EquusCustomLeathers

I tried too..something about a copyright..

It looks pretty good for your first try..much better than my first project:) Oh, and welcome from a fellow Innisfil resident!

People are funny that way..I am shutting down one aspect of my business that I have had for many years, and suddenly I have offers of double the normal rate for that particular service..They desperately want what they can't have anymore:) Human nature is a mystery sometimes...

Kind of a sneaky bugger with the saddle bag trick, aren't ya?? LOL Very nice work Bill!

Welcome from Barrie Ontario!

That girl's got an arm on her LOL

Ha ha! If anyone needs coyote pelts, I have about 40-50 of them "on the hoof" around here..Just sit on the porch and peg them off!

All the luck in the world JJ! Starting a business is pretty scary, but one of the most satisfying things you'll ever do:) Zina

You're right..it is really frustrating when this happens. The mechanic that fixes my machines is a great guy..he usually comes within a day when I need him, sometimes works for hours for not much money and he's a charmer:) I think it 's upsetting for him as well, when he can't figure something out, and in all fairness, I may be asking too much of him. Thank you so much for taking the time to try to help..do you do shop calls? Washington State isn't really THAT far from Barrie Ontario! LOL Zina

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