Hi, I’m Eric. If you’ve ever stopped by my booth at the Memorial Villages Farmer's Market or scrolled through my shop, you’ve seen the finished results of my labor, the rugged totes, the sturdy belts, and the pouches built for adventure. But what does it actually look like before the leather hits the light of day? What does a typical Tuesday look like for a leatherworker who trades in kilts and honest materials?
Ever wondered if being a leatherworker is as poetic as the movies make it out to be? (Spoiler: there’s a lot more sweat and root beer involved than you’d think.) Today, I’m pulling back the curtain. I want to take you through a full day behind the bench here at The Kilted Leatherworker LLC. Grab a cold drink, and let’s get into it.
08:00 AM – The Non-Caffeinated Kickoff
Most makers start their day with a steaming cup of coffee. Not me. As you may have guessed if you’ve followed me for a while, I’m not a coffee guy. Instead, my morning ritual involves the satisfying clink of a bottle opener. Whether it’s a spicy ginger ale or a smooth root beer, that first sip is my "let’s do this" signal.
I step into the workshop, and the first thing that hits me is the smell. There is something about the scent of raw, full-grain buffalo hide that never gets old. It’s earthy, rich, and full of potential. As a leatherworker, my first task isn’t even picking up a knife; it’s checking the light. I need to see the "honest materials" I’m working with. I look for the natural variations, the range marks, and the grain patterns that tell the story of the animal. These aren’t flaws; they’re the soul of handmade leather goods.
The real deal: Eric at the bench with a cold drink and a fresh hide.
09:30 AM – The Cut: Starting The Wayfarer’s Tote
Once the fizz in my root beer has settled, it’s time to get to work on the big stuff. Today, I’m starting a fresh batch of The Wayfarer’s Tote | Hand-Stitched Leather Carry-all.
Cutting into a large hide is always the most nerve-wracking and exhilarating part of the process. You have to be decisive. One wrong slip of the blade and you’ve wasted a beautiful piece of buffalo leather. I lay out my templates, ensuring I’m utilizing the strongest parts of the hide for the handles and the base.
I enjoy the physical nature of this stage. It’s not just about the hands; you use your whole body to maintain steady pressure. When people ask why I choose to be a leatherworker, this is a big part of it. There's a tangible connection between the maker and the material that you just don't get in a digital world.
11:00 AM – Precision and Pulleys
After the main panels for the totes are cut, I shift gears. A leatherworker is only as good as their attention to detail. I start prepping the hardware. For The Wayfarer’s Tote, that means getting the reinforced stitching ready and checking my supply of snaps.
I also take a moment to look over the pieces for The Highland Nomad. This is one of my favorite items to make because it bridges the gap between my love for Scottish tradition and modern utility. Originally inspired by the Jacobite sporran, it has evolved into a rugged belt pouch that’s just as home on a pair of jeans as it is on a kilt.
I check the Chicago screws and the brass-colored clasps. Using the right hardware is essential for ensuring these handmade leather goods last a lifetime. I want you to be able to pass these down to your kids, and that starts with the screws I tighten today.
12:30 PM – The Midday "Brain Break"
By noon, the workshop is a bit of a mess, leather scraps on the floor, tools scattered across the bench. It’s time for another beverage break. I’ll usually crack open a ginger ale here. It’s a good time to step away from the bench and look at what I’ve accomplished so far.
Little did I know when I started this journey by making a single sporran for myself, that I’d eventually be managing a full-scale workshop. I often reflect on that "compelling feedback loop" I discovered early on. You finish a project, it looks great, you feel that surge of confidence, and suddenly you’re thinking, “What else can I make?” That curiosity is what keeps me at the bench every day.
01:30 PM – The Long Haul: Hand-Stitching
The afternoon is reserved for the most time-consuming part of the job: stitching. While some might use machines to speed things up, I find a deep sense of peace in hand-stitching.
Focusing on the rhythm: Eric hand-stitching a pull-up leather card sleeve.
This is where the "handmade" in handmade leather goods really earns its name. I use a saddle stitch, which is far superior to a machine lock-stitch. If one thread breaks in a saddle stitch, the whole thing doesn't unravel. It’s over-engineered, sure, but that’s the way I like it.
It’s repetitive, meticulous work. Every hole is punched by hand, and every stitch is pulled with the same amount of tension. As a leatherworker, your hands develop a memory for this. You stop thinking about the individual movements and start focusing on the rhythm.
03:30 PM – Burnishing and Finishing Touches
After the stitching is done, the edges of the leather are still raw and "fuzzy." This is where the magic happens. I take my burnishing tool and go to work on the edges of The Highland Nomad.
Burnishing is the process of using friction to seal the leather fibers, creating a smooth, glossy edge. It takes patience and a fair amount of elbow grease. I do this until the edge feels like glass. It’s a small detail, but it’s the difference between something that looks "homemade" and something that is truly professional-grade.
I’ll also take this time to apply any final conditioners. The buffalo hide I use is already rich in oils, but a final buffing brings out that natural luster and ensures the leather is protected from the elements.
05:00 PM – From the Bench to the Box
As the day winds down, I shift from "maker" to "business owner." I check the website for new orders, respond to messages from you guys, and start packing up the items that are ready to ship.
I take great care in the packing process. I want the experience of opening a package from The Kilted Leatherworker LLC to feel special. When you buy from a local leatherworker, you’re not just getting a bag or a wallet; you’re getting a piece of someone’s day, their skill, and their passion.
I’ll also spend a few minutes checking my inventory for the next market. If I'm heading to the Memorial Villages Market this weekend, I need to make sure my display is looking sharp.
06:00 PM – Hanging up the Apron
The sun is starting to set, and my hands are usually a little stained from the dye or the oils. I take one last look around the shop. There’s a stack of The Wayfarer’s Totes ready for their final assembly tomorrow, a row of Highland Nomads waiting for their clasps, and a very empty bottle of root beer on the counter.
Being a leatherworker isn't always glamorous. It’s often dusty, physically demanding, and requires a level of patience that I didn’t know I had until I started this business. But there is a profound satisfaction in taking a raw hide and turning it into something functional, beautiful, and lasting.
I’m so grateful that I get to do this every day. I love the challenge of creating new designs and the joy of hearing from customers who have taken their gear on adventures around the world. Whether you’re carrying a minimalist wallet or one of my larger bags, please know that I put my heart into every single stitch.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support allows me to keep the lights on and the ginger ale cold. If you ever have questions about my process or want to see a specific piece in action, don't hesitate to reach out!
Cheers,
Eric
Founder, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC
Ready to find your next heirloom?
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