share Posted October 25, 2007 Crafters are devils for trying out new things, buying all the equipment - then ' going off' the idea!!! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenzin Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 Can confirm im guilty too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairy&cake Posted October 25, 2007 Share Posted October 25, 2007 ive got a baby pink Lamb Nappa skin, a whole one, about 1m square. It cost about £40. Its very very soft. I can get you one if you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
