EquusCustomLeathers

Eric, video makes things much easier to understand..thank you! I checked it out, and there is no play at all..it turns very smoothly as well. Zina

Thank you Eric. I tried what you have suggested, and it isn't catching anywhere. When I try to get the bobbin thread to pull up, the top thread is getting caught underneath the whole assembly, and not catching the bobbin thread at all. The mechanic that came said that the timing is fine on it, so apparently that isn't the problem. Any other ideas? Zina

I am having more problems with my Juki. I had a sewing machine mechanic have a look at my machine, and he's telling me that the bobbin race is worn out and needs to be replaced. I don't mean to question an expert, but it just doesn't make sense to me. I have had this machine for a couple of years now, but I have only used it a handful of times, and the heaviest I have sewn on it is chap leather. In order for me to have it replaced, I have to take it to Toronto to have Mr Garde look at it. So, before I spend who knows how much on replacement parts, I thought I would ask here...is this a common problem with this machine? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Zina

Thanks Chief!

Well, at least you're easy to find! I managed to break my arm last week, so all I can do is admire everyone else's work for now:)

Very nice! You have definately been a lot more constructive in the last couple of weeks than I have LOL

Wow! Beautiful job! Love the colour.. Zina

Congratulations!! Zina

Well, the concept is good I think. It looks like it would be a product that is mass produced in your country, so that may be why you have run into resistance on this site. The folks here are extremely talented individuals, who take a great deal of pride in hand crafted products. I think manufactured items tend to try and "cheapen" the hard work that handcrafters put in to their work. There is a HUGE difference between the two, that is probably why you felt a little hostility. Just my 2 cents.

Well, I go to a lot of rodeos, and a lot of auctions so I have a couple of ideas for you. I believe that women tend to spend more $ at auctions than men do, so you may want to lean more towards "girly" type work. Bling belts are very popular around here, and are relatively easy to make. Quality leather with a good dye job, and big flashy conchos or flatback gemstones in a pattern on them is really nice. I also just received a pattern for a Stirrup handbag that would be perfect for that. I really like those, and it fits the theme perfectly. My "level of craftmanship" isn't great yet either, but I have sold quite a few bling belts, and people love them:) Hope that helps. Zina

What kind of a budget are you thinking about? Are they looking for trophy type stuff, or gifts?

Well, I have to say that I'm not the kind of person to "join" groups, conversations, etc...usually. I am more of an observer than a participant. However, since Bill has posted this topic, I have found myself commenting quite a bit more than I normally would. Gotta tell ya, even though I am a newbie, and felt the same way you do regarding the pecking order, I feel much more a part of the community now. Great feeling that I didn't know I was missing out on! Thank you for the kick in butt, Bill! LOL

I love the spine on it..Beautiful job!!

You are absolutely right. I belong to a few horse forums....enough said:)

I hear ya Cheryl! I'm not a great leatherworker yet, but this is a subject I understand completely:) I run one of the largest Standardbred breeding operations in Ontario, almost completely alone (the boss comes and helps once in a blue moon, and I have temporary help sometimes) I also have a horse blanket cleaning business, custom sewing and now leatherwork business as well. You can imagine what goes on in my head sometimes! Because this is WAY too much for one person to deal with, I have learned a very valuable lesson..breathe in and out..all the time! The stress will kill you if you don't learn how to do that. It's harder to do than what you think:) I have recently decided to let go of the blanket cleaning end of things, and focus on what brings me joy-it's made all the difference in the world. It has also made me better at what I do, because I went back to enjoying life, instead of getting as much done as possible. Basically, what I'm saying, is find what your priorities are, and skip all the "fluff" that takes your time from you. If the phone rings, let the answering machine take it..the world won't fall apart if you don't answer someone else's request instantly. You can't please everyone else all the time. Oh, and if you have a horse around, go hang out with them for a few minutes every day..cheaper than any therapy out there LOL

Very nice! Electrathon, you just made my day..haven't actually broken a belt yet, but I am stretching the current hole a little LOL

Bill, you have a very good point..I agree with the other "newbies" when they say that they don't feel they are in a position to make comments on others' work. It feels like you are talking just to be heard, with no real meaning for the recipient behind it. I'm sure that isn't how the poster feels, but I know it would be a much greater compliment to get a positive reply from someone like you, as opposed to a greenhorn like me. Congrats on becoming an "Ambassador"..you genuinely care about the folks on this board, and you have taught me personally the value of honest work, whether it turns out good or bad LOL

I did a restoration for a lady a couple of monthes ago on a saddle very much like this one. It sat around in her basement for 20 years or so, and she wanted it cleaned up. It was really dry and brittle, and it was quite a challenge:) I cleaned it, made sure it was completely dry, then oiled it. By the time I was done the first pass with neatsfoot oil, it looked like I hadn't even touched it. Long story short, it was in my kitchen for two weeks bathing in oil! It may not be the way the "professionals" do it, but I actually poured oil all over it, and wrapped and tied it in construction garbage bags. It did a beautiful job, and my client was thrilled with the result. For the strings, I just filled Ziploc bags with oil, and twist tied them around the strings and let them soak. I had to replace the conchos on it, they were too far gone. Like I said, it may not be the conventional way to do it, but it works for me:)

These buckles are gorgeous! Great deal, nice guy too! Thanks Peter:) Zina

Ropers are VERY particular about their ropes! Touching their rope is the equivalent of doing something to their horse...or their wife. I know it seems silly to the average person, but that is their bread and butter, so to speak:)

Yay! Good for you!! I know how hard it is to put yourself out there like that..be proud-great things are going to happen for you:)

Hi Terry! I'm afraid I can't help you with the problem, but I have just started collecting antique saddles(by accident!) I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "rawhide that covers the tree is fabricated for this function." If you have pictures, it would maybe help. I haven't seen any with just a screw either, but keep in mind, my experience is very limited.. Zina

Silverback, my "official" story is that I gave them all to a young guy that works at a nearby military base. He wants to learn to be a sewing machine mechanic, so they're great for him to learn on. But, there is a very large closet at my house that my daughter never ventures in to..maybe all of them didn't quite make it out the door LOL

My 18 year old daughter threatened to kick me out to the barn if I brought home one more homeless sewing machine LOL At one point I had 19 Singers in the living room. In my defense, there was still lots of room to get around them..it's not my fault she kept stubbing her toes:) I'm down to 2 Singers, a Brother and a Juki walking foot now. She's no fun at all!!

Hi Matt! I just tried this for the first time today..I dipped a holster for cordless clippers that I made for a friend. I used a small glass bowl, and just kind of rolled it around a little bit, and then poured the leftover dye back in the bottle when I was done. It worked perfectly, and I just rinsed out the bowl afterwards. It did a beautiful job. If I were doing a belt, I would just pull it through the dye slowly, and make sure it's covered evenly.