Athenah

Yeah, they have their issues but I thought I should post the final thing anway. So my first big project is done, and I learned a LOT from it. They are useable, they fit my saddle, they look better than anything I could afford...so it's a win for me.

Oh wow, that is amazing. I would never use it as it is so beautiful!

Thanks guys for the sweet comments. 50's and BDT - Yes, I know I did not cut into my embossed flowers. The last time I did the "pretty cuts" on an item I really went to town and overdid it. So, since I am still learning I opted for the "Less is more" concept so I would not mess up all that leather. I only did a few leaves, not much, trying to keep it clean looking. I will practice more on smaller things, and mess those up instead But I do totally agree with you both. I think I forgot to cut anything on the flap

Hi all, First project post ever. This is my very first big project, I have been working on leather since christmas (belts, small bags, a wallet, etc.), so when you see a lot of mistakes (I do) please understand I am still a total newbie. The Project: I wanted saddle bags that were taller and more slender to hold a water bottle or two upright to discourage leeks. The pouches are going to be about 8 by 11. I made the pattern based on my own saddle, designed the tooling pattern, then learned how to do all that sinue sewing... These bags are for myself, and why I wanted to learn how to deal with leather. I have a newfound and profound respect for those that can hand sew so beautifully! I havent managed to bleed on anything yet, but did poke myself a couple times. After finishing the sewing on this one half of the project my hands hurt so bad I had to have my husband peel the potatoes last night. So, here is what I have so far: The other half of this is still needing to be sewn, but everything else is done...can't wait to finish but have to wait for my hands to work properly again.

Awesome! Those will look great on any saddle! Thanks for sharing.

I know who I can turn to when I start to do bigger projects. Hey neighbor! Just today I cut out the pattern out of some leather for some western saddle bags. (had to wait to get some proper cutting tools for the double shoulder I bought). Did you ever want to just cry cutting into such lovely leather? Newbie thing maybe. I think the leather is too thick to do the gusset though, need to buy some thinner stuff or they will stick out too far due to stiffness. Is this a common thing? to use lighter leather for a gusset? I brought my saddle home from the stables and made a pattern right on it, should work out ok. 8 1/2 by 11 inch bags. I am still fussing over my design for tooling, drew it from my limited experience tooling, thinking on what I could do to make it look nice without getting into too deep of water.

Thanks sewmun

Thanks abn! Thanks for the welcome too!

Hi all! I am a married lady of unknown age (grin) in N/W Missouri East of Kansas City. I got a starter leather kit for Xmas and have been happiliy pounding away ever since. I think my background in art has helped me a bit here, like Sewing, Oil Painting, Designing, drawing, sculpture, etc. I feel like a duck taking to water with all this leather. I decided to skip buying those expensive patterns for everything and do my own work from the start. Not to say I won't steal and idea or two! I have a horse, a Missouri Fox Trotter, and will be making tack for us, as well as friends. So far I have considered all the projects I have tackled as just learning projects. As soon as my strap cutter and other tools arrive I will be starting out on something larger. I think I have exhausted all the uTube videos avaliable on Leathercraft, leather sewing, leather tooling and all. I learned a lot there and cant wait to apply the knowledge. Here are some photos of things I tinkered with: My first belt, my own design, learned a lot on this guy. I have a belveler on the way so I can finish edges better: I ride and need a compass sometimes. My brother gave me this wonderful one, great in combo with a topo map. I wanted easy access to it from the saddle so I made a small horn bag for it: I am looking forward to learning more about leather craft, and I very happy to have found this forum!