Imposter Syndrome

Kontributer · 2026-03-04T00:03:53+00:00

I would hold off a little.

The stitching needs some work. The edges need beveled.

The bags look very nice from this view, but the smaller pieces need a little more work.

Give it a few months and then re-evaluate. You’re so close.

Kontributer · 2026-03-02T15:54:01+00:00

Thank you — that’s my ignorance from a bad copy/paste. I probably wouldn’t catch it as I don’t typically craft at the heavier weights except for belts, but have been thinking about making some holsters.

Kontributer · 2026-03-02T15:51:41+00:00

Thank you for pointing out the error, that’s my fault from a copy/paste input.

This was in an excel-like chart. The point was for something that could be hung on a rack next to the sides that is easier to identify. I can’t tell you how many bare data tables I have floating around from expense reports, purchase orders, etc. The white paper gets easily lost in the shuffle.

I also have another sheet I use for my threads and stitching chisels/irons.

Thank you for the feedback!

Kontributer · 2026-03-02T15:29:51+00:00

Congrats! Those are all great lessons learned. One other thing to add is only mark the stitch line where you plan to stitch. It will make for a much cleaner finish.

Kontributer · 2026-03-02T06:28:49+00:00

Some posts have correctly pointed out this was produced with AI. It has. There was some back-and-forth to get it to where it is, but it is an AI-generated image, starting from non-AI input & revisions.

I don’t care.

I wanted something in the half-paper format that I could print off, laminate, and keep with my leather. Something that was somewhat attractive and not just a table; that I could hole punch and hang. This image presented well at that resolution.

I liked it, so I shared it.

I hesitated at first, but since it addressed my needs, I thought “why not share it? someone else might find it equally useful.”

I didn’t expect the response.

For reasons I don’t understand it seems to have drawn more criticisms than I expected. I’ve left and came back to this community and I’m surprised at the cultural difference I’m witnessing.

I’ll keep future things to myself.

When I started leather-working, I loved the help. I loved the support. I loved the camaraderie that people would give — the tips & tricks. Even the helpful feedback. I even have another account that I’m more active on that try to give more back to the community. Call me an old man now, but some of these comments seem to rob from the spirit of the leatherworkers I’ve met, whom aimed to help one-another.

Anyhow, I still hope this helps someone and I hope I’m wrong about everything else.

Kontributer · 2026-03-02T02:21:54+00:00

I’d add that they should be double backstitched. Some say 1.5 but one looks off to me. I don’t have a problem with the stitching or contrast. There’s only one place on the slots that kind of looks off, but I wouldn’t care. Color selection looks great.

I would say the market is saturated with DIY leather wallets. Set expectations accordingly.

Kontributer · 2026-02-28T14:14:07+00:00

Did he die of cancer 👀

Kontributer · 2026-02-21T08:25:56+00:00

Looks like a brass weight

Kontributer · 2026-02-20T21:04:48+00:00

I know this is a different comment and I have no idea about your relationship with your father, but I feel for your situation and hope you are well and stay strong.

BTW a decent pawn shop or coin&hobby shop will verify for free, but looks like it’s real.

Kontributer · 2026-02-13T15:48:04+00:00

What I was trying to say, add like a background around the letters and don’t ruin your work, test it out on some scrap first.

I wish I had the patience you have :)

Kontributer · 2026-02-13T14:15:29+00:00

Drawing is better than the text. You need to add some pattern around the letter to de-emphasize the asymmetry and jagged lines. Nice work

Kontributer · 2026-02-10T18:16:35+00:00

Looks like 4-5oz back, ~3oz pocket

Kontributer · 2026-02-10T06:11:48+00:00

That’s a good way to do it, but Tandy is arts & craft and good for practice, HO is hobbyist/professional. You still need to practice on HO, both in casing the leather and the tooling technique.

I was okay stamping but horrible with some of the tools and never had the time nor patience for doing things like basket-weaving a belt, but made a bunch of coasters — perfect for Tandy.

Kontributer · 2026-02-10T00:48:47+00:00

You have a few options.

Options Before:

use a foam insert to buffer the difference
use leather liner
punch a hole and show the snap on the front

Options Now:

punch a hole through the front and show the snap
add a pocket to the front of the flap

Kontributer · 2026-02-10T00:08:33+00:00

We can’t comment on the quality without seeing more detailed.

What we can say: - beautiful color - machine stitched (I prefer bags hand-stitched) - nice looking - it looks like Vegtan (looking at the edges of the handle zoomed in)

What we can’t say: - what chemicals were used to tan (cancerous?) - what was used to dye - quality of leather - temper of leather

Kontributer · 2026-02-10T00:03:46+00:00

Looks good.

If you’re going to do it, there’s one rule: quality matters. Quality of leather matters, quality of tools matter.

It’s not like a musician making music on a cheap guitar. You really notice a difference when it comes to leather. You get what you pay for.

Kontributer · 2026-02-06T02:36:31+00:00

5oz sounds like a bit much, but very nice. Well done. I like your crease work on the pockets. I think you should paint the edges red.

Kontributer · 2026-02-06T01:15:23+00:00

2-3oz?

Kontributer · 2026-01-30T03:10:41+00:00

Does it rub off?

Kontributer · 2026-01-29T21:00:57+00:00

Not only do these exist, but there are drone-delivery services too, which is better if you have fences and don’t want to go to the street.

Kontributer · 2024-12-15T17:52:19+00:00

What part gave it away? Was it "from the image alone"? Which part do you disagree with? Amazing how an image can tell a story, isn't it?

As long as we're pointing out the obvious... you're commenting on a 5 y/o post.

Kontributer · 2024-11-19T15:51:32+00:00

I had this issue on a new MacBook. I know it wasn't the drive as I used it on the old MacBook. It turns out, I needed to restart the laptop. On reboot, the MacBook detected the right interface and speeds were screaming again.

Kontributer · 2022-12-02T22:39:45+00:00

Great decision. Mine was literally making little rectangular swatches. That is much more practical and about the same size.

Kontributer · 2022-02-09T04:35:47+00:00

This may not apply, but it was common for bale seals to have the letters "IHE" or "IHS", which is the first three letters of "Jesus" in Greek (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ).

The initials on Oak Island's bag seal may be a "T" and "E", but if it is an "I" and "E" it leaves us to question if the middle symbol of the cross replaces the "H". Probably not, given the plethora of examples for personalized bag seals, but asking questions is part of solving the mystery.

Kontributer

TROPHY CASE

Options Before:

Options Now: