Hey. Just gauging interest in things.
I really want to be able to provide decent boots for people in need of more historical pieces that aren't ghillie brogues or what have you, but hand-stitching is causing my fingers and wrists to go numb and ache.
This is a catch-22, since I need to make things to get the money to buy the machine to make the things. I'm looking at a Tippmann Industrial Boss, to start off with, to make this sort of thing, (http://imgur.com/gallery/UVtW1) albeit with a better work space to cut down on the terrible wrinkling and lay of the ankle covering.
The first two types I think would go over remotely well, are more like Oseberg or Haithabu style, and eventually offering more modern pieces with a boxed toe instead of a split toe.
I'd also be more than happy to help another leatherworker out for a season or two, preferably in Texas, Colorado, and surrounding. I don't want to step on any toes, and would rather work with another established worker, to help expand the potential of helping people find exactly what they want.
Right now, I know the pics are a little lean and long of tooth, but I've been struggling to get close friends' goods out as it is. As for the risks at my GoFundMe page (http://www.gofundme.com/GrizzlyCatsLeather), as soon as the ticker hits about $2,000 USD, I'm getting the sewing machine, and then putting my own funds towards leather and incidentals. The rest is going towards tools and further materials and incidentals. I really don't want to be greedy, you know. I just desperately need a wrist-saving device so that I can actually provide things in a timely manner without cheating anybody out of anything. That's all of about...what, 12 more pairs of boots? A mess of cuffs?
Also, don't feel the need to be gentle in your rebuttals, admonitions, etc.