"poor man's sporran"

[Alex Mac]

now, the question is, is it safe to machine sew the thinner leather that I might salvedge from the thrift stuff? I have an (it is actually my mothers and she just taught me how to use it a week ago) ancient (about 30 years old) Singer Strait Stitch machine, she only has 1 needle for it and it is like a medum needle it works in most all the fabrics I have used. I just don't have the dexterity to make the sewing line up correctly. Or, is it recommended that I do it by hand?

Depends on the machine. As others have said, make sure you get a leather needle: they're stronger, and designed to punch through leather.

I have a 50 year old Singer that can more or less manage leather, but I need to go extremely slowly -- it's almost easier to run the machine by hand (hand turning the drive wheel -- I did mention it's an OLD machine, right?) and just use the motor for a little bit of a boost when I'm trying to get through the material. A lot of newer ones, though, are a lot weaker, and can't really manage it, so you might want to try working your way up to it, starting with a heavy fabric, and working up to leather one step at a time.

[cwr89]

Depends on the machine. As others have said, make sure you get a leather needle: they're stronger, and designed to punch through leather.

I have a 50 year old Singer that can more or less manage leather, but I need to go extremely slowly -- it's almost easier to run the machine by hand (hand turning the drive wheel -- I did mention it's an OLD machine, right?) and just use the motor for a little bit of a boost when I'm trying to get through the material. A lot of newer ones, though, are a lot weaker, and can't really manage it, so you might want to try working your way up to it, starting with a heavy fabric, and working up to leather one step at a time.

I have finally found a place where I can get the "fake leather" looks alright, and was $3.95 a yard and 60 some inches wide.

it isn't the thick stuff. but it has the look I want, I also know where I can get if from now, the Joann's fabrics had it in white, light brown, dark brown, black, and tan.

when I get adventurous, I might get the synthetic fox/rabbit fur.
I am going to go and work on it now, and see how it goes, pictures will come soon!!!!!

~Casey