Replies

1. 
   Dragana2 | Mar 22, 2006 07:01am | #1

   Hi,

   I am not able to help you with the wrinkles in the leather skins, but if anyone does know, I am very interested as well.

   Recently I made a denim jacket with suede and am making another now.

   The suede skin I have also has wrinkles and I was wondering how to get rid of them.

    

    

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Mar 22, 2006 09:43pm | #2

   I reconditioned an old abused leather coat that had been balled up and left in a window of a car for a long time . I re-dyed it and conditioned it with mink oil and he couldn't believe it was the same coat.leather is just old dead skin and it needs something to keep it supple. Wilson's Leather has a good lotion that's not so greasy you also could add something heavy to weigh it down with soft cloth over it to press out the fold after some conditioner or oil is applied. how about under your mattress?You might forget it till you're ready to flip that mattress though.  LoL

                            P.S. roll the leather hides no more folding

2. 
   user-126567 | Mar 27, 2006 04:14am | #7

   thanks for the help I'll let you know what happens

1. 
   SewNancy | Mar 31, 2006 08:36pm | #8

   When I bought leather in NYC the sales person said that they dry iron with brown paper. I have done this and no problem.
   Nancy

1. 
   Shulas | Apr 07, 2006 05:30pm | #9

   Hello everyone,

   Does anyone have a good supplier for leather and suede - in Canada and US

   Does anyone have any good books and patterns to suggest for leather and suede for a size 18 lady whose has really big upper arms - is a raglan sleeve the best for this type of arm.

   Would appreciate any information.

   Thank you.

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Apr 11, 2006 05:35am | #10

   What are you interested in making, riding leathers? Do you have a comercial walking foot type machine?I'll dig thru some old catalogs and find my old leather supply mags.

                                                             Susan

2. 
   Shulas | Apr 12, 2006 05:29am | #11

   Thanks so much for cnnecting. I am interested in embroidering plant designs on leather for vests, skirts, jackets and pants. I am wondering which embroidery machine would be best to do this with too!

   Any suggestions and contacts (or experiences - good and bad) are very welcome.

    

3. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Apr 12, 2006 07:26pm | #12

   Hi , If I can help , I'm happy too , but I have some concerns about embroidery on leather . First too many needle holes will perforate and possibly tear the leather not to mention the sewing machine has a hoop that will mar the leather not good . so if this is for youself ,why not try. but to mass produce I'm not too sure . what about painting designs on leather? The Leather Factory has a web site and is a good resource . I have 6 sewing machines for different jobs and I learned the hard way that leather will burn up a motor when you don't have a heavy duty machine . I like to use fabri-tac glue before sewing ,less holes , cause you really can't pin leather .I'm sure I'll think of more suggestions , I'll get back to you latter . Susan

                                                         http://www.homedecsewing.com

4. 
   SewTruTerry | Apr 12, 2006 10:58pm | #13

   I have on more than a few occasions embroidered on leather with my D1 machine. The trick is slightly lighter stitch density and nothing with a satin outline or anywhere else in the design.  Also instead of hooping the leather use a sticky back stabilizer or a hydro stick type of stabilizer to secure it in the hoop.  Also I fuse an iron on interfacing to the back side of the leather or of vinyl and have never had any problems with them or my machine.  Good luck.

5. 
   Shulas | Apr 13, 2006 06:20am | #14

   Susan,

    

   Gosh I must sound so  naive!!!

    

   i saw a lady in Gannoque Ontario do some  nice flower designs on lambs leather - it was thin leather for small purses and that is where i got the idea from. What youa re saying is so true though. I guess I can look up the leather factory on the web and see what hey  have - good prices I hope!

   I need to invest in a machine and need to make sure I can sew on leather and not be swamped with problems. I may need toget a cheaper embroidery machine for other things - blouses especially so Ican keep my artistic spirit alive.

   My biggest expense as I plan these expenditure are the dressform, seewing, embroidery and serger machines, furniture set up... so any ideas are really welcome.

   I still work full time - this is preparing for my retirement.

   Anyway go to get to bed... Thanks again. Yvonne

    

    

    

    

    

6. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Apr 13, 2006 03:45pm | #15

   Mornin, Embroidery machines, Well I bought a used Viking rose , and the hoop is too small so dont buy that one. The D1 I guess is ok ,but good luck finding a used one, people usually keep these as they are top of the line and not inexpensive. At least they were top of the line 5 years ago, probably newer out there now. Susan

7. 
   SewTruTerry | Apr 15, 2006 07:22pm | #16

   I have both the Viking Rose and a D1 and love them both.  Now a disclaimer I work for a Viking Sewing Gallery. It is true that the Rose has a small embroidery field however it has served me well for many years.  As far as the D1 being a top of the line yes it was until 2 years ago and there are a lot of them coming on the market as pre-owned as the owners are trading up to the DSE now Vikings top of the line machine.  The D1 has a very powerful needle penetration power that can handle a lot of heavier material that the Rose cannot.  What you need to do is find a dealer or a Viking Sewing Gallery in your area and get to know the sales people(I have to say people to stay politically correct these days) and let them know that you are really interested in a pre-owned machine.  That way they will keep you in mind when they get a trade-in.  In our area  a good pre-owned machine will sell for anywhere from $4,000.00 - $4,500.00 depending on the condition and all.  Keep looking and good luck.

8. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Apr 15, 2006 08:33pm | #17

   I didn't mean I don't like my Viking, its the 4th one I have owned, and I use it everyday, but come on now ,it was the wrong machine to sell to me, I wanted to do large monograms . I did make a beautiful wedding dress as my first project and used it to embroider the bodice which I then hand beaded. It was beautiful , but what a chore reseting the hoop every few inches.I wish I had an extra $4000.00 to get the d1.I,m afraid my rose has a more boring utilitarian life now.I've changed the focus of my sewing from clothing to home decor, so I only embroider for the kids when they ask for a name on something.and It takes all day to do .Grrr

9. 
   Shulas | Apr 17, 2006 03:56pm | #18

   Thanks so much for the good suggestions. I would like to embroider plants and nature scenes on leather (light leather and ultrasuede) garments.

   Will the DSE and the D1 be able to do that?

   What would be the best size needles and the best threads (why?) to use for this?

   Any suggestions on the type of leather and ultrasuede and where to get some not too expensive.

   Any suggestions on the type of leather and ultrasuede and where to get some not too expensive.

   I am really looking at the Viking - but have to save and budget for a Fall purchase. Where are you situated ? I am in Ottawa.

10. 
    SewTruTerry | Apr 18, 2006 04:47am | #19

    Yes the D1 and the DSE both can embroider on leather and more.  You would want to use a larger eye needle something along the lines of a 90/14 needle but still an embroidery needle.  I think they hold up to the job better.

    I happen to live in the Chicagoland area. All of the leather that I have embroidered on have been provided to me by a client that was using them in car interiors.  So I am not sure that I can give you ideas of where to buy the leather but our local JoAnns actually carry some really good looking vinyls that can also be embroidered on as well.

2. 
   mygaley | Mar 23, 2006 05:54am | #3

   This is not really a tip, but do not use steam irons on your skins!  Don't ask how I know this.  Galey

3. 
   Kilroywashere | Mar 23, 2006 06:12pm | #4

   roll the leather smoothly and tightly up, and let it sit for a week, unroll it, and see if the fold has gone away. 

4. 
   GorgeousThings | Mar 25, 2006 05:12pm | #5

   I have fused interfacing to leather with no problem, so you can iron it. As the previous poster said, do NOT use steam. I set the iron to the wool setting and I use a silk organza press cloth.

   HTH!
   Ann

1. 
   FitnessNut | Mar 26, 2006 04:17am | #6

   I did the same, but with a lightweight paper bag.