I have had this leather since my 9 year old boy was a baby and just haven't dared use it. This is the year of no fear for me. I'm committing to my projects. I'm just gonna DO IT!
So I did...
*wiping brow*
So this turned out to be a medium sized purse. With shoulder straps.
An over the shoulder phone holder...
*cricket cricket*
It was supposed to be completely different, but my pattern evolved several times over the years. I consulted my mom who knows all things sewing and asked her if she thought I could sew leather on my Brother sewing machine. I also consulted the world wide web. Everyone said go for it. Go for it with a heavy duty (leather) needle mind you, but go for it.
I forgot to take pictures about halfway through the process because I became so engrossed, but here are the ones I did get.
At the first.
When it was easy...errr easier.
I sewed right sides together and then sewed across the corners to make the bottom boxey (is that a word?).
I used clamps (off curtain clips) to hold it in place. No pins obviously because unless you want a sieve instead of a purse, you don't want to pin it.
Also, put tape on the bottom of the sewing foot so the leather slides right through. Also, you should use polyester or another 100% synthetic thread on leather.
My leather was soft and a little on the thin side so my machine did just fine. The needle I had in my machine didn't fare so well, but it lasted up until the very end. I put in a heavy duty jeans needle though (because no, I didn't have a leather needle, and no, I wasn't driving 45 minutes into town to get one) and finished strong.
This experience was exhausting and exhilarating. Something that I never want can't wait to do again.
This purse didn't turn out picture perfect, but it's perfect in its function and it's leatha (!!!) and I finally committed to my project. Bonus, I learned a whole lot in the process and now I don't have to carry around a gift bag for my purse (or buy a leather sewing machine).
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