Another thing I wanted to point out is that there are two kinds of sewing awls. One has a bobbin mounted between the needle and the handle. It looks like this:
The other kind, which is what Kohomcm and I have, looks like this:
I would highly recommend the 2nd one as it is much sturdier IMO than the 1st. The bobbin holder on the 1st runs the chance of bending, and changing the bobbin out is much harder.
Nash isn't the cheapest place to get a sewing awl either. I swear by Nash for parts because the prices on materials are great, but the tools they sell are more expensive than other places.
A good place to get a sewing awl is Cabelas. Here is a link:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...&cm_ite=srchdx
Here is another place that has it cheaper:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...0226&langId=-1
Yet another place:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZAA007-543-599.html
So you see, there are many places that you can find a sewing awl for under $10.
Here are some links to the 138 thread I was talking about earlier:
4oz black bonded nylon:
http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miv.../BNL138BLAC04B
4oz white bonded nylon:
http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miv.../BNL138WHIT04B
Just to add, you can get larger spools up to 16oz, but a 4oz spool should last any of you a long time if you are doing repairs. If you are getting into machine work where you are putting out a large amount of gear you would need to order 16oz spools and a lot of them.
Black and white thread should be enough for most of us, but if you are going to be doing graphic work and you want it to look professional, I would recommend getting the corresponding thread to the color of Jenpro you are sewing.
Here is a link for needles and supplies. I think it was the cheapest one I found in my searches.
http://www.tradepostonline.com/products.htm
I have some helpful hints to add, but I am going to need to take some pictures to show what I am talking about. I'll try to do those tonight.
Jeff