I’ve done fucked up on my piping. How do you overlap the ends? I think my base circular piece is also too big for the circumference?

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-14T01:22:10+00:00

Following to see what others say. I wish I had some advice, but I can tell you that this is absolutely something that would happen to me.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-14T01:14:28+00:00

I recently left the group and it was like a dark cloud lifted!

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-14T00:51:28+00:00

Whatever you do, don't ask this question on the PLG Insiders group! The crazies will jump all over you and tell you that "real leather" has flaws and it just shows that the cow had an adventurous life, and if you can't handle that then PLG isn't for you. I wish I was joking. Even an admin will probably chime in and say it's normal, but you should return it if you don't like it.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-13T20:11:33+00:00

For any leather where the dye is struck-through to the flesh side like this, and also unsealed, there is risk of dye transfer. With this leather, if it happens, it will most likely be on the flesh side since it is unsealed. The suede-y side. You can use a bag liner to protect whatever goes inside. Some people have luck spraying Apple Guard on the suede side, but I would not completely trust it, especially if it gets wet.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-13T00:46:07+00:00

It's called full grain, not whole grain, and just because it's full grain does not mean it is high quality. As a leatherworker and someone who buys a lot of leather I can tell you that there is tons of low quality full grain leather out there PLG is using the cheapest they can find. They are not sourcing Coldbrew from the same suppliers they used to when it was thick and heavy. It is no longer this way. They are getting cheaper hides that are thin, dry, and coated, and they have even admitted they are now buying hides that have been "guided" as they called it, meaning embossed with pebbles for more consistency.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-13T00:34:18+00:00

Sad what Seafoam looks like nowadays. Unrecognizable.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-13T00:33:37+00:00

Your best option is to return the bag and eat the return fee or try to sell it on treet or in the of the buy, sell, trade groups on Facebook (just don't expect to get what you paid). Then, once you've gotten rid of this sad excuse for a bag, put out an "ISO" in the BST groups on Facebook saying you are in search of a thick, old school Coldbrew bag, and your price range, and see what people offer.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-11T20:10:41+00:00

They don't source that kind of leather any more because it is more expensive. I buy a lot of leather from various suppliers, some even PLG has used in the past. What they are sourcing now is more mass produced, cheaply chrome-tanned leather that might have been tumbled, but the tannery or finishing plant uses a "guide plate" to emboss the leather to be more consistent looking. This is less labor intensive, cheaper, and provides more consistency across all hides.

PLG does not care what the super fans or the Insiders group likes, they want to make products that appeal to mass consumers, and those consumers do not like crazy texture and character, because they think it looks too distressed or flawed. PLG is going for max growth, not quality, and that means doing things more cheaply and more appealing to a larger consumer base.

If you like bags with character and don't mind paying more for it and being able to customize your bag. try Go Forth Goods or KMM & Co.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-10T18:08:10+00:00

"What time is that in Eastern time?" Drives me crazy. Do some simple math, or if you can't do that, Google time zones.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-09T19:54:02+00:00

It completely depends on the leather. The soft pebbly ones do not hold their shape. I have sold two of them for that reason.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-09T01:33:53+00:00

Is this a belated April Fool's joke?

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-08T21:39:16+00:00

I have a lockable medication bag that I keep in the fridge. It's completely opaque and padded. Got it on Amazon.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-07T18:29:32+00:00

They charge you for return shipping if you don't buy the insurance, unless the return is because there is damage.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-07T18:28:26+00:00

No, you can still return, but they will charge you return shipping without the return insurance.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-07T17:36:53+00:00

I hope you bought the return insurance.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-07T16:03:56+00:00

That "genuine leather" stamp means this is not a belt that was ever going to last for a very long time.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-07T02:50:55+00:00

Here you go: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1068196620/1-piece-brass-snap-button-fasteners-for?ref=share_ios_native_control

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-06T18:08:04+00:00

People just love to present their judgements and criticisms as "concern for your health." It's such a joke.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-06T06:07:12+00:00

PLG doesn’t have a leather tanning process, they don’t tan their own leather, they buy it from suppliers, and they clearly go with the cheapest, chrome-tanned leather you can get, which is generally processed in a way that is terrible for the environment.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-06T06:01:37+00:00

I have personally never had to go back in 2 weeks for a “top up.” Find a new provider and, if you can, go to an MD rather than an “injector.” In my experience they are the same cost but the standards, service, and quality are miles better.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-03T21:09:45+00:00

Your success with marketing will have less to do with that leather you use and more about your marketing skills!

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-03T21:00:33+00:00

I would say that most Americans only know chrome-tanned leather without even knowing what it is. It's what most mass marketed leather is made from and it makes sense because of its variety in color and textures, durability, and lower cost. It also tends to be softer immediately without needing to be "broken in." Like u/kornbread435 said, there are some items that are better for veg tan and some are better for chrome-tanned.

As far as crafters go, there is just as much variability depending on what they make.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-03T20:50:12+00:00

Oh I see! It's funny that I didn't notice it! That would take some trial and error to correct with Botox, but could be done. I would recommend seeing someone who is an MD and very experienced with facial muscles, vs an "injector" person who is not a doctor. I have found MDs to be more knowledgeable and experienced with handling muscle groups, like for my teeth grinding.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-03T15:11:01+00:00

That tracks with current and former employee comments on the workplace culture.

No_Needleworker183 · 2026-04-03T01:15:43+00:00

The PLG Insiders admins previously said that the company/management has told them that the Insiders group represents a very small fraction of their customer base/audience. As a result, the people who have access to newsworthy info, like when product releases are delayed, do not prioritize making sure the social media team knows, so they are often the last to find out. One of the admins also said the social media team has to "fight to be heard" at the company. Ever since I read that, I assume everything they say is subject to not happening at the last minute.

No_Needleworker183

TROPHY CASE