Which is better for carving and tooling?

The Economy Side. Natural veg-tan is the standard carving leather and takes stamping and casing well. The Sienna's pebbled surface hides fine tooling detail.

Which holds up longer in a wallet?

The Sienna Milled. Its low stretch keeps card pockets and folds from sagging, and the even finish wears uniformly. The Economy side is durable but softer and more prone to stretching.

Is the Sienna worth stepping up to?

Yes if you make small goods for sale or want a uniform look with less finishing. Skip it if you need heavy weights or plan to dye and tool the hide yourself.

Can I dye the Economy Side black?

Yes. It is natural veg-tan and takes water-based and oil dyes well. Expect some blotchiness around natural marks, and seal it after dyeing.

Which is better for a beginner?

The Economy Side. It is forgiving, comes in many weights and lets you practice tooling and dyeing. Move to the Sienna once you want consistent results in small goods.

Do both work for bags?

Yes, but for different parts. The Sienna suits straps, pockets and small bags that need to hold shape. The Economy side suits larger panels and rustic styles where natural marks are fine.

Sienna Milled Veg-Tan Side vs Tandy Leather Economy Veg Tan Side

Buy the Sienna Milled if you need consistent, tight-grained leather for wallets, watch bands or small bags where a pebbled finish and low stretch matter. Buy the Economy Side if you want a large natural-color hide for tooling, dyeing or practice work and can accept variation between hides. The Sienna is the more refined, predictable material; the Economy is the more versatile and forgiving one to learn on.

Choose the Sienna Milled if you want an even, pebbled veg-tan that holds its shape in small goods and needs little finishing.
Choose the Economy Side if you plan to tool, carve or dye the leather yourself and want a bigger natural hide to work with.

Prices

Sienna Milled Veg-Tan Side: $129.99 at Tandy Leather (checked today)
Tandy Leather Economy Veg Tan Side: $129.99 at Tandy Leather (checked today)
Difference: both cost the same today