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.
@CMDMP
6 сағат бұрын
Machines, make the paints artists use, they also make the paint brushes, palletes, chemicals, cut the woooden frames for the canvas etc, etc. A sewing machine is just another tool that allows you to do your art. Its zero selling out. a rivet machine, die cutter, are also a tools....all tools need hands to use them. so your products are still handmade.
@Lostboy811
6 сағат бұрын
I thought you were selling out of wallets😂
@kboleather
5 сағат бұрын
😂😂😂
@kboleather
5 сағат бұрын
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.
@arthurekman8281
5 сағат бұрын
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.
@MACK13
3 сағат бұрын
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
@esericc70
2 сағат бұрын
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!!
@BlueHummingbirdCrafts
6 сағат бұрын
Perhaps not selling out but burning out?
@Mr.JohnnyVLD
6 сағат бұрын
You were stitching with diamond progns. So not very beautiful. The machine is an improvement!
@KenWeimar-t6t
5 сағат бұрын
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.
@Doctor_Al
5 сағат бұрын
So, offer a handsewn version for a premium. You'll soon know what people want.
@Beuwen_The_Dragon
3 сағат бұрын
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.
@Doctor_Al
Сағат бұрын
Can't argue.
@Beuwen_The_Dragon
3 сағат бұрын
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.
@jamesw.3491
5 сағат бұрын
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.
@mattshaffer5935
2 сағат бұрын
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!
@Doctor_Al
Сағат бұрын
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.
@alliwantedisapepsi1492
2 сағат бұрын
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.
@slogan8652
6 сағат бұрын
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.
@debmerritt3971
2 сағат бұрын
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.
@Wolf-vj4ho
31 минут бұрын
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 :)
@Ziraya0
Сағат бұрын
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.
@raykiii
2 минут бұрын
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.
@johnnyregs2378
3 сағат бұрын
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.
@AnirudhTammireddy
38 минут бұрын
very confusing title. thought this was a rant about some supply chain issue you're facing.
@Mirakelmannen
5 сағат бұрын
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😂
@JimmieLalonde
4 сағат бұрын
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
@dmail00
6 сағат бұрын
I personally have no issue with goods made using a machine, however I do value handmade. The problem for me is when makers use machines and still call them handmade and charge handmade prices. I don't think you are selling out, you are making them quicker yet are charging less; you are providing value to the customer. I am sure you would also provide a handmade version and charge accordingly, if a customer wants that then they will pay for it.
@stoneybulldog861
6 сағат бұрын
Bags need fabric liner with pockets. We both need young China Girl to do our sewing.
@janicevaneck7299
5 сағат бұрын
Thanks Eric. Appreciate all the things I continue to learn from you.
@robertduvall9580
3 сағат бұрын
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.
@jgoo4572
5 сағат бұрын
Industrial sewing machines are awesome! I use one. Love your bags! Keep going!
@GasStationKnives4Ever
3 сағат бұрын
It still requires skilled hands to work that machine.
@clam371384
3 сағат бұрын
Please make cross body bag with soft leather.
@JimmieLalonde
4 сағат бұрын
I meant to say you're not selling out sorry about that I love your show
@NorroTaku
Сағат бұрын
sewing machines are on if the inventions of humanity
@mikemotorsport
4 сағат бұрын
Sawing machine is a tool to allow scaling up a business
@trueidentitytime2shine862
6 сағат бұрын
You are just updating the tools you use to make your incredible hands on handmade items! Be free dude! Flow to GROW! ❤🎉
@roydoucet7697
4 сағат бұрын
You, Sir, are no sell out!
@kennethnielsen3864
6 сағат бұрын
Thanks for sharing.
@BakedBanana
4 сағат бұрын
oh?
@robdubent
5 сағат бұрын
Yes.
@406Montana
6 сағат бұрын
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.
@DS-vu5yo
6 сағат бұрын
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.
@TravisLucia
6 сағат бұрын
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.
@viktoriacamp2441
6 сағат бұрын
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 😊
@danpost4755
6 сағат бұрын
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.
@americannihilst
5 сағат бұрын
"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.
@fullmetaldancer1
6 сағат бұрын
As someone new to the handcrafting business in general, thank you for staying an inspiration!
@JT-hw6mq
6 сағат бұрын
you are not selling out. period.
@genevieveredshirt7577
5 сағат бұрын
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.
@francesg3304
2 сағат бұрын
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.
@JonathanTeale-rk3qe
6 сағат бұрын
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
@BlueHummingbirdCrafts
6 сағат бұрын
I hope not. You are my favorite leathercrafter to watch/follow... not in a creepy way. Haha
@jake_aerodrome_leather
5 сағат бұрын
If you are happy and the people getting your product are happy then who cares what anyone else thinks. Life is too short for the haters.
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