Hi there, I’m Eric.
If you’ve ever stopped by my booth at the Memorial Villages Farmers Market or seen me around Katy, Texas, you know two things about me: I’m almost always wearing a kilt, and I’m definitely wearing boots. There is something about a well-made pair of leather boots that just feels right. They carry you through the mud, the miles, and the years. They have a story to tell, much like the leather goods I spend my days crafting.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the items we carry and how we carry them. As you may have guessed, I’m a big fan of "Slow Craft." In a world that seems to move faster every single day, there is a deep, quiet satisfaction in sitting down at my workbench, picking up a piece of pull-up leather, and creating something that is meant to last a lifetime.
Today, I am so excited to finally introduce you to my latest passion project: The Spur Sleeve.
What is a Spur Sleeve? (A Quick Answer for My Busy Friends)
I know some of you are looking for the "too long; didn't read" version, so here it is: The Spur Sleeve is a handcrafted, discreet modified card sleeve designed primarily to tuck inside your boot as a hidden carry option for 2-4 cards and/or a little cash. It gives you a low-profile, secure way to carry the essentials without the bulk of a traditional wallet.
It’s made right here in Katy, Texas, using pull-up leather and traditional hand-stitching. Veg tan and personalized versions are also possible. It can also be tucked into a belt as a secondary option, but the hidden boot carry design is the main feature. If you’re a festival goer, a traveler, or just someone who loves the freedom of not carrying a bulky wallet, this was made for you.
You can find it right here: The Spur Sleeve.
The Story Behind the Stitch
The idea for the Spur Sleeve didn't come to me in a flash of lightning. It grew slowly, much like the patina on a good piece of leather. I spend a lot of time at festivals and community events, and I noticed a recurring problem. People want to carry just the basics, but they don’t want the "pocket bulge" of a traditional wallet. Even worse, when you’re in a crowded place, like a music festival or a busy airport, having your wallet in your back pocket can make you feel a bit vulnerable.
I wanted to create something simple, useful, and easy to forget about until you need it. The Spur Sleeve started as a modified card sleeve built to tuck inside a boot and stay hidden while keeping your essentials close. That hidden boot carry became the heart of the design. It gives you a bit of old-school practicality while serving a very modern purpose.
Little did I know when I first started sketching the design how much people would appreciate the security aspect. It’s tucked away, out of sight, and incredibly difficult for anyone but you to access. There is something about carrying your essentials in a more hidden, intentional way inside your boot that gives you a sense of freedom.
The Beauty of Pull-Up Leather
When I was deciding on the materials for the Spur Sleeve, I kept coming back to pull-up leather.
I enjoy working with it because it has that rich, lived-in character right from the start. As it bends and moves, the color shifts a bit and brings out the depth in the leather. It feels honest, tough, and full of personality, which is exactly what I wanted for a piece meant to go with you to festivals, day trips, and everyday errands.
I wanted the Spur Sleeve to be tough. It’s going to see movement, long days, and plenty of miles. The pull-up leather I use is sturdy enough to protect your cards and cash, while still being flexible enough to ride comfortably tucked inside a boot. And if you want something a little different, veg tan and personalized versions are also possible.
The "Slow Craft" Philosophy: Every Stitch Matters
I don’t use sewing machines in my shop. Every Spur Sleeve is hand-stitched using a traditional saddle stitch. For this specific collection, I’ve chosen a beautiful dark green thread. It provides a subtle, sophisticated contrast to the rich tones of the pull-up leather.
Why hand-stitch? Well, a saddle stitch is significantly stronger than a machine-made lockstitch. If a thread breaks in a machine stitch, the whole thing can unravel. But with a hand-stitched saddle stitch, the threads are intertwined in a way that remains secure even if one part is damaged. It takes me much longer to do it this way: one step at a time, ensuring every stitch is perfect: but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I also take the time to hand-burnish the edges and finish each piece with a polished metal snap. That snap is important: it gives you a satisfying "click" that lets you know your cards are locked in place.
Designed for the Modern Nomad
Who is the Spur Sleeve for? While I designed it with a few carry options in mind, I’ve realized it’s the ultimate accessory for a few specific types of people:
- The Festival Goer: Whether you're at a Renaissance Faire or a country music festival, the last thing you want to worry about is a bulky wallet in your pocket while you’re moving around. The Spur Sleeve keeps your ID, cards, and a little cash secure and hidden inside your boot.
- The Traveler: Moving through airports or unfamiliar places can be stressful. Having your essentials tucked discreetly inside your boot gives you a little extra peace of mind.
- The Minimalist: Sometimes you just don't want to carry anything extra. If you’re just heading out for a quick bite or a walk around the neighborhood, the Spur Sleeve holds exactly what you need without weighing you down.
It pairs perfectly with our other gear, too. If you’re heading out for a full day of adventure, you might have The Wayfarer’s Tote | Hand-Stitched Leather Carry-all for your larger items, but your most critical cards stay tucked close and out of the way inside your boot.
Handcrafted in Katy, Texas
There’s a lot of pride that goes into saying something is made in Katy. I love being part of this community. When you buy a Spur Sleeve, you aren't just getting a mass-produced accessory from a big-box store. You’re getting something that I personally cut, punched, stitched, and finished right here at my bench.
There is something about the smell of fresh leather and the sound of the mallet in the afternoon that makes the work feel like a privilege. After a long day of crafting, I enjoy nothing more than cracking open a cold cream soda and looking over the day's work. Seeing a row of finished Spur Sleeves ready to head out to their new homes is a great feeling.
I take great care in making sure that every piece that leaves my shop is something I would be proud to wear myself. In fact, I’ve been road-testing the prototype Spur Sleeve for months now, and I can honestly say I forget it’s even there until I need it. That’s a big part of the appeal for me. It stays out of the way, keeps things simple, and does its job without fuss.
How to Wear Your Spur Sleeve
I’ve had a few people ask how it actually works. It’s quite simple!
The main way I designed it to be worn is tucked inside a boot. The sleeve rides low-profile and stays close to the shape of the boot, which helps keep 2 to 4 cards and/or cash hidden and easy to carry without adding bulk to your pockets. That’s the setup I keep coming back to because it’s simple, secure, and comfortable.
Most boots have a "pull" or a loop at the top or side to help you get them on. The Spur Sleeve features a leather strap that can loop through that pull-tab and snap back onto itself for a secure anchor. It can also be tucked into a belt as a secondary option when that makes more sense for your day. Either way, it’s designed to hold 2 to 4 cards comfortably. I usually keep my driver's license and my primary debit card in mine.
A Genuine Thank You
I want to take a moment to thank you for supporting a small, local business. Every time you choose a handcrafted item over a mass-produced one, you’re helping to keep traditional crafts alive. You’re supporting the "Slow Craft" movement, and you’re helping me continue to do what I love.
Whether you’re looking for a minimalist wallet for your pocket or the new Spur Sleeve for hidden boot carry at a festival or on the go, I appreciate your trust in my work.
If you’re in the neighborhood, come see me at the market! I’d love to show you the Spur Sleeve in person and let you feel the quality of the leather for yourself. We can talk hidden carry options, leather, or even the best spots in Katy to grab a good soda.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Every piece I make is unique and made with love, and I can't wait to see where your new Spur Sleeve goes with you.
Stay grounded and keep walking your own path.
Warmly,
Eric
Founder & Owner, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC
Ready for hidden boot carry? Shop the Spur Sleeve collection now or browse our other handcrafted leather accessories.