I'd like to know...

[Forty Rod]

...if it wouldn't be a good idea to cover a rustic sofa with the same kind if "saddle leather" that a good quality catcher's mitt is made from.

I've got the sofa (actually a sofa bed) and need it reupholstered.  the prices are high enough I may just sring for the extra and get it done in leather, but I don't want the flimsy lightweight "garment" leather that smells like plastic that I find on most leather furniture (and cars) nowadays.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I've only done one chair, 40. I put skirting leather on it, but that would be way too stiff for your sofa. You may be better off with the lighter stuff.

[Forty Rod]

Will, I'm looking for something that is like the wallet my daughter gave me nine years ago...I still use it even though it's discolored and getting a bit baggy...because I'm not sure it's possible to wear it out, and it still smells like leather!  It very much reminds me of a catchers mitt, all soft and flexible, yet thick and strong.

It sure would be comfortable, too, I think.

Any suggestions.  This is easily twice as thick as my wife's car coat and three times as thick as her purses.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

You may want to call one of the suppliers and tell them what you want to do. As far as I know, any of them will send you a sample of their leathers and pricing.

Here's the thread where you will find a lot of good suppliers. http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,6450.0.html

[Forty Rod]

Thanks.  I'll start frustrating myself this afternoon. 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks.  I'll start frustrating myself this afternoon. 

[Forty Rod]

Well, KEEEEE-rap!!!

Frustrating, I said? 

This is reee-diculous.  I can either buy a small herd of cattle for the leather, or buy a ready made sofa and donate this one to the Salvation Army.  Either way is gonna cost less in monet, time, confusion, mashed fingers, and aggravation.

Y'know, someday I'm gonna have a good idea that really is a good idea...maybe.

[Triggersmith]

I used to be an upholsterer. To do a good job on that sofa you want a walking foot machine that has a welt foot on it. This allows you to use a heavier thread and the walking foot will insure that you get an even stitch when you start sewing layers of leather together.  The walking foot grabs both layers and pulls them through evenly.  the welt foot is for putting the welt or beading around the cushions and other parts of the sofa. You should have a good staple gun, an air driven gun is best but you could use one of the electric guns.  It's a bunch of work taking it apart and making sure the underlayment is in good condition. Sometimes it's just better to go buy a good leather sofa. 
Triggersmith

[Forty Rod]

Ah, the voice of reason.

Thanks.  Sometimes I get these strange thoughts, like voices....................

[Marshal Will Wingam]

They talk to you, too? They keep telling me, "Buy more Remmies. Buy more Remmies." It's the darndest thing.

[Forty Rod]

I try to ignore them, but they act like Miss Wittie in third grade and rap my knuckles with a ruler.

Mine are telling me I need to remodel the den from the foundation up...flooring, walls, ceiling, wiring, furniture, decoration, computer station, everything.  All I wanted was new wall panelling and better lights.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Uh, oh. Sounds like you need new voices.

[Forty Rod]

I'd ell 'em to leave me alone, but then they work in relays to keep me awake all night.  Sometimes they sing songs that I can't get out of my head, or tell me nine years is long enough without a cigarette, or tell to sass my wife. 

They're meaner'n hell.