siggery

I could use some advice ! I have purchased some white shoulder hide for my latest project which has arrived kinda "bare" and unfinished on the flesh side (previously the leathers are through-dyed so it's on;y the edges I've had to worry about). I'd really appreciate some advise on what stain / dye / finish to put on the underside and something that is not going to make of mess of nice crips, white leather! Thanks a lot.

Can you help?! I am making a show bridle (for a draft) where the noseband slots through gaps in the cheek pieces. What I am not sure about is how much of a space do I leave between this gap for the noseband and the end of the cheeks (where the bit sits). Someone told me that it is always 2 1/2" no matter what size the bridle, but I am not sure this makes sense! Hmm....

Ah, this is starting to amke some sense now! Still waiting for the tool to arrive to have a go with it, I have much more of an idea now. Thanks to all, big help.

I am fitting my first new seat and skirts to an English saddle and the book says I need to use a "Seam Turner". I have one coming in the mail but I'm wondering if it is going to be obvious how to use this tool or am I going to need some guidance?! Has anyone used one? Can anybody advise? Thanks