I simply have to buy Thompson's book... so I can try my luck at a Rob Roy.

Anyway, if you plan to do a fair amount of leather work, but not quite enough to warrent the mucho deniro for a machine, then I would recommened one of these:
http://www.tandyleather.com/products.asp?number=1216-00

I use one of these on my own sporrans, and it makes thinks turn out pretty nicely.