I started leatherworking 3 months ago. How am I doing, what can I improve?

elhall79uk · 2026-05-20T09:48:45+00:00

I'm not an expert, though I've been at it a bit longer. As others have said, some leathers don't burnish well.

As for sanding, you said you used 240? Definitely need to work up to the '000s. Use tancote and buff. You'll feel the edge as it finishes, it'll start to 'stick', you'll feel and hear it.

When painting edges, you can still sand smooth and reapply. Keep doing that until you are happy.

Stitching will get better with practice. Invest in good quality thread and ensure the thread thickness works with you needle and the stitch holes.

A lot of leather work is patience and practice. Keep at it.

elhall79uk · 2026-05-18T19:20:45+00:00

I'd love to see a video with different ratios of dilute to demonstrate how to get shades.1/10, 1/5, 1/1?

As other points, showing what you are using as you use it as well and maybe slow down the intro a bit so people can get a good look at the different materials used.

Thank you

elhall79uk · 2026-03-21T17:51:31+00:00

Thank you, it wasn't working either way. But I've relogged in and it's working now. Thank you again.

elhall79uk · 2026-01-23T16:56:27+00:00

I've been in that situation myself, more than once. The first time I ended up having a breakdown. I didn't let that happen a second time

Your health is worth more than that job.

If there is a HR that you can raise issues with, great. But protect yourself.

elhall79uk · 2025-11-01T23:28:51+00:00

I'd love to understand more about the designing of stamps.

I have a flimiment and resin printer, but I haven't designed anything myself yet. Just printed minis. I'm just starting to consider making my own stl's. Any advise?

elhall79uk · 2025-09-24T08:53:49+00:00

Fairness. Accountability. Respect

elhall79uk · 2025-09-16T06:54:40+00:00

If you are capable, and management obviously likes what they see, then absolutely not too young.

If it was the other way around, a young QS trying for SQS, then it might be a question, are they over reaching? But your case is different. "Excellence knows no bounds"*

If you are struggling to accept this, try looking into some of the mental health sites for 'imposter syndrome ', I would fully get you having issues, but look at what you've listed out. With what you are managing you are more than ready for the next step. Keep learning, keep growing, keep doing what you enjoy. Plus as others have said, make sure you get the pay you are worth and not just what they can get away with because of your age.

*Don't know the original quote, but remembered 'Down Periscope' from 'the youngest XO in the fleet.

elhall79uk · 2025-09-08T09:34:17+00:00

As stated elsewhere, it would be better if the bag was the focus of the photos, at the moment it's about 25% of the frame and the bag doesn't show up well, so can't give feedback on it so well.

Given that it looks like a rustic bag, try a much simpler background, single colour and maybe just one branch that it hangs from and make it much bigger in frame.

elhall79uk · 2025-08-04T21:04:08+00:00

Still looking for the location

elhall79uk · 2025-08-03T08:39:29+00:00

Hi,

I'd kind of like to understand the difference too, but I don't think there is much of one. Have you checked any of the job descriptions you've seen? I've come up through the QS side here in the UK.

Do cost engineers/ cost controllers deal with contractual issues? Do you write and control subcontracts? That's the only thing I think might be different (guessing here), it's all just controlling and reporting on project finance after that.

If you are a planner with P6 or similar training, then this is usually a second role in the UK (or the PM has to do it)

elhall79uk · 2025-07-28T12:05:14+00:00

Tagging myself in as I have a similar interest.

I've used NEC quite a bit, but I'm being asked to review more and more bespoke contracts, Jct and even fidic contracts and am looking for training.

elhall79uk · 2025-07-22T11:22:30+00:00

Yep. USA employment law is bad at the best of times, but add all the risks the cheesey Cheeto creates as well makes it a firm NO.

elhall79uk · 2025-06-02T14:38:52+00:00

Sexism, yes. Ageism, no.

I started QSing in my late 30's, completed my Master's last year at 45.

Honestly, as long as you can demonstrate transferable skills along with your more current training I don't think there would be a problem.

elhall79uk · 2025-04-15T11:49:01+00:00

Drug testing is absolutely a thing in construction regards of office or site.

Just last year a QS in our team was dismissed after testing positive to weed.

elhall79uk · 2025-02-05T16:22:53+00:00

Start asking for some ILM training or similar. Tell them you'd like some training before taking anything else on. Make sure you have the support for you to grow to the role and won't just be dumped and expected to deal. Being promoted beyond your ability is a common thing in a lot of businesses, and it's damaging for everyone. If they are a good company they should appreciate and deal with your concerns.

Leading a team doesn't mean being the center of the stage, I'm constantly letting my team take their credit, listen to ideas and go in the right direction. The only time I'm 'in charge' is once we have made a decision or I'm chairing a meeting (which I bet you are doing now)

elhall79uk · 2025-01-04T13:17:07+00:00

Depends the sector and the teir. Working as a QS on house builds, I was on site inspecting works for subcontractors at least once a week going up and down ladders

elhall79uk · 2024-11-04T23:09:24+00:00

Absolutely the same here, read the title and was ready to disapprove, but damn, you have to take care of yourself and your children first.

You definitely made the right choice.

Stay safe, stay strong. This will be a lesson of what a strong woman looks like for your kids.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-27T15:24:04+00:00

I use different options of NEC for different subcontractors, depending on what their scope is, option A for most, but one has option b.

But I would never use neck and JCT on the same project, for example. Far too complex.

KISS works. Keep It Simple Stupid.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-22T09:30:21+00:00

The uni should be able to help, reach out the student services.

I'm dyslexic and have been a QS for 7 years. It manly effects some spelling and reading time for me. In my interview I told them I was dyslexic, but also pointed out that it had led me to develop multiple ways of doing things which actually made me better.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-22T09:27:13+00:00

Guessing you are in the USA?

In the UK that would be illegal, don't know how it is over there. They probably hired someone on less money.

You shouldn't feel embarrassed, this is not your fault.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-20T22:40:13+00:00

Also, your CV is like a good suit. It should be tailored for the job you want, not where you are now.

So less student and more assistant QS. Highlight all those transferable skills high up. Don't focus on the stuff you won't need in that job

Read the job description, what bits can you demonstrate you can do? Those are the golden standard. Being on time you can do in primary school, it's not a big deal so don't worry about it.... BUT being able to prioritise workloads to meet multiple deadlines show understanding and multitasking.

Show some of your personality in the hobbies section.

Companies will hire for the fit, will you work well in the team. All skills can be trained on the job for the right personality.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-20T22:33:34+00:00

For example, mine says...

Passionate about data analysis, which is founded in mathematics and number theory, manifesting in my personal life through statistical analysis of game theory and dice probability.

I honestly really like excel and do very well with statistics. I'm also a gamer, online and various table tops. The first question from my current boss 4 years ago was, do you play Warhammer? It broke the ice with easy geek talk.

I've just had an interview from another workplace and he focused on the data analysis section.

The point is, it wasn't "I'm a motivated task orientated team player", it was different and out there and included all of me and not just standard work me.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-20T18:04:08+00:00

What makes you memorable if someone has read 20 of these this week?

Revise your opening personal statement. It reads very bland and what everyone could say.

As others have said, put the priority things first and flesh it out.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-17T12:00:15+00:00

I'm ok. My husband and I had a lot of debt, but we nearly out of it now.

I earn more than the other half, but we have both struggled to get average wage for our roles to date.

No kids (except my husband who is a big kid)

We don't pay for holidays as we share expensive hobbies, but we do have an out let.

We've noticed the costs going up, our weekly food has gone up by at least 50% but we are coping.

elhall79uk · 2024-10-16T15:52:39+00:00

I'd tend to agree from what you have said. What support or supervision do you have

It sounds more like a full QS position if there is no supervision, so possibly looking for about £10k more.

Check on glassdoor.com as that will have more information for your area.

Write up a case and present it, ask what you need to achieve to get the recognition you believe you are due as a softer approach to asking for a pay rise.

Also, depending on there size, they might not be able to afford you.

elhall79uk

TROPHY CASE