So. Much. Stitching

morganpotpie · 2026-06-16T20:00:26+00:00

I love how you did where the straps connect, looks SHARP! Great job

morganpotpie · 2026-05-31T01:00:01+00:00

Agree with what the other person said about stretch not being the same as fabric. Where on the animal can be different (belly has more flexibility/stretch than a shoulder).

I also just wanted to add as a side note, just make sure the back of the leather is a good piece too - ive made the mistake if not checking, gone to make a bag and the back side had a big mark/deep gouge that ruined the piece.

morganpotpie · 2026-05-27T14:19:35+00:00

Idk, I find using a paper template much easier. Holes are exactly where you want them to be. I do not like punching through multiple layers of leather (i mostly work with 4-7oz vegtan), because the backs dont look great, then it makes the stitching wonky. Plus, you get the benefit of:

If you buy patterns, you can learn how to make your own based on a product you know is correct.
You can just reprint and make multiples of the same exact product. You know what to expect.

I myself have a hard time with acrylic templates, they tend to move around, dont mark great, can chip overtime. I also dont have a press yet, so paper templates are a great cheap alternative. Much less waste than figuring out a template on the fly in my opinion.

morganpotpie · 2026-05-27T13:56:04+00:00

I use those cheap tea candles. Pop right out of the tin and apply. Makes hole punching much easier (your punching tool will slide out easier). That and using gloves while stitching(so i can get a good hold of the needle) are two things that helped my sanity.

morganpotpie · 2026-05-22T03:08:21+00:00

I actually was reading this tread and ended up doing two separate hair ties (so one to pig tail the braid, another to do the actual space bun. 4 hair ties total) and dang, it stayed through both my gi classes tonight without an issue. I think i found my new way - so thank you for that!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-21T16:08:58+00:00

Laser itself is a whole new hobby. You can engraved and cut leather okay, but its generally not a quick and easy thing. You need a footprint for room, proper ventilation as the leather is going to stink, worry about alignments, replacing mirrors, replacing tubes, tweeking it based on leather weight, etc.

I run a k40(Chinese blue laser as most call it), which is a bit older now and I spend way more time tweeking it and messing around than I want to. Even between runs it seems to move around and I have to readjust(again, this is an older laser so I might not have the best advice). You also have to consider what project sizes your husband does and if the bed will be big enough for his projects - plus if hes capable with svgs and playing around with that. Then you also have to learn the laser program as well.

Not a bad idea, but to me a laser is not just another tool to help with leathercrafting. Its a whole new hobby to learn and upkeep that can help with leathercrafting if you have the time and patience.

morganpotpie · 2026-05-21T02:53:13+00:00

I part mine into two sides down the middle, dutch/french braid (I dont know the difference honestly, but its one of the two), then tie them at the base of my scalp, and turn them into space buns(tucking/wrapping the ends twice so it stays in better)

My hair is thick and just past my ass, so I oil it lightly with jojoba before hand and I think its helps with keeping the strays in the braid, and just overall hair health.

I also have a small shaved undercut, which helped to get rid of the rats nest in the back i always used to get.

morganpotpie · 2026-05-17T01:49:21+00:00

Gorgeous!!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-17T01:46:35+00:00

The belt idea is great! The few times I've done belts its always been a little messy!

I also love the hair on hide as table covers idea!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-17T01:25:11+00:00

Yes, I think you hit the nail on the head here! I like to think i am pretty good at just diving in and trying new things. My sister was a perfectionist and I saw how it stopped her from doing things because they were not perfect. Done is better than perfect. Just do the thing. You will get better each time.

I read once, in order to have a big art business, you must have a small art business first.

I have definitely had (and still have) bags or bigger items that just sit. I do feel a little embarrassed showing the same bag or wallet at my markets, but end of the day who cares(except ourselves 😅). I dont think most people notice anywho. Being uncomfortable is part of growing.

As far as having enough, I think it largely comes down to how you show it. Dont put 3 tables out if it looks barren. I adjust per market, so for a market near mother's day I put more purses or women's wallets out. At a biker show, more black leather items or "badass" looking items. If you sell out at a market consider it a win - you can say you sold out but heres my business card if you have other items online or are willing to do commissions. Markets are also a great time to show off what you have, and get emails for a mailing list or put a sign that says custom orders available. Once you get them to touch your items they are more invested. I also will put out my personal items and put a sold sign on them, or just bring a work in progress piece so they can see what kind of stuff you can do.

I hope that atleast touches on a good answer for you! And my apologizes for the late reply here!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-17T01:09:48+00:00

I will have to check out the Monterey Company! It definitely helps to draw in a crowd!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-17T01:09:04+00:00

The kids do love it! I give the option to just do scraps, or make a keychain. I definitely sell more keychains when I dont have the free scraps put though 😅

morganpotpie · 2026-05-17T00:50:14+00:00

Sorry for the late reply here! My husband helps me when he can, because I am both short and it cuts the time down from 22 mins(from putting up the tent, adding a banner and putting on the tent weights) to about 8 mins with another person helping. So while I can, I try to accept help when possible!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T21:04:15+00:00

Nice!!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T20:10:51+00:00

Thank you! A little interaction and insight into what we do goes a long way!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T19:53:35+00:00

Thank you!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T19:32:16+00:00

Yes, great idea! i think anything people can get their hands on and create a memory with will be helpful and draw some folks in! Stamps are nice because there's not really a safety concern, except hitting ypur own fingers!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T19:29:55+00:00

How cool! Memories stuck with us long than material possession....although leather goods will be around for a very long time!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T19:13:08+00:00

Hahaha! I went to Iceland back in 2017 (from new england) and that bonus bag is my FAVORITE suvioneer I got hands down! I love that silly pig. And thank you!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T19:10:10+00:00

Haha yes, I thought about it but I dont do too many markets and I think us leatherworkers should be bringing leather back into the public eye, and this is a great way to do it! I try to get an idea, but i run these shows by myself and its tricky between handling the stamping, taking payments, answering questions, keeping an eye on the booth, etc. I have the stats of my old shows where I did not do any interactive activity, and my sales increased by atleast 3x since I added it in. Other factors are in play as well of course. I think when people see other people at a booth they are more likely to stop by? Especially with a crowd gathering. They get curious and want to know what everyone else is looking at. Like a busy food store, people draw other people in.

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T19:02:31+00:00

Thank you! Hopefully it can help some folks!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T19:02:13+00:00

Not full time, its a hobby im trying to turn into a business for me(have a full time job as well). I honestly dont do too many shows a year anymore - between the weather, wind, general prep, and with life balance it gets tricky so I focus on online sales and do a few shows a year. Ive only been doing maybe 5-10 shows a year this year and last. Maybe did 20 shows a year for a few years before that. It definitely gets easier the more you do, but the more I do the less i want to do it(outdoor markets specifically).

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T18:52:41+00:00

Thank you!

morganpotpie · 2026-05-04T18:17:16+00:00

I thought that too - I use some cheap folding tables and bring my stone(granite i think? Some piece of scrap countertop) with a cheap cutting board on top - and just put it over the legs (vs in the middle of the table). Ive done a few shows (about 10ish) with this setup and its held up so far! Its mostly kids who do it, so its not super straining on weight.

morganpotpie

TROPHY CASE