I’m going to go ahead and say it: I’m a leather addict. I’m not going to go biker extreme on you guys, but I’m kind of a purist when it comes to shoes, bags, and jackets. They have to be the real thing. If you’re a vegan, you should just stop reading now, because I probably won’t be able to stop myself from talking about how completely wonderful leather smells and feels. (Also, bacon is delicious. You should try it.)
So when I was contacted by the Leather Hide Store to review some of their leather, I jumped up and down and shouted YES before they even asked me. I can not believe I haven’t sewn with leather yet. I don’t think it’s particularly scary, it’s probably more of the type of projects that you would use leather for that seem daunting. But trust me, they’re not. Once you start, you can’t stop thinking about all the things that would be better with leather. I thought of small things like zipper pulls and big things like reupholstered ottomans. And lots of things in between that I hope to show you soon, after the holidays. (just trust me when I tell you that it is not a good idea to lose a week in December to sickness. You can’t make it up later, believe me.)
I’m going to make a short list of the reasons why leather shouldn’t scare you at all and hopefully you’ll be ready to give it a try too.
1. It doesn’t fray! You don’t have to finish any edges, internal or external!
2. It isn’t finicky. Make sure you’re using a leather needle (or if those don’t exist in your country, you could use a sz. 100 needle like I did), lengthen your stitches, and ease up on your presser foot pressure if you have that capability. Delia actually did a full round up of leather tips and tricks here that’s really comprehensive, so I won’t expound on this topic. I’m just saying: it’s not hard! It’s like sewing through butter.
3. A little goes a loooooong way. I barely made a dent in my hide with this clutch. You could spend a year using the leather for accents and small projects and not run out. The Leather Hide Store sells remnants, so you can get a great deal and only buy as much as you need.
4. If you’re making a bag, the inside is automatically suede!
5. It makes your sewing area smell amaaaazing. Like leather.
6. You can pick different weights of leather, just like cotton. Go for something really thick and substantial, like the Rich Mahogany I used for this clutch, or get something thinner with a better drape and make your self a knock-em-dead mini skirt!
7. Like cotton, leather also comes in all the colors of the rainbow, but you can choose different textures too. Leather Hide Store even has embossed leather!
Have I convinced you yet? I’m already thinking about what color I’d like to get next. I’m always a sucker for a reddish/orangish tinted distressed leather, like their Auburn Blaze.
So, do you want to win some leather? Leather Hide Store is generously giving one of you a $50 gift card for their shop! All you have to do is like their FB page via the rafflecoptor giveaway below. Winner must have a US or Canadian address.
A little bit about this clutch. If you haven’t recognized it, it’s the Foldover Doily Clutch from Skirt as Top. It’s an amazingly easy and versatile tutorial, so you could even squeeze in a couple more Christmas presents if you need ’em. Since it’s basically sewing two rectangles together, it’s a great first leather project! I added a panel of lace on one side to give it a little personality. I love that I can fold it in either direction depending on whether I want to feature the lace side or if I’m in the mood to go all-leather. (said no man ever. Gosh, don’t you love being a girl so you can write sentences like that and be completely serious? anyway, moving on) I also added a loop to the zipper pull because I like to be hands-free with the toddler, and my keys are on a carabiner and I like to clip them to my bag or my person. I’ve been using this clutch for running errands this week and I’m completely in love with it. It fits my sunglasses case, phone, wallet, and Burts Bee’s, and I’m out the door!
legal shmegal: I was given a leather hide remnant to review from Leather Hide Store. As always, all opinions are my own. Just ask my mom.
oh i love the leather and lace, this clutch looks awesome! it still kind of makes me a little flabbergasted that uber famous bloggers like you are sewing from my tutorials… :)
thanks for the giveaway, too! not that well-versed in leather sewing yet but i’d love to do it more – i think winning a cow hide may help.
You’re so silly, uber famous blogger ;) I hope you win or acquire some, you could do some amazing stuff with leather. I like it incorporated with knitted things too, hint hint!!
Love the mix of leather and lace!
Thanks Jennifer!
There is no substitute for real leather! And ‘vegan leather’ (yes, that’s what they call it now) is criminally wrong. In my not-so-humble opinion. =D
Lace and leather is even better than either alone… beautifully done. =)
This is beautiful! When I saw the picture on FB and then saw the title of your post, I laughed! I just made a similar clutch last week for a post I’m doing in January, but I titled mine Lace and Leather! Great minds think alike, right?
What a fabulous combo! I just started sewing with leather last year and I can easily say I am addicted. I even have been know for skinning an old recliner for the leather to play with. Leather is so awesome.