Starting with a paper design.
Pocket insert add on. Design made using Inkscape which is an open source cad program for windows and such.
I found a scrap of Horween CXL in black alligator print 🤣😂🤣 I’ll use this for the first cover. Stitched in Bright Red :)
Starting thickness... 2.61mm. Machine in the background is a Camoga Compact Splitter. It "splits" thick leather into thinner leather. Hobbies leather crafters will purchase leather that is already split to the desired thickness.
After using my Camoga Compact Splitter, it's down to 1.96mm thick. A much better hand feel.
Now cut to the pattern with a ruler and rotary knife.
Make the holes for the tiny brass grommets using a hole punch and mallet I've had forever... these are tools from Tandy Leather.
Round the corners! The tool I used to round the corners was purchased at Crimson Hides. A wonderful website with a lot of tools. Corner rounders are readily available at a variety of leather shops. Check Springfield leather first. They are my favorite family owned shop with wonderful customer service.
Stitch in oh so subtle red thread :) This was stitched using a Durkopp Adler 669 sewing machine. Many leather craftsmen use leather pricking irons and great thread. My pricking irons are from Crimson Hides and I use the french style at 3.25 mm which is about 8 stitches per inch (SPI). For handstitching thread, I recommend the Meisi XianGe Waxed Polyester in 0.45.
Install brass grommets... thought about black, but I like the brass. I use grommets and grommet setters from Buckleguy. Buckleguy hardware is quite expensive but solid brass and consistently very high quality.
Trim the thread and crease with a heated fileteuse. I prefer the FN2 tip and I use a Mason fileteuse. Mason may be hard to get these days.
Prototype getting close. This is designed for 2 field notes.
Both installed...
and here is the second.
Better lighting over my work bench.
I like the brass grommets! Maybe add a center grommet, but I'm not sure I'd actually use it. Other people might.
Decided it does need a closure! Let's add another grommet and a loop.
final for now... would LOVE your thoughts and comments. For experienced traveler notebook people, what do you think? What needs to be improved? What features would you like?
