GrampaJoel

Ok here is how you make that holster look much better. Take out the rest of the sewing you have so far. Don't damage the holes Now hand saddle stitch in the already made holes with a sthick thread. So it fills the holes. Get some dark color you like and color the holster. Burnish the edges. Apply a top coat a wax or some type of finish. Buff it to a sheen. Not a shine. Step back and see how you turned a pigs ear into a not quite silk purse, but a useful holster. I truly think that piece of work is very salvageable. Don't give up yet! Joel

Thanks ASMA & Spence. I'll give them a call. Joel

Hi everyone. I'm looking for stainless steel buckles to use on leather stirrup straps for English style saddles. I got the good ol' English made leather. But I can't find buckles. Anyone got a source they want to share? Thanks Joel They look like this. I could get them if I was in Europe, but I'm in SOCAL USA.

Looks awesome. Original design? You say you did it on new milled tooling leather. What is that? Joel

That is one fine looking skin! Hand bag? I guess it would depend upon how big it is. So how big is it? Sq. ft.? How thick? It looks pretty supple. Joel

Incredible work! Your designs are very cool. What type of wear will they stand up to? Joel

Wow! I'm totally impressed. I see western and some English styles here. But nothing like you are producing. Polocross? I never heard of it. I guess I don't get out much.

They look great! Lots of class too! Are you using the round sewing machine belting for the core on these? Just curious, how do you know the amount of weight (buttons)needed for the bit the customer will be using? Do you ask for the bit weight or measurements when taking an order? Thanks Joel

What sheathmaker said, and the basic answer to your questions is yes. but to help get you started here are a few links. Take it as a learning experience. Lots of info to digest. Good quality custom stirrups---->>> http://www.basintackco.com/btc/ Good general info -->>> http://www.western-saddle-guide.com/stirrup-length.html A online retailer. many different styles to look at here. --->>> http://www.horse.com/western-saddles-and-tack/western-stirrups/680/ Info on positioning of the stirrups --->>> http://holistichorse.com/horse-health/natural-horsemanship/2138-why-stirrup-position-matters

Awharness, Thank you for your help. I placed an order this morning with Booth & Co. Now I have another source of leathers. And perhaps the Booth & Co. info will also help others. Thanks again. Joel

Hi, Everyone, I need to make just two stirrup leathers for a English saddle. So, I am in need of some english stirrup butt leather. However, I don't have time to order from Europe. Does anyone know a supplier here in the USA ? Or perhaps an America equivalent leather I can use? Thanks Joel

I cut the stitch groove, on the front side of the project. Run a stitch length marker in the groove. Turn the project over, measure the back side for a stitch groove placement, and cut a stitch grove on the back side. Then I line up and push a 'diamond shape stitching awl' through the first hole on the front side.Through the front and into the stitching groove on the back side. I then take the stitch length marker and line it up with the hole I just made, and mark the back side. Marking the backside even with the front side gives me a spot to aim for when I make the next hole, and helps me keep the stitching on both sides even and nice to view from all angles. Joel.

If there ever was a level of work to aspire to, yours is that work! Ever do one with purple interlace? Joel

I'd also add whether the lace has been beveled. Or if it was left un-beveled on purpose. Finishing of the bite ends. Joel

While I don't care for the tooling you selected, I do very much like the whole case. Very nicely done! Joel

Really cool!

What a dandy idea!

Several years back my wife gave this to me. A shower suction handle stuck to a cutting ruler. I absolutely love it, and I use it at least once on every project.

Nice. The cross stitch adds flavor to your creation. Joel

Well, I must say, I am very impressed! I have done a few pairs of chinks, and and chaps, and I know the work involved in just a regular everyday pair. That is some fine, and tedious work you have done. I have to ask about the pinking. Did you make the punch yourself, or did you buy it somewhere? Oh, and setting all those s spots! My head hurts just thinking about that. Thanks for sharing. Joel

Very cool! Was the laser ingraving very expensive? Joel

You are not alone. I usually go in the house and have something to eat and come here to the forum. Or I just sit at my desk and take a nap in my desk chair. Some times I just take a drive into town and get an ice cream, or shake and sit and watch the people go by. I would just go for a ride on my horse, but with a day like you just discribed, I might get the saddle on backwards. Joel

Without a doubt you have got a superior artistic touch when it comes to wallet design. Bravo! I would like to also notice that you have a very nice touch with wallet interiors also! Again I say Bravo! Please share with us the type of leather used for your wallet interiors. They have the look of marshmellow with their softness. And they are a classy act in and of themselves. Thanks Joel

I'd say you did an excellent job! Certainly doesn't look like just a second saddle. Btw, everyone has critiques of their own work. That's how we get good. But you know this already. Say,,,you aren't going to stop selling trees are you? Joel

To hide your knot you can pull it into the center of the stitched leather. That works pretty well. When finished sewing a saddle stitch tie your knot. Then pull it from the opposite side till it doesn't show from either side. Cut your thread real close when done. I know, clear as mud. Hope it helps though Joel