As a small business owner and craftsman, I can relate to your sentiment. I used to cut my product out with a jeweler's saw. Then I got a laser to do that step and business exploded. My product got much better and more consistent and my customers appreciate that. I still do a lot of hand work and that's the key. All the laser did was take the drudgery out of the initial production phase. Stay on course and you'll do fine.
Typically the label "sell out" is uttered by individuals who do not have a fundamental understanding of business and or fail to reach a higher level of skills. Essentially they want everyone to remain at their stagnate level. Eric, I really don't think you need to justify how you run your business. The fact that you have helmed a successful business speaks volumes.
Really well stated! I especially appreciated your real-life justification of the Albatross wallet. As a hobbyist who loves to gift nice gifts to friends/family, my leather stitching machine opened up WORLDS of opportunities that hand stitching couldn't, since I wouldn't justify spending 40 hours on a gift for a friend. I can do more complex builds in terms of layering, rolled, edges, extra pockets, fully stitched straps, etc, that would've been prohibitive if I were still only doing hand stitching. I now focus on using hand stitching for smaller project and areas where the aesthetic of the hand stitch will really shine through, while using the machine for workhorse areas. The finances of a projects are overwhelming - if I would want to sell anything like a decent-sized bag, I would have to charge many hundreds, which going to greatly limit those options. With machine stitching I can focus on the leather work aside from stitching and bring a quality product at an approachable - though still somewhat luxury - price point.
You’re doing fine! Improving processes is and maintaining quantity is the goal. People who question you have no understanding of what it takes to be “fluid” and “adaptable”to maintain a value and quality product to your customers. Great Job!! I have been following you for over a year now and I love your work and your knowledge is amazing. Thank You
I have been leather crafting for a little over two years. I am still trying to figure out how and what to sell either online or at a craft show. I have learned a lot from you and consider you one of my mentors. You are continually expanding your craft. You are far from a sell out just because you are using sewing machines. Businesses need to upgrade and expand their craft and trade. Please continue to do what you do and forget the naysayers. There are more supporters than negative Nellies. Keep up the good work!!
I totally agree with you. I had a towing business for years and I had a vision of what I wanted it to be and how I wanted to treat my customers. You put a personal touch on everything you do and sometimes in order to grow you have to be willing to upgrade your abilities to accommodate where you want your business to go. I'm getting into leather work because I love leather, I think it's beautiful and want to learn it as a hobby. I want to be able to make nice things for friends and others I know and love and yeah I'd like to make a little extra money. Saying that I don't have to use it to support my family and life. Using a machine to me is not taking away the care that you put into your products it's giving you the ability to make the same quality of product faster and for less money so you can give those savings to your customers. I enjoy watching your videos and they have helped me in my adventures so keep up the good work and just stay true to your values and everything will work out just fine.
I don’t see it as selling out. Let me take a moment to say thank you for your videos and patterns. I am a relatively new maker, starting about two years ago making small leather goods because of people like you. I do it for me and to give as gifts, I’ve worked an office job for 15 years and needed a hobby, something physical, things I and finish and be proud of. You taught me to hand stitch, and I am so grateful. Sewing machines aren’t selling out, based on this video you put the same quality and care into hand stitched or sewn. Many thanks again and God bless you!
When I first started you and Markers and Don G .,along with Weaver helped me a lot . You hand sewing everything helped me so much . Still haven’t got a sewing machine but one day but until then I done mind hand sewing! Thank You for the advice and encouragement
It's called progress or evolution. I enjoy hand sewing. I find it relaxing. For me, leathercraft is my self-supporting hobby. I started in the 70s and laced. My mentor was Tandy's George Hurst who managed the store in Philly (not far from the Liberty Bell.). However we make something, quality and pride in our work is paramount. Thanks for your videos. Gotta keep on learning.😂
When i finally move more into bags i will absolutely invest in a sewing machine. I recently made my girlfriend a tote bag out of chromexcel thats big enough yo hold a lap top and wear on the shoulder and it took me about 30 hours total to cut and sew that thing. There was a learning curve ehich extended it but even if i could cut that time in half it still wouldnt be close to economical. A sewing machine and some practice would definitely put me in the money for larger items like that, and i can dtill hand sew all my wallets.
I just got this bag from you and it's GORGEOUS. The leather is amazing quality, has not one blemish on it, and the smell reminds me of a fancy boot shop in Nashville. I just ordered one of your brass rings with key tag to hook onto the strap so everyone can see your name when they admire it. Hope that will bring you some more fans! Fabulous work. Can't wait to order more from you. Thank you for sharing your art! 👜
Mint 👌🏻👍🏻👌🏻💥🏍️💥✊🏻 I'm 67 and my hand joints are in poor condition. Just got a 355 and it is a life changer. Belts are a breeze and don't look so different. Keep on doing what you do.👍🏻👌🏻💪🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻 Mack, Huddersfield, Yorkshire,vUK
Yeah dude, great points. I just made my dad a wallet from one of your patterns after being hooked on your videos. You are still motivating people and selling fantastic products!
Thanks for a beautiful meditation on the intersection of craft and business. No you are not selling out. You are using a tool that makes it possible to sell your products at a price that is fair to you and your customer. It’s still you doing the sewing.
Dude if people are gonna call you a sell out over a sewing machine, none of them better use a clicker press or any kinda press for rivets or snaps, power burnisher or anything. A sewing machine is just another tool in the arsenal and tbh they are probably just jealous they don’t have one. You keep doing you.
not really though. all the products you listed do not give lower standard quality compared to doing it by hand. the sewing machine though DOES.... the lock stitch made by sewing machine is GREATLY inferior in regards to strength, looks and quality compared to hand sewing. products made with sewing machines are not even remotely close to the quality of hand sewn products. your comment is made out of ignorance.
As someone who has just been bitten by the leather bug (much to the chagrin of my bank account) and by extension only just discovered your channel, I REALLY appreciate this video. While the products I've been purchasing have been from a different brand (cheaper prices, but also cheaper quality), they use machine stitching and pretty much all I've seen have been that hand stitching is sooooo much better than machine. Seeing someone who has made hand stitched products talking about machine stitching like it's not the end of the world is comforting to see.
A sewing machine is not 'selling out", they have been standard for centuries. We arent talking about computres and robots, it is still one person operating a sewing machine. You still have the skills, and you aren't selling out, you're fine.
The idea of “selling out” because you bought a sewing machine is absurd. We have to make our way in life. The Internet needs to grow TF up. Thanks for your hard work. Those are really nice looking bags!
Don’t waste your tike with people who say you’re a sell out just because you’re using a sewing machine. I love making things out of leather but i ain’t a business. I know, from my own experience, that it ain’t cheap (exactly how you said in this video) which is why i dont get to do it as often as id like (plus time lol). Keep going.
I made a purse that I hand dyed, the top was black, the bottom was brown. I had cut out the leather with my new $3k laser, and then cleaned the edges with alcohol, since you get soot using a laser. I personally don't like how the leather comes out of the laser, how it smells, but it eventually goes away after a few days. I've found that merely marking the stitching holes with the laser, and then punching the holes myself is the best method. I only save time cutting, and then punch by hand. This way there's no soot in the stitching holes, and there's no black soot coating and coloring the white ritza thread. So I understand using a sewing machine. I've made bags that took me many days to sew. And then when someone asks how much you're charging, they can't believe the price. And I only work for $20 an hour. But if you want to build your business, you have to calculate like this ((material + (total hours worked x wage/hr)) x 2. This is so that you can build your business and buy items you need. If you don't follow this simple formula, you will not grow. So if it takes you 5 hours to build a bag, that's $100 in labor, plus say $30 in materials, double that total and you get $260. The black and brown bag I made for a friend, she told me she would advertise for me, and I should be able to sell those bags to her friends if they're less than $99, she said. I didn't know what to say. Most people don't appreciate handmade items, and don't realize all the work it takes. So to make a long story a bit shorter, that's why I bought a laser. I can cut my my own SVG files on stock paper with the laser, instead of spending over an hour using a punch and some scissors, and build a prototype. Eventually I get that pattern to where I want, and will then cut the final proto in leather. It's a game changer. And so that's why Corter bought a sewing machine; it's the same reasoning.
And how many of her friends have 10 or more pairs of shoes that cost 200 bucks each? Or did she want to pay you 99 bucks and then charge her pals 180 bucks? A friend of mine wanted a minimalist wallet. She offered 20 bucks. I countered with a f**k off. An artist friend of hers must have given her a lecture because of she came back with 40 bucks and an apology.
@@kboleather I gave a wallet to a coworker I've know for years; I said don't worry, it's a gift. He insisted on paying, so I said just give me $20. It paid for the materials but not my time. For friends and family I don't care, but I am concerned this friend will tell others and they will expect the same price, which has a snowballing effect.
@@johnnyc.5979Exactly. That can cause issues. Charge one guy $75 for a bifold, but another $95, that guy finds out that three months ago said wallet was only 75, he throws a fit. Growing in my craft and therefore charging more of what I'm worth certainly has a snowballing effect..
I learned to handsew by watching channels like yours. I did it mostly so that I could repair and make a few things foe myself and be self sufficient. I own three fabric sewing machines and would have a leather machine tomorrow if it was in my budget. Whether sewn with a needle and thread, or a machine, it is still the work of human hands. I believe that is an honorable endeavor.
You do you!! I am sure there is a lot more of your fans that knows our not a sell out. Times change so therefore we have to change to keep up.. I love your work love your videos love to hear you talk and explain things. Sew what you want by hand use your machine when you need too... keep on keeping on ❤❤❤
The individuals saying "Sell Out" have never hand stitched a bag... just thinking about it makes my hands ache. I personally believe there is a point where hand stitching doesn't make economical sense and where it makes perfect sense. I wish I could afford a barrel sewing machine Keep on keeping on man!
Personally I'd like to see more on using the machine, i think it's smart for the large bags, messenger bags etc, cross-body bags etc... I made a couple larger case style bags and the amount of hand stitching is like hours sitting on the couch with a stitching clam and sore numb hands from grasping the tiny needle, pushing through 2 or sometimes 3 layers, i want one but not affordable to me yet. Edit... also using a machine is not selling out, you are still hand made cripes sake!!
Oh! I started watching you because you were informative and entertaining. I am trying my hand now at jewelry making. I hope I can be successful at that.
People have apparently forgotten what "selling out" means. "Selling out" means selling your integrity for money. Unless you hide that you're using a sewing machine and claim something is hand sewn, using a sewing machine isn't "selling out". There's no loss of integrity to using a different tool. Craft gatekeepers are so weird.
I'm a leatherworker, too. My hands are sick, very sick. And despite that, I decided to start with leather. I didn't know what it would do to my hands. Well, it hurt. Over time, I found I just couldn't cut everything by hand and I bought a laser. Then I added a Chinese sewing machine. And now the latest addition, a 104-year-old Singer. All things that save my life and my customers money. Basically, I offer everything with the option of hand or machine sewing. It's just an evolution :)
Usually the people who complain that using machines is selling out are not willing to pay the price for actual hand made stuff. I'm also willing to bet they've never tried to scale a business or faced having to handstitch 500 pieces in two days by themselves. Using a microwave instead of building a fire and cooking your food? Sell out. Google something instead of going to the library and opening up an encyclopedia? Sell out. Get real. Can't believe people would be upset that he's succeeding and needs to scale up to keep up. Great stuff my friend. Keep doing you.
Using automation and machines, just enables me to put out a more consistent product. In the case of a single maker, it allows for more consistent volume, and in the case of having employees, it should make each item have less variance.
I think you should have bought a sewing machine years ago. You literally taught me how to hand stitched. But I make mostly bags be cause that's what I love. I figured out that very few people want to pay the price for a hand sown bags.
When I started to look at it, the price difference between hand- and machine-sewn items was huge. We finally decided to have two levels of pricing: machine and hand-sewn. This will apply to belts and purses with pockets. Since we do mostly smaller pieces except for the aforementioned, machine-sewn items will not make much of a difference except to the "purists."
Its not a sellout to change your manufacturing process and I understand it from a commercial perspective, but when do you stop being an artisan maker and become just another commercial manufacturer albeit on a smaller scale. There is something to be said for taking the time fully make products manually. Using cutters, press machines, rivet machines, sewing machines makes you a machinist not a hand maker. At best you could say your items are assembled by hand, but they aren't handmade. Its your business and your decision how you want to make stuff. I learnt so much from your early videos its made my leather journey easier because I cant afford machines, and I honestly dont like them. You were one of the few leather crafters I found on youtube who i could learn from because I could do what you did in the videos. I have no way to attempt stitching a gusset by hand after watching someone do it on a machine because its done totally differently. I'm glad you wont stop hand sewing and I hope you still make videos on how to do things manually.
For those larger projects a sewing machine is a MUST. Though hand sewing such monsters might be validating, you'll never be adequately compensated for the time it takes. Personally and professionally I think it's simply elevating your craft to new levels when you can assemble larger projects more timely. I've also been designing a crossbody radically different than what's currently available and I *know* I'll end up having to machine sew it. So as far as I'm concerned there's no judgement. In our business there are many ways to 'sell out', and moving to a machine isn't one of them.
Hi! I love your work and find your videos super helpful 😊. I just started my leatherworking journey, and this is my first time working with leather. I’m trying to make a bag using cowhide leather, but it has a strong smell. Is this smell normal, or am I overreacting? 🤔 If it’s normal, do you have any tips to reduce or remove it ? I’d really appreciate any advice! 🙏
I am wrestling with the hand sewn vs sewing machine myself. Hand sewn is a great selling point but expensive for my time, a sewing machine would certainly cut production time, but at what expense? A machine also opens up new possibilities to the craft as in rapid results of a stitch line. Quite the conundrum
I've got the same plan. Machine sew some and hand sew what's left. I live in the Midwest. Most people I meet really don't need a $800 bag or purse. Just the reality of the situation.
I think there is a saying …You can’t please all of the people all of the time…a quote by John Lydgate that was adopted by President Lincoln. I do believe the quote is longer but the final sentence is this. You are remarkable.
As a father, I’ve felt like a sell out working jobs “just for money”. But it’s not for money, it’s for the family. Do what is best for your family because no one else will. Your goods should probably be in the price tier of Gucci or LV based on hours it takes to be made. So if you can gain margin but keep prices the same, then good on you.
When buying hand made, think of the hours it took to make the item, then think of how much you want to get paid an hour, and then realize that is the minimum production cost of the item and you need to pay much more to make it worth the makers time. The issue is, you see how long he does to make just one tab and you know that a machine can click out 100 or more of them in the same time. Same with hand stitching vs sewing. Even hand made, machines are used in the making of the leather, making of the tools, making of the dyes, making of the threads. There are up and coming quality brands overseas that will cost you half of an Italian brand and may even be better quality as many big brands also use machines. It is a matter of where you want your money to go.
I don't think of a machine as selling out. I see it as a tool that you use to meet business goals. We are all in a position where we have to be creative as to how we maintain our businesses, especially if it's our main livelihood. I have the luxury of my husband working so that I can do my leather business. I'm still fairly new at it, but so far it's at least paying for itself.
I used to make my girls Halloween costumes. They were not sewn by hand, they were done with a sewing machine. Still handmade but far more extravagant and way better quality than what was offered in stores. I had other parents ask if I could do their kids soo…
a sewing machine is no more selling out than your sanding machine is selling out, your skill is what your selling, time is money and your product is much more affordable with machines.
Using a machine to stitch is still hand making--like using dies to cut pieces out vs using a blade to hand cut... I only machine stitch--i'm sure you've found there may be things you could do by hand stitching you can't on the machine--and vice versa.
I agree with all you've said here, but I don't even see the legitimacy of the claim that using a sewing machine is selling out because it's a health & safety device, it's a disability aid and a disability preventor. You in your specific situation need it to keep the work sustainable; and so does everyone else just on different timescales. Any tool or methodology can be used with the intent of making a worse product for higher profits, this sewing machine isn't special. This is the sort of labor that has ruined bodies for millennia, you deserve to keep your hands and keep doing your craft as long as you desire.
I think this gets into a really interesting conversation about what is "handmade." By that I mean to say that utilizing a machine with your hands still qualifies as handmade, in my book. And if not then at what point does something become not handmade? Is it when electricity is introduced? And are you by that standard? Not making something by hand if you're using a light to guide your hand? Very interesting conversation! Your stuff continues to look really great and high quality! Keep up the great work, thanks for the video.
I never understood why people who can't walk in your shoes, see your day to day, or feel your own body age, try to tell others how to run their business, let alone lives. Great products aren't just made by hand, it's made from people who care about their products
You're not selling out at all. Move your business in whatever direction that you want. I'm your opposite. I had a Cobra class 20 and 26 when I started, sold them both, and now I'm all hand stitched. I didn't think the sewing machine looked even close to hand stitching so out they went. I'm now slow as Molasses and I love it. I've learned a lot from you over the years... before you where doing talkies and I'm here for the duration. My sticker from the Buckleguy is on my bench...."Dudes Who Sew"...later.
You are a rockstar dude! My husband and I have this kind of conversation often. When it comes down to it, it's another tool... just like the rivet press. Only you know your business and how to tweak things to make sure you keep going. Either way, good on you for keeping it real. As leatherworkers since the 90's, we truly appreciate all the love, work and effort you put into a craft that's quickly becoming chest thumping competition here lately.
I don't think moving to machine sewing is "selling out", and as a consumer of leather goods, I don't think less of machine sewn items (or at least consider it a legitimate trade-off for price). But the channel is a another matter. As a hobbyist leatherworker who watches the channel to learn and be inspired, projects that relying on machine sewing are less interesting. I don't have a machine (and don't have any interest of scaling up to a point where one would make sense), so those videos just apply to my own work less. It's not like I avoid them, there's just less to take from them for me, and I thought that might be a relevant perspective.
Paying your bills will keep you in business so unless anyone uttering those words is willing to cut a check for all your bills at once, they can just stay quiet.
Never even seen somone try to market "handsewn" clothing for example. Why would the use of a sewing machine for fabric not be selling out be leather would be 🤔
The luddites should give up their steel knives and needles and go back to flint blades and bone needles. Time is expensive and using a sewing machine or any other machine is smart. The finished products match or exceed what anyone can do by hand.
It's awesome with hand stitched stuff. But as long as the piece is made by a craftsman the way you do it, the fact that you used a sewing machine doesn't ruin it for me. It's still hand made as far as I'm concerned. You use machines to sand, to punch holes, and do other stuff. It's cool. Just don't get a machine where you throw leather, thread, rivets and buckles in one end, push a button and it spits a purse out the other end😂
You still do so much work by hand (skiving, cutting, etc.), and even if you used a machine for both, you are still doing one crafted piece at a time. Your design, your hand. Don’t feel bad about working smarter 😊
The quality of your work is unsurpassed. I was so glad when you included your face in your recordings. You are fascinating to watch and learn from, and very thorough.
Post a video when you have those bags available for sale. They look like something women in my life would like. Christmas is coming up and that is the right price point.
No one would call a woodworker a sellout for investing in power tools over hand tools. This is no different. If you were to spend half your video pumping third party products for sponsorship dollar, you would then be a sellout. The truth about haters is it’s really themselves they hate the most. Pity them if you have to pay them any mind at all.
You need to do what you feel is right. Using a sewing machine on a few products is not selling out as you say you are still doing your core products by hand sewing. Keep up the good work you are inspirational to people like me, I'm at the stage now in my journey that I'm making bits for friends and they are happy to pay for materials
Since you seem like a fair and conscientious guy, I'd assume your pricing will reflect your efficiency gain by machine sewing. So, offer handsewn as I'm upgrade. A little drop down box, $50, $100, whatever it is. I bet you don't get many takers.
Unless you'd simply rather not spend 40hrs simply stitching a large project like that... Also, that's an option for a bespoke business, not so much for producing a product at volume and filling orders as they come in.
A sell out is when you leverage your reputation to deceive your audience into supporting an act that opposes what you advocate and the values that your reputation represents. If you are up front about whether a product is hand-sown or machine-sown; you Q.C. your machine-sown products to ensure quality; and the handcrafted premium is not applied to a machine-sown product; I don't see how it is selling out. Nothing in leathercraft is a bigger sellout than vegan leather. It isn't even leather, it's plastic, which is harmful to the environment. As long as you aren't touching that crap and being open about what you do, the rest is your customers' choice.
What people want and what people are willing to Pay For are two entirely separate things.. Everyone wants handmade ultra quality, but do not want to pay the price required for such a product.
It's not Selling Out to use good tools to construct excellent products one by one. It IS Selling Out when someone hires multiple people or a small factory to mass produce an "idea". It may still be a good product, but it is no longer Handmade.
Wait did I miss something? If I hire 3 people to make my wallets for a show, event, or small store in a tourist area then it’s no longer handmade? It is handmade, just not by my hands. I employee them, I train them, I pay them…. it’s still my business, brand quality, and design… if it’s from a factory with only machines making everything then sure… but dude you are trying way too hard with this comment.
"Selling out" is a cry of those who couldn't make it. I machine stitch quite a bit of my products. I am also more than capable of hand sewing. I choose machine stitching for a bunch of projects for the same reason you do. Price. I'd rather more people be able to enjoy my products at an affordable price than charge what my time is worth to a few people. I still take on the occasional "full custom" project that is completely hand sewn. But I am finding that there are more people that want a good product at a good price point than there are people who want (or can afford) the custom hand sewn "artisanal" goods.
Your not at all, I was 100% against machine sewn stuff till I broke down and bought a machine now I’m constantly wondering why I put my self through the pain of hand sewing purses
Absolutely not a sellout. Look at all the other machines you use… is it a sellout to use an electric sander/burnisher, or even a press instead of hammering every rivet by hand. I think for some items handsewn stitches are stronger and may last longer. But if using a machine helps your business be more productive, go for it.
Eric, you are not a sellout! You run a leather goods business, and as you mentioned, you need to adapt to current conditions and needs. I love hand sewn. However, time is expensive. I am still in my early stages of leather work, but I see the value of getting a sewing machine in the future. You make wonderful videos and content. I watch every one of them you put out, and I have purchased patterns from you, which I am very happy with. Haters hate. They must have sad lives. Do what's right for you, and they can stuff it.
Lol. Eric, you are taking what the peanut gallery thinks, far too serious. Who cares what they think? Look, it comes down to business decisions. Those complaining about "selling out" only are making stuff as a HOBBY, NOT a business. There is far more market share for a bag machine sewn at 125 then there is for the same bag hand sewn for 600. Offer both options and you will see how few of those 600 dollar bags ever sell. Anyone lipping off that "machine sewn" is of lesser quality than hand sewn, they are just being idiots. Look, no one can sustain trying to sell products like bags and totes that are hand sewn for a price the maker can live with, very long. There just are not enough people willing to pay 1K for a hand sewn bag. A saddle in my opinion, is far more important to function then a bag. How many saddles that are hand sewn do you see? None, that's correct. If sewing with a machine were so questionable, then there would be makers that hand sew a whole saddle. It's just not done. In the end, hardly anyone actually cares if it is hand sewn or machine sewn. All they care about is how it looks and what it costs. My first hand sewn belt took 8 hours. A belt will sell for about 75-95 bucks here. Is it smart to hand sew and make no money on a belt or sew it with a machine and be done in 5 minutes? Again, the critics are simply not business owners. They are the hobbyist running their mouth when they don't have the cash to back their claims.
Would you buy a 1997 car for today's price? Your Time is valuable, and people will either come to you for your skills or go elsewhere for an inferior product.
I've never understood the mindset, its not handmade if you use sewing machine. What? That sewing machine isn't running on its own and Casper the ghost isn't like, hey I got this! lol Think of the marketing Ghost Made! 😅
Of course, your're not selling out your goods are still handmade they aren't mass-produced in a factory , and they are still the same quality. What they are saying is nonsense
As a small business owner and craftsman, I can relate to your sentiment. I used to cut my product out with a jeweler's saw. Then I got a laser to do that step and business exploded. My product got much better and more consistent and my customers appreciate that. I still do a lot of hand work and that's the key. All the laser did was take the drudgery out of the initial production phase. Stay on course and you'll do fine.
Typically the label "sell out" is uttered by individuals who do not have a fundamental understanding of business and or fail to reach a higher level of skills. Essentially they want everyone to remain at their stagnate level.
Eric, I really don't think you need to justify how you run your business. The fact that you have helmed a successful business speaks volumes.
I have been working with leather for 30 yrs, as a hobby. Got a Cobra #3 a couple of yrs ago. Sewing with a machine is an art form itself.
Really well stated! I especially appreciated your real-life justification of the Albatross wallet. As a hobbyist who loves to gift nice gifts to friends/family, my leather stitching machine opened up WORLDS of opportunities that hand stitching couldn't, since I wouldn't justify spending 40 hours on a gift for a friend. I can do more complex builds in terms of layering, rolled, edges, extra pockets, fully stitched straps, etc, that would've been prohibitive if I were still only doing hand stitching. I now focus on using hand stitching for smaller project and areas where the aesthetic of the hand stitch will really shine through, while using the machine for workhorse areas. The finances of a projects are overwhelming - if I would want to sell anything like a decent-sized bag, I would have to charge many hundreds, which going to greatly limit those options. With machine stitching I can focus on the leather work aside from stitching and bring a quality product at an approachable - though still somewhat luxury - price point.
You’re doing fine! Improving processes is and maintaining quantity is the goal. People who question you have no understanding of what it takes to be “fluid” and “adaptable”to maintain a value and quality product to your customers.
Great Job!!
I have been following you for over a year now and I love your work and your knowledge is amazing.
Thank You
I have been leather crafting for a little over two years. I am still trying to figure out how and what to sell either online or at a craft show. I have learned a lot from you and consider you one of my mentors. You are continually expanding your craft. You are far from a sell out just because you are using sewing machines. Businesses need to upgrade and expand their craft and trade. Please continue to do what you do and forget the naysayers. There are more supporters than negative Nellies. Keep up the good work!!
I totally agree with you. I had a towing business for years and I had a vision of what I wanted it to be and how I wanted to treat my customers. You put a personal touch on everything you do and sometimes in order to grow you have to be willing to upgrade your abilities to accommodate where you want your business to go. I'm getting into leather work because I love leather, I think it's beautiful and want to learn it as a hobby. I want to be able to make nice things for friends and others I know and love and yeah I'd like to make a little extra money. Saying that I don't have to use it to support my family and life. Using a machine to me is not taking away the care that you put into your products it's giving you the ability to make the same quality of product faster and for less money so you can give those savings to your customers. I enjoy watching your videos and they have helped me in my adventures so keep up the good work and just stay true to your values and everything will work out just fine.
I don’t see it as selling out. Let me take a moment to say thank you for your videos and patterns. I am a relatively new maker, starting about two years ago making small leather goods because of people like you. I do it for me and to give as gifts, I’ve worked an office job for 15 years and needed a hobby, something physical, things I and finish and be proud of. You taught me to hand stitch, and I am so grateful. Sewing machines aren’t selling out, based on this video you put the same quality and care into hand stitched or sewn. Many thanks again and God bless you!
When I first started you and Markers and Don G .,along with Weaver helped me a lot . You hand sewing everything helped me so much . Still haven’t got a sewing machine but one day but until then I done mind hand sewing! Thank You for the advice and encouragement
It's called progress or evolution. I enjoy hand sewing. I find it relaxing. For me, leathercraft is my self-supporting hobby. I started in the 70s and laced. My mentor was Tandy's George Hurst who managed the store in Philly (not far from the Liberty Bell.).
However we make something, quality and pride in our work is paramount.
Thanks for your videos. Gotta keep on learning.😂
When i finally move more into bags i will absolutely invest in a sewing machine. I recently made my girlfriend a tote bag out of chromexcel thats big enough yo hold a lap top and wear on the shoulder and it took me about 30 hours total to cut and sew that thing. There was a learning curve ehich extended it but even if i could cut that time in half it still wouldnt be close to economical. A sewing machine and some practice would definitely put me in the money for larger items like that, and i can dtill hand sew all my wallets.
Hallelujah brother! Keep on doing what you’re doing, it’s all good!
I just got this bag from you and it's GORGEOUS. The leather is amazing quality, has not one blemish on it, and the smell reminds me of a fancy boot shop in Nashville. I just ordered one of your brass rings with key tag to hook onto the strap so everyone can see your name when they admire it. Hope that will bring you some more fans! Fabulous work. Can't wait to order more from you. Thank you for sharing your art! 👜
Mint 👌🏻👍🏻👌🏻💥🏍️💥✊🏻
I'm 67 and my hand joints are in poor condition.
Just got a 355 and it is a life changer.
Belts are a breeze and don't look so different.
Keep on doing what you do.👍🏻👌🏻💪🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻
Mack, Huddersfield, Yorkshire,vUK
I hear that, I'm only 52 but between arthritis and carpal tunnel hand sewing for me is very hard on my hands.
@@Happyfingcampers l had carpel tunnel too - all good after the op.
Watched it on TV while he was doing it too 😀👍🏻👌🏻
Yeah dude, great points. I just made my dad a wallet from one of your patterns after being hooked on your videos. You are still motivating people and selling fantastic products!
Thanks for a beautiful meditation on the intersection of craft and business. No you are not selling out. You are using a tool that makes it possible to sell your products at a price that is fair to you and your customer. It’s still you doing the sewing.
Follow your heart has lead so many down a dead end street but when people are buying your goods and your happy is a step in the right direction.
Dude if people are gonna call you a sell out over a sewing machine, none of them better use a clicker press or any kinda press for rivets or snaps, power burnisher or anything. A sewing machine is just another tool in the arsenal and tbh they are probably just jealous they don’t have one. You keep doing you.
not really though. all the products you listed do not give lower standard quality compared to doing it by hand. the sewing machine though DOES.... the lock stitch made by sewing machine is GREATLY inferior in regards to strength, looks and quality compared to hand sewing. products made with sewing machines are not even remotely close to the quality of hand sewn products. your comment is made out of ignorance.
Process improvement is always a good thing and in no way diminishes a craft.
As someone who has just been bitten by the leather bug (much to the chagrin of my bank account) and by extension only just discovered your channel, I REALLY appreciate this video.
While the products I've been purchasing have been from a different brand (cheaper prices, but also cheaper quality), they use machine stitching and pretty much all I've seen have been that hand stitching is sooooo much better than machine.
Seeing someone who has made hand stitched products talking about machine stitching like it's not the end of the world is comforting to see.
A sewing machine is not 'selling out", they have been standard for centuries. We arent talking about computres and robots, it is still one person operating a sewing machine.
You still have the skills, and you aren't selling out, you're fine.
The idea of “selling out” because you bought a sewing machine is absurd. We have to make our way in life.
The Internet needs to grow TF up.
Thanks for your hard work. Those are really nice looking bags!
Don’t waste your tike with people who say you’re a sell out just because you’re using a sewing machine. I love making things out of leather but i ain’t a business. I know, from my own experience, that it ain’t cheap (exactly how you said in this video) which is why i dont get to do it as often as id like (plus time lol).
Keep going.
I made a purse that I hand dyed, the top was black, the bottom was brown. I had cut out the leather with my new $3k laser, and then cleaned the edges with alcohol, since you get soot using a laser.
I personally don't like how the leather comes out of the laser, how it smells, but it eventually goes away after a few days. I've found that merely marking the stitching holes with the laser, and then punching the holes myself is the best method. I only save time cutting, and then punch by hand. This way there's no soot in the stitching holes, and there's no black soot coating and coloring the white ritza thread.
So I understand using a sewing machine. I've made bags that took me many days to sew. And then when someone asks how much you're charging, they can't believe the price. And I only work for $20 an hour.
But if you want to build your business, you have to calculate like this ((material + (total hours worked x wage/hr)) x 2. This is so that you can build your business and buy items you need. If you don't follow this simple formula, you will not grow.
So if it takes you 5 hours to build a bag, that's $100 in labor, plus say $30 in materials, double that total and you get $260. The black and brown bag I made for a friend, she told me she would advertise for me, and I should be able to sell those bags to her friends if they're less than $99, she said. I didn't know what to say. Most people don't appreciate handmade items, and don't realize all the work it takes.
So to make a long story a bit shorter, that's why I bought a laser. I can cut my my own SVG files on stock paper with the laser, instead of spending over an hour using a punch and some scissors, and build a prototype. Eventually I get that pattern to where I want, and will then cut the final proto in leather. It's a game changer. And so that's why Corter bought a sewing machine; it's the same reasoning.
And how many of her friends have 10 or more pairs of shoes that cost 200 bucks each?
Or did she want to pay you 99 bucks and then charge her pals 180 bucks?
A friend of mine wanted a minimalist wallet. She offered 20 bucks. I countered with a f**k off. An artist friend of hers must have given her a lecture because of she came back with 40 bucks and an apology.
@@kboleather I gave a wallet to a coworker I've know for years; I said don't worry, it's a gift. He insisted on paying, so I said just give me $20.
It paid for the materials but not my time. For friends and family I don't care, but I am concerned this friend will tell others and they will expect the same price, which has a snowballing effect.
@@johnnyc.5979Exactly. That can cause issues. Charge one guy $75 for a bifold, but another $95, that guy finds out that three months ago said wallet was only 75, he throws a fit. Growing in my craft and therefore charging more of what I'm worth certainly has a snowballing effect..
I learned to handsew by watching channels like yours. I did it mostly so that I could repair and make a few things foe myself and be self sufficient. I own three fabric sewing machines and would have a leather machine tomorrow if it was in my budget.
Whether sewn with a needle and thread, or a machine, it is still the work of human hands. I believe that is an honorable endeavor.
You do you!! I am sure there is a lot more of your fans that knows our not a sell out. Times change so therefore we have to change to keep up.. I love your work love your videos love to hear you talk and explain things. Sew what you want by hand use your machine when you need too... keep on keeping on ❤❤❤
The individuals saying "Sell Out" have never hand stitched a bag... just thinking about it makes my hands ache. I personally believe there is a point where hand stitching doesn't make economical sense and where it makes perfect sense. I wish I could afford a barrel sewing machine Keep on keeping on man!
Personally I'd like to see more on using the machine, i think it's smart for the large bags, messenger bags etc, cross-body bags etc... I made a couple larger case style bags and the amount of hand stitching is like hours sitting on the couch with a stitching clam and sore numb hands from grasping the tiny needle, pushing through 2 or sometimes 3 layers, i want one but not affordable to me yet. Edit... also using a machine is not selling out, you are still hand made cripes sake!!
Oh! I started watching you because you were informative and entertaining. I am trying my hand now at jewelry making. I hope I can be successful at that.
People have apparently forgotten what "selling out" means. "Selling out" means selling your integrity for money. Unless you hide that you're using a sewing machine and claim something is hand sewn, using a sewing machine isn't "selling out". There's no loss of integrity to using a different tool.
Craft gatekeepers are so weird.
Thanks Eric. Appreciate all the things I continue to learn from you.
I'm a leatherworker, too. My hands are sick, very sick. And despite that, I decided to start with leather. I didn't know what it would do to my hands. Well, it hurt. Over time, I found I just couldn't cut everything by hand and I bought a laser. Then I added a Chinese sewing machine. And now the latest addition, a 104-year-old Singer. All things that save my life and my customers money. Basically, I offer everything with the option of hand or machine sewing. It's just an evolution :)
Usually the people who complain that using machines is selling out are not willing to pay the price for actual hand made stuff. I'm also willing to bet they've never tried to scale a business or faced having to handstitch 500 pieces in two days by themselves. Using a microwave instead of building a fire and cooking your food? Sell out. Google something instead of going to the library and opening up an encyclopedia? Sell out. Get real. Can't believe people would be upset that he's succeeding and needs to scale up to keep up. Great stuff my friend. Keep doing you.
Using automation and machines, just enables me to put out a more consistent product. In the case of a single maker, it allows for more consistent volume, and in the case of having employees, it should make each item have less variance.
I think you should have bought a sewing machine years ago. You literally taught me how to hand stitched. But I make mostly bags be cause that's what I love. I figured out that very few people want to pay the price for a hand sown bags.
When I started to look at it, the price difference between hand- and machine-sewn items was huge. We finally decided to have two levels of pricing: machine and hand-sewn. This will apply to belts and purses with pockets. Since we do mostly smaller pieces except for the aforementioned, machine-sewn items will not make much of a difference except to the "purists."
Its not a sellout to change your manufacturing process and I understand it from a commercial perspective, but when do you stop being an artisan maker and become just another commercial manufacturer albeit on a smaller scale. There is something to be said for taking the time fully make products manually. Using cutters, press machines, rivet machines, sewing machines makes you a machinist not a hand maker. At best you could say your items are assembled by hand, but they aren't handmade. Its your business and your decision how you want to make stuff. I learnt so much from your early videos its made my leather journey easier because I cant afford machines, and I honestly dont like them. You were one of the few leather crafters I found on youtube who i could learn from because I could do what you did in the videos. I have no way to attempt stitching a gusset by hand after watching someone do it on a machine because its done totally differently. I'm glad you wont stop hand sewing and I hope you still make videos on how to do things manually.
Industrial sewing machines are awesome! I use one. Love your bags! Keep going!
For those larger projects a sewing machine is a MUST. Though hand sewing such monsters might be validating, you'll never be adequately compensated for the time it takes. Personally and professionally I think it's simply elevating your craft to new levels when you can assemble larger projects more timely. I've also been designing a crossbody radically different than what's currently available and I *know* I'll end up having to machine sew it. So as far as I'm concerned there's no judgement. In our business there are many ways to 'sell out', and moving to a machine isn't one of them.
Hi! I love your work and find your videos super helpful 😊. I just started my leatherworking journey, and this is my first time working with leather. I’m trying to make a bag using cowhide leather, but it has a strong smell. Is this smell normal, or am I overreacting? 🤔 If it’s normal, do you have any tips to reduce or remove it ? I’d really appreciate any advice! 🙏
I am wrestling with the hand sewn vs sewing machine myself. Hand sewn is a great selling point but expensive for my time, a sewing machine would certainly cut production time, but at what expense? A machine also opens up new possibilities to the craft as in rapid results of a stitch line. Quite the conundrum
I've got the same plan. Machine sew some and hand sew what's left. I live in the Midwest. Most people I meet really don't need a $800 bag or purse. Just the reality of the situation.
I think there is a saying …You can’t please all of the people all of the time…a quote by John Lydgate that was adopted by President Lincoln. I do believe the quote is longer but the final sentence is this. You are remarkable.
I enjoy watching every of your videos, I create small leather goods too and I learned a lot from you. Thank you! ✨
I thought you were selling out of wallets😂
😂😂😂
Exactly
Me too! Sewing machines are amazing!
As a father, I’ve felt like a sell out working jobs “just for money”. But it’s not for money, it’s for the family. Do what is best for your family because no one else will. Your goods should probably be in the price tier of Gucci or LV based on hours it takes to be made. So if you can gain margin but keep prices the same, then good on you.
When buying hand made, think of the hours it took to make the item, then think of how much you want to get paid an hour, and then realize that is the minimum production cost of the item and you need to pay much more to make it worth the makers time. The issue is, you see how long he does to make just one tab and you know that a machine can click out 100 or more of them in the same time. Same with hand stitching vs sewing. Even hand made, machines are used in the making of the leather, making of the tools, making of the dyes, making of the threads.
There are up and coming quality brands overseas that will cost you half of an Italian brand and may even be better quality as many big brands also use machines.
It is a matter of where you want your money to go.
As someone new to the handcrafting business in general, thank you for staying an inspiration!
I don't think of a machine as selling out. I see it as a tool that you use to meet business goals. We are all in a position where we have to be creative as to how we maintain our businesses, especially if it's our main livelihood. I have the luxury of my husband working so that I can do my leather business. I'm still fairly new at it, but so far it's at least paying for itself.
I used to make my girls Halloween costumes. They were not sewn by hand, they were done with a sewing machine. Still handmade but far more extravagant and way better quality than what was offered in stores. I had other parents ask if I could do their kids soo…
Do what satisfies you. You either have a business or a hobby. Have fun.
a sewing machine is no more selling out than your sanding machine is selling out, your skill is what your selling, time is money and your product is much more affordable with machines.
Using a machine to stitch is still hand making--like using dies to cut pieces out vs using a blade to hand cut... I only machine stitch--i'm sure you've found there may be things you could do by hand stitching you can't on the machine--and vice versa.
I agree with all you've said here, but I don't even see the legitimacy of the claim that using a sewing machine is selling out because it's a health & safety device, it's a disability aid and a disability preventor. You in your specific situation need it to keep the work sustainable; and so does everyone else just on different timescales. Any tool or methodology can be used with the intent of making a worse product for higher profits, this sewing machine isn't special. This is the sort of labor that has ruined bodies for millennia, you deserve to keep your hands and keep doing your craft as long as you desire.
As long as the quality does not suffer for profit it's not selling out 😊
I think this gets into a really interesting conversation about what is "handmade." By that I mean to say that utilizing a machine with your hands still qualifies as handmade, in my book. And if not then at what point does something become not handmade? Is it when electricity is introduced? And are you by that standard? Not making something by hand if you're using a light to guide your hand?
Very interesting conversation! Your stuff continues to look really great and high quality! Keep up the great work, thanks for the video.
I never understood why people who can't walk in your shoes, see your day to day, or feel your own body age, try to tell others how to run their business, let alone lives. Great products aren't just made by hand, it's made from people who care about their products
has something happened ? are you ok? I have not been getting regular videos like I used to past couple of months?
love your videos
Things are fine! I didn't upload last week but have been putting out weekly videos the whole time otherwise :)
so nice, small product from leather!
You're not selling out at all. Move your business in whatever direction that you want. I'm your opposite. I had a Cobra class 20 and 26 when I started, sold them both, and now I'm all hand stitched. I didn't think the sewing machine looked even close to hand stitching so out they went. I'm now slow as Molasses and I love it. I've learned a lot from you over the years... before you where doing talkies and I'm here for the duration. My sticker from the Buckleguy is on my bench...."Dudes Who Sew"...later.
You are a rockstar dude! My husband and I have this kind of conversation often. When it comes down to it, it's another tool... just like the rivet press. Only you know your business and how to tweak things to make sure you keep going. Either way, good on you for keeping it real. As leatherworkers since the 90's, we truly appreciate all the love, work and effort you put into a craft that's quickly becoming chest thumping competition here lately.
Love your channel and love leatherwork, but cannot afford leather to practice on 😥😰😭😓
I don't think moving to machine sewing is "selling out", and as a consumer of leather goods, I don't think less of machine sewn items (or at least consider it a legitimate trade-off for price).
But the channel is a another matter. As a hobbyist leatherworker who watches the channel to learn and be inspired, projects that relying on machine sewing are less interesting.
I don't have a machine (and don't have any interest of scaling up to a point where one would make sense), so those videos just apply to my own work less.
It's not like I avoid them, there's just less to take from them for me, and I thought that might be a relevant perspective.
You know your market better than I but that seems like an incredibly low price for the quality on display here!
Yes.
Paying your bills will keep you in business so unless anyone uttering those words is willing to cut a check for all your bills at once, they can just stay quiet.
Never even seen somone try to market "handsewn" clothing for example. Why would the use of a sewing machine for fabric not be selling out be leather would be 🤔
The luddites should give up their steel knives and needles and go back to flint blades and bone needles. Time is expensive and using a sewing machine or any other machine is smart. The finished products match or exceed what anyone can do by hand.
You, Sir, are no sell out!
It's awesome with hand stitched stuff. But as long as the piece is made by a craftsman the way you do it, the fact that you used a sewing machine doesn't ruin it for me. It's still hand made as far as I'm concerned. You use machines to sand, to punch holes, and do other stuff. It's cool. Just don't get a machine where you throw leather, thread, rivets and buckles in one end, push a button and it spits a purse out the other end😂
You still do so much work by hand (skiving, cutting, etc.), and even if you used a machine for both, you are still doing one crafted piece at a time. Your design, your hand. Don’t feel bad about working smarter 😊
Thanks for sharing.
The quality of your work is unsurpassed. I was so glad when you included your face in your recordings. You are fascinating to watch and learn from, and very thorough.
Post a video when you have those bags available for sale. They look like something women in my life would like. Christmas is coming up and that is the right price point.
My son wants to start doing some leather craft. Where can he get quality leather but not break the bank to practice with?
I don't believe you're selling out and I learned a lot from you I handsome and have a sewing machine thank you for your show
It still requires skilled hands to work that machine.
Lmfao no it doesnt.
Please make cross body bag with soft leather.
sewing machines are on if the inventions of humanity
No one would call a woodworker a sellout for investing in power tools over hand tools. This is no different. If you were to spend half your video pumping third party products for sponsorship dollar, you would then be a sellout. The truth about haters is it’s really themselves they hate the most. Pity them if you have to pay them any mind at all.
You need to do what you feel is right. Using a sewing machine on a few products is not selling out as you say you are still doing your core products by hand sewing. Keep up the good work you are inspirational to people like me, I'm at the stage now in my journey that I'm making bits for friends and they are happy to pay for materials
Since you seem like a fair and conscientious guy, I'd assume your pricing will reflect your efficiency gain by machine sewing. So, offer handsewn as I'm upgrade. A little drop down box, $50, $100, whatever it is. I bet you don't get many takers.
Unless you'd simply rather not spend 40hrs simply stitching a large project like that... Also, that's an option for a bespoke business, not so much for producing a product at volume and filling orders as they come in.
You are just updating the tools you use to make your incredible hands on handmade items!
Be free dude!
Flow to GROW!
❤🎉
Hand stitching is great and i think its fun but i dont know how you can make money without a machine cuz its faster
A sell out is when you leverage your reputation to deceive your audience into supporting an act that opposes what you advocate and the values that your reputation represents. If you are up front about whether a product is hand-sown or machine-sown; you Q.C. your machine-sown products to ensure quality; and the handcrafted premium is not applied to a machine-sown product; I don't see how it is selling out.
Nothing in leathercraft is a bigger sellout than vegan leather. It isn't even leather, it's plastic, which is harmful to the environment. As long as you aren't touching that crap and being open about what you do, the rest is your customers' choice.
So, offer a handsewn version for a premium. You'll soon know what people want.
What people want and what people are willing to Pay For are two entirely separate things..
Everyone wants handmade ultra quality, but do not want to pay the price required for such a product.
Can't argue.
@@Beuwen_The_Dragon Absolutely! People ready/willing to pay those prices are usually looking at designer bags, which actually compromise the quality.
It's not Selling Out to use good tools to construct excellent products one by one. It IS Selling Out when someone hires multiple people or a small factory to mass produce an "idea". It may still be a good product, but it is no longer Handmade.
Wait did I miss something? If I hire 3 people to make my wallets for a show, event, or small store in a tourist area then it’s no longer handmade? It is handmade, just not by my hands. I employee them, I train them, I pay them…. it’s still my business, brand quality, and design… if it’s from a factory with only machines making everything then sure… but dude you are trying way too hard with this comment.
"Selling out" is a cry of those who couldn't make it. I machine stitch quite a bit of my products. I am also more than capable of hand sewing. I choose machine stitching for a bunch of projects for the same reason you do. Price. I'd rather more people be able to enjoy my products at an affordable price than charge what my time is worth to a few people. I still take on the occasional "full custom" project that is completely hand sewn. But I am finding that there are more people that want a good product at a good price point than there are people who want (or can afford) the custom hand sewn "artisanal" goods.
i think $100 should be considered high end prices.
The fact that things are higher in price, makes me hate this timeline. such greed.
Your not at all, I was 100% against machine sewn stuff till I broke down and bought a machine now I’m constantly wondering why I put my self through the pain of hand sewing purses
Absolutely not a sellout. Look at all the other machines you use… is it a sellout to use an electric sander/burnisher, or even a press instead of hammering every rivet by hand. I think for some items handsewn stitches are stronger and may last longer. But if using a machine helps your business be more productive, go for it.
I meant to say you're not selling out sorry about that I love your show
Eric, you are not a sellout! You run a leather goods business, and as you mentioned, you need to adapt to current conditions and needs. I love hand sewn. However, time is expensive. I am still in my early stages of leather work, but I see the value of getting a sewing machine in the future. You make wonderful videos and content. I watch every one of them you put out, and I have purchased patterns from you, which I am very happy with. Haters hate. They must have sad lives. Do what's right for you, and they can stuff it.
Lol. Eric, you are taking what the peanut gallery thinks, far too serious. Who cares what they think? Look, it comes down to business decisions. Those complaining about "selling out" only are making stuff as a HOBBY, NOT a business. There is far more market share for a bag machine sewn at 125 then there is for the same bag hand sewn for 600. Offer both options and you will see how few of those 600 dollar bags ever sell. Anyone lipping off that "machine sewn" is of lesser quality than hand sewn, they are just being idiots.
Look, no one can sustain trying to sell products like bags and totes that are hand sewn for a price the maker can live with, very long. There just are not enough people willing to pay 1K for a hand sewn bag. A saddle in my opinion, is far more important to function then a bag. How many saddles that are hand sewn do you see? None, that's correct. If sewing with a machine were so questionable, then there would be makers that hand sew a whole saddle. It's just not done.
In the end, hardly anyone actually cares if it is hand sewn or machine sewn. All they care about is how it looks and what it costs.
My first hand sewn belt took 8 hours. A belt will sell for about 75-95 bucks here. Is it smart to hand sew and make no money on a belt or sew it with a machine and be done in 5 minutes? Again, the critics are simply not business owners. They are the hobbyist running their mouth when they don't have the cash to back their claims.
oh?
Would you buy a 1997 car for today's price? Your Time is valuable, and people will either come to you for your skills or go elsewhere for an inferior product.
very confusing title. thought this was a rant about some supply chain issue you're facing.
Sawing machine is a tool to allow scaling up a business
I've never understood the mindset, its not handmade if you use sewing machine. What? That sewing machine isn't running on its own and Casper the ghost isn't like, hey I got this! lol Think of the marketing Ghost Made! 😅
Of course, your're not selling out your goods are still handmade they aren't mass-produced in a factory , and they are still the same quality. What they are saying is nonsense