First of all, I want to give a big THANK YOU to The Bean’s for giving this great idea for the members of this forum. :)
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=37126&highlight=%2414.99
Since this idea has never posted in the DIY section I decided to post my modified version that is fully wrapped in the parking break handle.

1-Get a leather steering cover from your local auto part store. Make sure that is not the fake leather and it should include the special needle and threads.

2-Cut a piece of the leather by following the pattern posted (I was in a hurry and did not cut the pattern evenly). Note the small notches on the left side of the pattern. These notches facilitate the folding of the leather at the base (bottom section) of the handle. I noticed that the diameter of the handle at the base is larger so no problem! So, proceed with step 3 :)

3-Soak the leather piece on water for about 5 minutes. By doing that you will soften the leather and since is organic material it will expand!

4-Shake out the water excess and proceed to stich the leather piece per instruction

5-Fold the ends about 1 / 4 inch and enjoy. The leather piece will dry out and will conform the handle nice and tight. :D

sweet!

wonder if they have a red that would match my seats

I am not sure, but I remember seen a light gray so maybe you can stain it red. If you can't get it probably you can try getting a piece of leather from your local auto upostery shop.

Another nice little DIY, Romulus. Dang man, you're on a roll! Well done! :D

sweet!

wonder if they have a red that would match my seatsWheelskins makes a leather steering wheel cover in red, it might match.

I've been toying with the idea of a yellow leather brake handle and a two tone Wheelskins yellow/black steering wheel to match. But I'm just too much of a perfectionist, and as good as this is for a cheap DIY, it just doesn't look OEM enough for me.

Thanks for this DIY. I would add though, make sure you get an extra wide steering wheel cover, if you don't, you'll be returning it. Also, I found stitching up the first 4 or 5 laces before tightening helps when you start out. That and good lighting obviously. I can't understand why Mazda doesn't give us this with the GT package in the first place. I may try a brown leather cover to match the steering wheel and seats in the future. Here's my result.

You're welcome--glad to see it's being put to good use. :)

Cheers,

Ben

Nice, you can try to see if an upholstery shop is willing to sell you or give for free a scrap of tan leather.