Quote Originally Posted by James MacMillan View Post
If you are buying your skins sight unseen, then I think you would be better advised to search out a hide, skin or leather supplier that you can actually touch and feel the product.
Unfortunately, the nearest brick and mortar company where I can get leather is a good hour's drive away, and their selection is not good at all.
The next best place, that I know about, is in Connecticut, though it IS a Tandy store.

Quote Originally Posted by CameronTaylor View Post
Are you using garment grade skins ? That's what my kilt is made out of and it's pretty soft.
I don't think they are garment grade. I usually buy my leather off of e-bay, and when I look for it, I look for statements to the affect of "good for making bags, pouches, etc."
I did find quite an array of deer skins on the e-bay store for my preferred leather seller. May have to invest in some.