Now that is positive recycling with added value , supa kool.

 

That reminded me. Years ago I was given a piece of nice quality wheeled leather luggage to use for the leather. Not much wrong with it other than a latch was missing from the extending handle.
I'd intended to simply repair the latch and use the bag next time I flew anywhere. Unfortunately one of my more cantankerous older cats decided to use it as a scratching post. Not sure if there is any un damaged leather left on it now. I may have tossed it, if so I don't remember.
I do have a fair sized scrap of very fine but tough grey paper thin leather from a torn ladies jacket I was given to use for lining pistol holsters. Not much left but enough to line several watch bands. Unusual texture, not smooth but not quite suede. Possibly skived horse hide.
Having worked with it before I'm sure it will be perfect for lining.
I have a vintage Alligator grain 19mm Timex band I bought NOS. unfortunately the synthetic lining of that band had degraded with age and crackled up after a short time. The exterior is still beautiful. I think I'll try replacing the liner on that band first. Its the only leather band I have that is the right width to replace the atrocious metal bracelet that came on my otherwise very nice Orient Tri Star.

 

Interesting that you prefer to hand-stitch. I can imagine that you get better control over the hole spacing and consistency and I suppose you punch the holes before stitching. I see evidence of a lock-stitch in several bands and I'm wondering if you use a sewing awl and two threads similar to a standard sewing machine?

 

Really cool! How long did it take, start to finish?

 

I like what you do. Have you considered leather thongs for those of us that collect pocket watches? Something on the order of the “Mystery Braid” as in the attachment. I’d be a customer for something like these.

 

I made one a few years back. Will look for it and send you a pic.

 

Thank you! It did not take long to cut the leather pieces and apply the cement. Less than 30 minutes and it is better to make several straps simultaneously. The drying time is also less than an hour before I stitch. The stitching takes longer, and I could use a machine but it does not forgive if I make a mistake. Here is a shot in daylight. I did most of my stitching during the Ravens / Jets game.

 

Thank you! I use a chisel as pictured in the last photo in yesterday’s post (above). If working on saddles or thicker leather I also use an awl. I suggest you poke it into beeswax occasionally. I use two needles and I believe that is called cross or saddle stitching.

 

Thank you! Here is my next job. For my latest UG that I hope to receive in the next week or two. Check out the price tag!

 

These straps are great, and your work is inspiring to see. Though I imagine that right now there is a vintage baseball glove collector silently weeping

 

Ok, no money, I understand. Why not ask “straps for watches” to increase your collection. I’m sure we all have watches in our collection that we are willing to trade for straps?

 

This is what I made a few years back. I did not have a template or anything to use as a guideline. Could use some refinement.

 

Thanks for the reply, I asked because one of your bands has a very distinctive characteristic of a lock stitch, the thread looks like what we call a sawtooth wave in EE. I looked up your saddle stitch and see it's very easy to get that effect depending on how the two needles pass through the hole. One reference also mentioned how much more durable the saddle stitch is over the lock stitch.

 

Very cool, I especially love the idea of recycling old handbags, etc.

I used to be a coachtrimmer and still use a few belts that I made with the thicker edge pieces from a range of used hides. I even made a fancy red leather codpiece for a fancy dress party once (think 1980s + Cameo's Word Up video ).

I might have to dig out my old leather working tools, needles, etc. and give it a go myself - a number of these, like the one used for 'priming' the holes for stitching were handmade and very handy. Also time to hunt for a nice old machine, I used to use industrial Singers but I'll see what's around.

 

I must say my mind jumped elsewhere before I finished reading the complete sentence. LOL

 

I found some goodies in my jeweller’s office. Nothing of significant value but very educational. My favorite is the long leather strap on the far right. Looks right out of the war. I may use an old saddle (1930s I am told) to make some of these. Looks like one-layer strap with center bar buckle and rivet.

 

Dibs on the universal

 

A friend of mine worked in a factory that made hockey (goalie) pads many years ago. He gave me a set of old pads filled with deer hair. I made him a strap for his late grandfather’s Seamaster with leather from the pads.

 

I think my eyes are bleeding. I want some of these.