Quote Originally Posted by Billb1960 View Post
Hey Tim, as we discussed by PM my Dad did leather work as a hobby for quite a few years. He had the same issues with stitching as you so he got one of these:

http://springfieldleather.com/42795/...iam-pt%2C6Png/

Much easier and faster than an awl. One shot with a rawhide mallet and you get 6 perfectly aligned holes.

Thank you! I just got one of those a couple weeks ago, and it makes an enormous difference especially with the softer leather. Where before the leather stretched and keeping a straight line was almost impossible, now I can punch really nice, tidy lines. I still enjoy using the awl on veg-tanned leather, but the chisel is great for the softer stuff I've been working on lately.

Speaking of, here's my latest iteration of a roll-up. I got a really awesome, pliable, distressed leather and worked on fixing the flaws from my prototype. I got my measurements about right and I'm happy with the results. That top flap folds down for protection and the whole thing rolls up pretty tight.