The thorough introduction (~17% of the content) includes tools, materials, beginning techniques, leather definitions and types, selecting materials, braiding, finishing, and more. The 10 tutorial chapters contain appealing, mostly feminine(ish) projects with 8 bags/purses (and accessories), and 2 wearables (baby moccasins and kid-sized mittens).
Each of the projects includes a difficulty rating (none of them are beyond a keen beginner), tools & materials, recommended leathers, measurements, and step-by-step cutting and assembly instructions. The photos and illustrations are clear and easy to follow. I liked it that the templates for each pattern are included in the actual chapter, not at the end of the book, so there's no flipping back and forth and hunting for the correct pieces. That was a big bonus for me. Each of the pattern pieces is also clearly and well labeled, saving frustration and materials.
Many of these projects are color blocked (or can easily be adapted), so readers can use up even the smallest scraps. A lot of the projects could also be adapted to use partly woven fabric, making this a good purchase for more general crafters and sewists. The measurements are given in US standard. Materials are easily sourced from a well stocked crafts shop, or online. There is no index or resource lists, but it doesn't present any difficulties, so I haven't detracted anything for that. This is a nice resource for beginning to intermediate leatherworkers, or more general crafters looking to expand their materials repertoire to leather.
Note: The publishing info states that the book is due out 28th Nov, but it appears to currently be available from online retailers; (so this review is being published early).
Five stars. Just making one of the included projects would save enough over retail to cover the price of the book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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