The Process

Cathy’s well equipped workshop is perfectly situated in the heart of Hebden Bridge, amongst the rolling hills of beautiful Yorkshire, in the UK. 

All Cathy’s items are handmade to order. The process she follows is a traditional one, rooted in history and the way that leather goods would have been made prior to mechanisation. Heritage and tradition have shaped this process which is hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. Following this process allows Cathy to ensure that your bespoke piece is assembled with care, precision and the wisdom of times past. 

Cathy starts by selecting the highest grade, British leather, free from any marks, scratches or defects, in the colour you have requested. 

Then, a brown paper pattern is laid on the leather, and each panel is individually cut out by hand. The raw edges are rounded and dyed to match the body of the piece. Stitch holes are carefully marked out using traditional tools. Thread is coated in a special blend of tar and beeswax that Cathy manufactures herself. She then threads this on to a pair of special leather needles which are used to sew the two panels together whilst clamped in a traditional saddler’s ‘clam’ to hold them steady. 

Once the item is assembled, it is packed out to ensure it holds its shape as the leather adapts to its new form, then the entire piece is carefully inspected before being given a coat of wax and then buffed to an elegant shine.