Leatherworking with Jennifer Holcomb, Art Institute

Thursdays, January 26-March 1, 6-9 pm (Portland Sewing will offer this class again in Spring 2012.  Want to get a note when it’s scheduled?  Send an e-mail to info@portlandsewing.com)

$189 + $60 kit fee ($249)

This six-week course teaches the fundamentals of leatherworking while you make a belt and clutch.  Learn how to cut, bevel, crease and burnish edges.  Mould leather around buckles and rings.  Learn about skiving and channeling, plus techniques for applying dyes and finishes. Create a swatch library of handstitches.  Sew hem samples bymachine.  Explore the many different kinds of leather, its qualities and potential.  Become proficient at using and maintaining hand tools.

Kit includes leather for samples, belt, and part of clutch, hardware, stitching awl, linen thread, harness needles, burnishing tools, leather conditioner, plus dyes and finishes to experiment with in-class.  You will buy a small amount of light leather for half of the handbag and the sewing machine samples.  You also will bring basic sewing supplies and a home sewing machine for one class.

Class limited to eight students. This class is designed for people with little or no previous experience, and for those who want to go back to the basics in working with leather.

Prerequisite:  Beginning Sewing or Learn to Sew