Today I used a $3 purse from Goodwill. Cut it up and used a small piece to make a black 20mm strap with metallic green stitching. I used a brown leather underneath and added a bit of padding. It is as smooth as an old purse! Have a look! I will see what it looks like in the ayem when the sun is shining...
Today I used a $3 purse from Goodwill. Cut it up and used a small piece to make a black 20mm strap with metallic green stitching. I used a brown leather underneath and added a bit of padding. It is as smooth as an old purse! Have a look! I will see what it looks like in the ayem when the sun is shining...
I like what you do. Have you considered leather thongs for those of us that collect pocket watches? Something on the order of the “Mystery Braid” as in the attachment. I’d be a customer for something like these.
Really cool! How long did it take, start to finish?
Interesting that you prefer to hand-stitch. I can imagine that you get better control over the hole spacing and consistency and I suppose you punch the holes before stitching. I see evidence of a lock-stitch in several bands and I'm wondering if you use a sewing awl and two threads similar to a standard sewing machine?
That reminded me. Years ago I was given a piece of nice quality wheeled leather luggage to use for the leather. Not much wrong with it other than a latch was missing from the extending handle.
I'd intended to simply repair the latch and use the bag next time I flew anywhere. Unfortunately one of my more cantankerous older cats decided to use it as a scratching post. Not sure if there is any un damaged leather left on it now. I may have tossed it, if so I don't remember.
I do have a fair sized scrap of very fine but tough grey paper thin leather from a torn ladies jacket I was given to use for lining pistol holsters. Not much left but enough to line several watch bands. Unusual texture, not smooth but not quite suede. Possibly skived horse hide.
Having worked with it before I'm sure it will be perfect for lining.
I have a vintage Alligator grain 19mm Timex band I bought NOS. unfortunately the synthetic lining of that band had degraded with age and crackled up after a short time. The exterior is still beautiful. I think I'll try replacing the liner on that band first. Its the only leather band I have that is the right width to replace the atrocious metal bracelet that came on my otherwise very nice Orient Tri Star.
Thank you! Here is my next job. For my latest UG that I hope to receive in the next week or two. Check out the price tag!
I like what you do. Have you considered leather thongs for those of us that collect pocket watches? Something on the order of the “Mystery Braid” as in the attachment. I’d be a customer for something like these.
Thank you! I use a chisel as pictured in the last photo in yesterday’s post (above). If working on saddles or thicker leather I also use an awl. I suggest you poke it into beeswax occasionally. I use two needles and I believe that is called cross or saddle stitching.
