I have found from experience that the _only_ way to get just what you
want from a leather supplier is to visit him and select it yourself.

I remember a time when I stood at the supplier's table sifting through
a pile of sheepskin skivers three inches high, and selected the only
five thin enough for the job in hand (and without pin-holes).  The
hidden cost is in the travelling but it is more than offset in not
having to re-post the stuff back again... and again... and again.

Even a well-written order with a sample of what is required doesn't
help when he has none like it in stock.  He will send out the nearest
he has anyway.

Of course, it helps to have a supplier no more than 30 miles away.

John Page