The first cut is the hardest

The parts of the bag

Last Saturday night, I’ve spent several hours figuring out what my actual leather craft project would be. I thought hard and I was too afraid I’d ruin the skin that I had earnestly searched for. It did not help that looking at the hide, its odd shape just made me shudder more to think that it came from a real animal. I had to give the leather some justice. I even had to cut a pattern from paper and assemble the parts just to see if they would work once stitched up. This is where my imagination should work vividly because I cannot afford to mess up. When I finally put the cutter on top of the leather, I was careful not to make a mistake. It was a lot harder than I had originally expected because I was too paranoid. It took me until Sunday noon to finish the cutting of the parts, and when I was already done, I knew I cannot start stitching because my hands were a bit shaky from all the nervous cutting.

When I have started sewing the first leather strap, I noticed that the holes were not as ‘clean’ as I hoped them to be. Maybe I had false expectations from the already done belt I have practiced on because, well, it was already finished. I had a couple of tries before I finally get to even the stitch for a bit. I am happy to see, though, whenever the two threads form a knot close to the leather upon closing the stitch. I guess I am more or less doing it right. =D

Again, I cannot state enough how much I need a stitching pony. Instead of a pony, I am using a foot. It was not the most pleasant position because I should be using something more practical to secure the leather while punching the holes with the awl. I was always careful not to prick myself with the needle or the awl, and I guess it was already difficult with a proper stitching equipment to begin with. My left foot is already cursing me now.

Première victime – the leather strap

Back of the strap

On a brighter note, what was the part that I love the most? It was hammering the stitches in place! I picture myself as an artisan with a proper apron, as I delude myself that I make the greatest and most uniform stitches. Sometimes, I wonder whether I should have bought the pricking iron because the stitch marker was a bit wobbly when I run it. However, it cost php 450 and it was a bit much since a stitch marker plus awl combo still acceptably does the trick. At this rate, I also wonder when will I finish with this project. I wasn’t even able to do a single strap in one morning, how much time do I need to stitch the body of the bag itself? Saddle stitching is obviously a test of patience, so I tell myself “Just keep stitching! Just keep stitching!”

Almost done with the first strap