Replies

1. 
   rekha | Feb 10, 2008 12:05am | #1

   I think no one is going to be able to identify it as is because it appears that it has been embossed/burnished in a regular pattern.

   You need to first get the magazine and contact the author

   Also Tandy leather are the experts; they may be able to help http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?dept=282

   The best book I know for sewing leather is Sandy Scrivano's Sewing with leather and suede ISBN 1579900518

    

   Edited 2/9/2008 4:27 pm ET by rekha

1. 
   kbalinski | Feb 10, 2008 07:44am | #2

   Thanks for the tip, I sent them an email with an attachment of the picture, which is actually an ad for jewelry, the clothing isn't mentioned or referenced at all!

   And the tip on the book is also appreciated.  Working with leather is one of those projects I've never thought I was capable of, but after 18 years of sewing, I'm pretty sure I'm up for the challenge.  I finally have the patience to take my time and complete a project properly... something I couldn't do in my younger years!  I will never forget that my asymmetrical prom dress had the lining in the opposite way.  These days, I read through the pattern directions multiple times before even cutting the paper!

   Thanks again!

   Kristine

2. 
   damascusannie | Feb 10, 2008 11:01pm | #3

   Try this: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?dept=282Sewing with leather is a whole 'nother story than fabric sewing. You're going to need to do some research before you get started. I have a friend that is a leather clothing designer and she uses very different techniques and equipment than I do for clothing sewing.

3. 
   From my Stash.... | Feb 11, 2008 05:37am | #4

   Hi Kristine.  Tandy might be able to identify it. It does look like it has been stamped to create the reptile skin effect.

   As to tips on sewing with leather, Kathryn Brenne has a great CD on just this subject, has classes at her Academy of Fine Sewing, and will have sessions at various sewing expos. Her website is http://www.finesewing.com.

   The CD covers determining how many skins you need, modifying a pattern, laying out the pattern, sewing tips, covering buttons and making buttonholes, gives samples and text notes, and has a list of suppliers for leather and other items. There a different things needed (for example a 1 lb rubber mallet and glue) and i have found this CD to be a great help.

   Hope this helps,

4. 
   user-60627 | Feb 11, 2008 11:35pm | #5

   Its an embossed leather. It could be embossed kidskin, embossed calfskin, embossed split cowhide, but whatever critter it came from, its a light-weight leather which has some drape and flexibility.And who knows, it could even be pleather, I've seen some that were convincing enough that I had to touch them to be sure of what it was.The other posters are correct, Tandy might sell skins like this. You might also check to see if you have a store called 'The Leather Factory' in your area. And you should read up on how to handle leather, because all the techniques and tools used in construction are completely different. Leather is sold by the square foot, so you will have to take your pattern pieces with you to do a layout. And do you have a sewing machine that can handle leather?In the meantime, you can make a muslin of your jacket out of cheapie felt, to approximate the hand of leather.

5. 
   CostumerVal | Feb 12, 2008 12:52am | #6

   http://www.rodenleather.com has your leather.  It's called borgia 2706.  On the cheaper, but not so attractive side, Fabric Mart has an embossed micro suede.  It's polyester and the embossing isn't as deep as the real leather.  Not sure how particular you are about handling your leather, but your local tack shop will have a product called Leather Therapy.  You can wash your leather in the washing machine with this stuff.  In the old days, manufacturers would stretch hides on stretchers before cutting them.  If you wash your leather and don't stretch it, you won't have to worry about shrinkage.  Also, just for test purposes, I blasted a piece of rabbit hide with steam from an iron and it shriveled up massively.  Then I soaked it in cold water and stretched it right back to it's original size.  So don't be afraid of working with it.

   One more thing.  Use nylon upholstery thread, the tanic acid in the hide will eat the polyester threads.

   Val

   Edited 2/11/2008 5:00 pm ET by CostumerVal

1. 
   rekha | Feb 12, 2008 04:00pm | #7

   It seems the URL you provided is for upholstery leather. I thought I would pick up on the research you had done and googled for garment leather.

   Here's one that has the pattern http://www.montanaleather.com/lambskin3.htm

1. 
   kbalinski | Feb 12, 2008 08:22pm | #8

   Everyone has been so helpful with this project, I can't thank you enough.

   I'll admit, I'm rather intimidated by this project being such a big undertaking, with additional supplies needed and all, but know that the experience will be more than worthwhile.

   I'll keep you all posted!

   Kristine

1. 
   stitchagain | Feb 13, 2008 04:10am | #9

   You might try Oregon Leather.  I've done some small upolstery and they are always very helpful.

   http://www.oregonleatherco.com/index.html