(Today’s post title comes from the neighborhood of Boston wherein lies my favorite restaurant of all time, Les Zygomates!)

The big news around these parts (aside from the fact that John’s defending his dissertation on Monday!!) is LEATHER. Namely, that we’ve got some. This post is primarily a link-fest of bag patterns and other inspiration for leather sewing.  Most of them would work just great with leather of the faux variety I am working on getting some quality pleather for vegans and other non-leather-using folks out there.

Personally, I really like the feel and wear of real leather. My conscience does pique me at times and I regret that I’m not quite strong enough to be a vegetarian. The hides we have come from animals who are used for food products as well, so it’s less icky than killing sweetie foxes just for their fur, but one should always be conscious of where one’s food/clothing/etc. has come from and try not to over-consume. The smaller pieces we have are leftovers from the upholstery industry, so that helps reduce waste.

These remnants are $10 a pound, for which you can actually get alot of material. The photo below represents a pound of leather on my cutting table (grid is in inches).  A goodly amount, indeed! And there’s more where that came from.

I used some remnants to make the envelope cell phone holders below,  from a pattern by Swellmayde. I’m planning on doing an envelope clutch next.

Next are some pix of the leather sold by size instead of weight. The pieces are larger, most about 5 square feet.

The ones in the first picture are smaller, only about 1sf, which is still large enough for a pouch or clutch. They’re deer-tanned cowhide and very soft.

The next pic represents three 5sf pieces at $30 each.  On the left is an earth-toned oil-tanned piece, the middle is a rich brown pebble, and the right is a black pebble, much like a biker jacket.

5sf of metallic platinum cowhide and 4sf of clementine kidskin.  These are really premium pieces.  It’s taking a fair amount of self control not to steal them for myself. 

5sf of warm brown and dark red pull-up leather, very fancy looking.  It reminds me of the chair John wants for his future study to sit in and drink brandy.  

To get you revved up for fancy schmancy leather sewing projects, I’ve cobbled together (Like a cobbler? Cobbling leather shoes? Get it? I’m hilarious!) some tutorials and patterns you might like.  For your delectation:

Bag’n-telle: The tutorials for the weekender and multi-pocket urban tote are lovely and would be perfect for a combination of leather and our waxed canvas. I also really liked the saddle-stitched handbag.

U*handbag has a ton of info on bagmaking in general. As far as leather goes, the nano cover is cute and rivet tutorial is very informative

Another easy project (very similar to Swellmayde’s) is from I Still Love You: The (ahem) Poopy Clutch. Let’s call it the Sweet Scallop instead, shall we?

More tips and inspiration:

You SEW Girl!: Leather Sewing Tips

CraftyStylish: Leather Journal, Leather Sewing Tips

EvaForeva: Leather Clutch Drawstring Pouch

See Katie Sew: Leather Wallet

50 Signature Bags

Come visit and see if something tickles your fancy!

TTFN, lovelies.