Dog Collar Workshop - LCW2019

London Craft Week workshop - a huge thank you to Betty for modelling

Welcome back good shoemakers and here we are, with a post-weekend post. We've lots to share in the run up to London Craft Week next Wednesday to Sunday including lectures, talks, exhibitions, Open Days and workshops.

First up is more information about the two Dog Collar making workshops with the wonderful Frances Pinnock on Sunday 12 May. 

If you can, do book on a class because, as James and I have found, saddle stitch is a great skill to learn and you'll suddenly find yourself repairing vintage bags and leather chair seats or making your own leather accessories; plus it perfectly complements shoemaking and you might even be tempted to hand stitch some uppers! 

 

In the workshop you'll learn how to create a sharp crease line along the length of the collar and to burnish the edges to gives them an attractive sheen. Then you'll attach the solid brass roller buckle and D-ring, British-made by Abbey England;

and the keeper - the band of leather that holds the end of the strap in place.

As you can see, the collar itself is cut from supple, 4mm thick natural veg. tanned leather in a slightly grained bordeaux colour.  

Then it's stitching time, five short rows to secure each piece in place with satisfyingly chunky stay stitches at the beginning and end. Then it's time to punch the holes for the buckle and to personalise your collar with initials, a monogram or punch hole patterns. 

And there you are, you've made a beautiful dog collar for your BFF. 

The three-hour workshops are at 10am and 2pm on Sunday 12 May and cost £45. Click here to book your place.

Beautiful Betty