alb

me too!

I was also going to suggest looking at the anvil. Even if you're using a curved anvil, if it doesn't match the curve of the snap, you'll have that problem. Ann c

Glad everyone is okay!

those sure are purty! Wish I was going to be there to see them in person!

What an awesome resource!!!! Thanks for posting this!! Ann

Sounds like your needle is too big. This doesn't show how to taper the thread, which is an important first step, but other than that it's worth a look. Also, It's critical to match the size of the needle to the the size of the hole you're getting with your awl. This next video on hand stitching will give you an idea of how easy it should be to run the needle through your leather. In this video the method he uses with both needles in the hole at the same time and pushing on the thread to push the needles through, is different from the method I use, but it's worth a look. Ann

Love it!!! I really want to learn how to do lettering like that. Ann

THanks CW, Anybody else care to comment? I'm getting ready to build a second pair for the same customer. Ann

Thanks for posting the pictures. It's certainly functional for the purpose of providing a line to cut from. Ann

I'd like to see it! Thanks, Ann

I took a closer look at this saddle. When turned upside down, there was a gap of approx 1 inch between the skirts and the tree itself - the skirts just sort of hung off the tree. I warned the owner that I would be willing to do the work but was concerned about what I would find once I pulled off the fleece. They might potentially be looking at full replacement of the skirts and who knows what else. They wisely decided to not waste the money on this saddle. Ann

I just made my first pair of tapaderos out of 11/12 oz. They are a bit soft and I'm considering putting them through a hardening process. All the tapaderos that have come through the shop have been pretty stiff but it may be because of age. Do you regularly harden tapaderos? Ann

20 oz and 138? wow! I have seriously underutilized this machine. Time to put it through it's paces I think. Forgot to say - thank you! Ann Forgot to say - thank you! Ann

I have seen a couple of conflicting reports on the max weight of leather and max thread size for the consew 225. I'm interested in hearing from folks here. Thanks, Ann

I love everything about it except the leather ends on the zipper. They are big enough to distract the eye from the rest of the piece. (just realized this wasn't in the critique section but I'm going to leave the post - hope you don't mind) What a great idea to add your own handcarved silver to your leather pieces. Very nice!

Thank you so much gentlemen!!! Ann

Somebody brought a saddle into the shop yesterday that looks like this one on e-bay. As you can see from the pics, the skirts haven't been blocked properly. I figured I could re-block the skirts but I'm not sure it would work with the gel type pad that has been sewn in between the skirt and fleece. I've never worked on a saddle that had a gel pad. Anybody have any experience with these?

THe document I have showing the oiling of the consew 225 refers to filling the oil well that surrounds the hook with oil and soaking the pad alongside the bobbin case. My consew doesn't have a felt pad and I can't tell from the picture where the oil well is. Does someone have a picture shows the oil well and the felt pad? Thanks! Ann

THe flyer says it can be used for boot stitching. Can you describe what mods would be required and show some pics?

Hi all, I would like to create a journal cover using the design from this stained glass window. I would like the piece to have the same swirling colors, but have no idea how to do that. Any ideas? Thanks! Ann

Those are beautiful!! I love the color and in particular the snowflake design. Nice Job!! Ann

Landis 5-in-1 for Sale $550 (plus actual cost for shipping): Very good condition. Bit of surface rust on skiver blade but should sharpen up very well. No nicks. Sole cutter does an excellent job with no marks on either side of cut on top of leather and very minimal marks on one side on the bottom which are easily removed with an edger. The metal piece that is screwed down and provides an edge for the leather to sit against when cutting a strap is missing. Landis Model 27 (fudge wheel machine) for Sale $300 (plus actual cost for shipping) - used to make a pattern/mark stitches on the welt of boots or shoes. Hand cranked and with tension held using a rope, strap or foot pedal. Comes with three wheels marked 16, 24, 32. Very good condition. New Extra Skiver Blade for 5-in-1 or 3-in-1: $20. Will post pictures tomorrow.

thanks, Ann

Thanks for the response. What's the website for ordering? Ann