Leather

[bridesmom]

Has anyone ever purchased leather on line? DH want's leather for a vest and we almost choked at the prices for ones made $225-$700. I imagine I have to buy a hide, but what do I look for, what is best? He wants a softer leather as he wants a leather cutout put in (if that made sense)

[Glennssister]

Denver fabrics had leather at one time. I don't think a whole hide was required.

[Alexalter]

Fabric Mart also has leather. They also give suggestions on the use for each piece. I have read an article about making garments with leather hides and the big thing that you need to consider is that there are times that the leather will have thin spots or blemishes. It may take more hides then you think it will.
Hope that helps.

[Upholsteress]

Wish I could help, but all I am familiar with is the heavier weight leathers used in upholstery applications.

[AndreaSews]

My local retailer has a leather remnants table and also a collection of full hides. It seems to me that there is so much variation that you'd really need to see and feel it before buying. Especially since it's not cheap.

[bridesmom]

Kind of what I thought. Thanks for the help gals! Will just have to see what I can find locally.

[LeapFrog Libby]

I haven't looked, so they might not be around.. But if you find Tandy Leather co. That is where I bought the leather for the vest I made long, long years ago.. They were very helpful in finding a skin the exact size I needed for my pattern.. I bought the suede instead of the smooth leather because that is what he wanted.. I used the little scraps for wallets, glass cases , etc.. Didn't have many scraps, though.

[bridesmom]

Libby, thanks for the note about Tandy Leathers. I do remember them from years ago and there is a store about 1/2 hour away from us. So I think we will be making a little trip one of these days to see what's there.

[HeyJudee]

Here's their web-site. There is a link on the side re garment leather where you can get an idea of prices.
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/

[fabric_addict]

I purchased a few leather skirts at a local thrift store because I wanted to take them apart and make something with them (probably slippers). Perhaps this might be a way to get leather you need.

Please let us know how it goes working with the leather. I've never worked with it before and would love some pointers. I've tried to find some curved hand needles with the triangular point because I'd like to sew some leather items...I haven't had much luck.