You could use a large hook or bent nail, stick it through a corner of the hide an' pull it while ye turn the hide. Ye can tell which way the grain goes, 'course keepin track o' it till yer project is done is another matter.
Thank ye endkaos, they seem to 'ave stores everywhere, 'cept where I am, but that's not surprisen' since there aint much o' anything where I live. I'll remember it tho' if I take a trip to California any time soon.