Here's my latest belt pouch. I fancied doing a different shape and thought I'd try something pointy

Me with the pouch on my belt


The pouch from the front


And lastly from the back


Wassail!
HP

For this:


I really like the look of that waistcoat, has anyone seen a pattern like this? I'm thinking medium wieght suede, maybe some embroidered knotwork on the shoulders, but I have never even attempted something like this and have no idea where to look

This was my first attempt at this pattern, it was given to me in pdf format. I chose a terracotta suede for it which I think looks great and used a real horn toggle. The flap is edged with leather thonging done in double-loop lacing style and the thong which gathers the top of the bag goes through the flap and around the toggle to hold it closed.

I like this design, I made a few mistakes on this one which is why the belt loop is riveted on - the pattern has it built into the flap which extends halfway down the back of the bag, it's made from 2 pieces glued and sewn together so is very strong.

What do you think?

Wassail!
HP

It's my lady's birthday soon and she decided since I'm a crafter she'd like me to make her a teddy. She found one in kit form she liked from Christie Bears (it's Tolly, if you know them).

So it arrives today. I'm fine with the pattern, I've made and used patterns before, it's the assembly I'm freaking over

You see, I have rarely even sewn a hem up! I know leather, I can saddlestitch a seam no worries but I'm not that au fait with this. I'm sure I'll be asking loads of questions, but the first one is, what is ladder stitch? All I know is it's supposed to be used to sew up the openings in the body parts when you've stuffed them but what is it? How do you do it? Anybody got a link or tut to show me how?

Many thanks
HP

You know, it's been  a while since I did a nice bag so I thought I'd do one a little bit different. Either inspiration or madness (if there was ever a difference!) has lead me to try and make one in the style of the old leather water containers from the Mary Rose like this one:

http://www.geocities.com/ladysveva/Leather/lflask.jpg
( From HERE )
So, the design will have a rounded base (not too much tho), pear shaped sides and the handle will be where the spout would be on the bottle. The stitching would be exposed as a feature. I do have a couple of things I'd like your opinions on though

Which leather? I have a tan-on-black leather - nice pattern in a standard leather finish, I have a reversible suede - one side bright pink suede, one side a glittery purple, bit rougher than the suede, and lastly I have a gorgeous terracotta suede.

Which strap/handle? What size bag? I've enough (I think) of all 3 leathers to do a fairly decent size bag - would it be better bigger or small, for nights out & the like? Long shoulder strap, short shoulder strap or no strap, just the handle I sew into the top?

This is the bag that won me my lady I'd shown it on my local groups forum (not a crafty one) and a lady wanted to buy it. We'd chatted online a few times so I said I'd bring it over, and the rest is history! That was just over 2 years ago

It's all leather, handstitched with waxed linen thread and based on a 15th/16th century design known as the 'ballock' pouch (yes, that's the alternative spelling - but it's true! )

Wassail!
HP

Hi there

I'd really like to get into silkscreening, mainly for tshirts. I'm in the UK and was wondering what the best basic setup would be? I've never done this before and am not really sure what's the best way to go. I don't really want to get too much gear to start with and I'm not sure what's available over here.

Wassail!
HP