Yes, that is a “White Chicks” reference. After the fiasco from the store I visited yesterday, I finally got around dropping by the other leather supplies shop I have been keeping tab for a long time. I had a doctor’s appointment again and after it was confirmed that I still have a mild dextroscoliosis, I walked all the way to the store. I thought that I was already ready to work from scratch.
Yesterday, I had a little saddle stitch practice with a thrifted leather belt, and I eventually got the technique. Although I’ve read Al Stohlman’s instructions several times, I still accidentally pierce my thread while pulling the second needle. It usually happens when I haven’t waxed the thread enough, or I was just not paying close attention to how I pull the first thread. By-the-book instruction mentions I should redo the stitch when it happens, but being the stubborn person that I was, I just cut the fiber and I end up with jagged thread on some parts. Here is how it looked from the pre-pierced belt:
With my moderate success on practice, I was eager to try my luck looking for a reasonably priced hide. I had a color in mind and I even have the picture in my cellphone. When I entered the store and explained what I wanted, with a slight mention of my colorblindness, I laughed so hard to hear that the person who helped me was colorblind as well. The colorblind leading the colorblind. =P Anyway, Kuya Michael was really helpful and patient with my questions, and I was able to pick the right leather that I need for my project. He went on top of the rack where the skins were displayed and chose the best one with the least amount of nicks and deformities.
I was surprised that the one I chose was only around 9 square feet, a far cry from the 25 square feet minimum yesterday. I thought that was the minimum? Liza Minelli. I got a brown cowhide leather, which, looking back, was a lot thicker than what I should be working on as a novice. Good luck stitching the leather as I do not have a stitching pony. I should have gotten a thinner one.
So where did I buy this gorgeous leather? It was from Von Leather World. Getting there was quite easy. The map below is pretty self explanatory, and if you know where the Marikina Bridge is, you definitely won’t lose your way reaching their store. I also notice that if you Google Von Leather World, the address/map on E. Dela Paz Street shows up. I’m not sure if they have another branch there, or if they have moved from there to the one I had just visited, but your best bet is to follow my directions below. LOL The store has a very familial vibe that it was not intimidating to inquire a lot, contrary to the bustling store I had visited yesterday. They also stock exotic skins from time to time.
If you need more information, you can contact them at the following numbers:
Kuya Michael (+63946) 247-8684
Kuya Mario (+63910) 313-3320
Hi! I’m completely clueless about Marikina and I’m so thankful I found your blog. At least I now had an idea on where to look for supplies! Love your bag btw 🙂
No problem! And hopefully you won’t get lost with the maps. If you have other questions, you can always let me knwo about it 🙂
I did walk aimlessly pa rin..haha kasi I was looking for leather tools. I bought leather din sa Von Leather. They were so accommodating. I’m definitely going back there once I’m finished with my current stash. Thank you thank you talaga!
No problem! I’m happy people find this post useful and our city is really a nice place to look for leather craft stuff. 😀
Hi. I’m so thankful I found your blog. I’ve been planning to go to Marikina to buy some genuine leather, but before I do so, I’m hoping I can get an idea as to how much it will cost. Can you help me? 🙂
Hi! The hide I have posted cost me Php 700 if I’m not mistaken. They price it per square foot and you have to get the whole hide and they won’t normally cut it. But it is not fixed because it depends on the leather type — depending on thickness and grain type. 🙂
Your posts for leather in Marikina are heaven sent! I’ve been looking for information about leather, especially tools. I recently moved to Marikina and I pass by the market on a regular basis but I’ve never explored it for leather goods. Do the shops in this post have tools too? I’m a little hesitant to visit the shop you previously mentioned (the one with terrible customer service hehe). Thank you so much for the detailed information you’ve shared.
Just saw your other comment. Basta if I get to find another store to find these tools, I would recommend it for others to see. Share ka din if may nakita ka para may options tayo hehehe =D
Nice! Been looking for leather houses in Marikina before i go there. The one did u get for 700 is full grain leather right? Did they say something about the tanning process. Is it veg tanned?
That is something I could ask I guess, the tanning process that they do with the leather. I was just around the area last weekend to get more leather dyes and I forgot to pass by the store (or I deliberately avoided the place because I might be tempted to buy more leather LOL).