question about watch straps

[fast14riot]

I am new to leather work, having only made a couple of sheaths and a stacked handle knife. I can hand stitch ok and know the difference in chrome tanned vs. veg tanned. So, I have an inexpensive watch that I want to ditch the Ti band to try making a leather band for and was curious if I could use salvaged "fashion grade" leather from, say, an old jacket or purse? If so, should I worry about grain direction, and is there anything special I should do or watch out for?


-Xander