Averya

The saddle is a circle Y saddle. I wonder how an embossing roll could go around all the curves....but then I don't know about embossing rolls. Bruce, if you can come up with something PALEESE let me know.

I've been asked to make a custom breast collar to match a saddle, The saddle has a serpentine pattern that I am unfamiliar with. Can anyone tell me what stamps are used for it. Many thanks

Thank you Ron and Robert. I will call Tech Sew and Cobra today in addition to Toledo. Ron, can you advise me on a particular Tech Sew machine to look at? Any chance you have a used machine that would suit my needs? Many thanks

Thank you Wiz.....I will call Toledo Industries tomorrow and talk to them about this machine. I appreciate your advice. Avery

I need to purchase a second sewing machine - one that will do light leather. I have a Cobra 4, but it won't do the light weight items. Mostly, I'll be using 4-5 oz veg tan lined with lamb or deerskin. I'd like to be able to do decorative overstitching also. Suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Thank You...I was afraid that would be the answer. I'll look into the liquid laytex and see what results I get. Appreciate the response.

I hope someone can help...I've researched this forum but have yet to find advice on a good block for oil based dyes. Is there such a thing? I've tried Super Sheen, Resolene, and Tan Kote. Nothing works. I'm using Fiebings dye. Thanks, Avery

Thanks Cody and please do let me know if you relocate closer to me. I'd sign up for a class in a heartbeat. I agree with your thoughts on teaching....I was a glass artist for 25 years and traveled all over teaching workshops. I learned a lot from the students and always loved their enthusiasm and different take on things. I'll look forward to seeing the pics using the butterball. Avery

Hey Cody: I did check your website and was equally impressed with the work you have on there. Nice site and your work is perfection. Thank you so much for the information on the butterball...now I feel better about ordering it. Also, thank you for the offer to call you and for photos....I will try not to bug you, but if I run into a brick wall, I may have to. I wish you weren't so far away....I'd be thrilled to take a workshop from you. Oh....and love Texas accents....... Avery

Wow Cody!!!!!! Thank you SOOOO much for the detailed instructions. I will print them out and try to follow along. I ordered leather from the Hide House, but they recommended what they call Butterball. Guess I will experiment with the first pair using that and then order some of the glovetan. I usually make horse tack, but am anxious to do chinks and chaps. It will be a learning curve for sure. However, your instructions will be invaluable. I will certainly check out your website. You work is stunning and something to aspire to. Love the twisted fringe chaps too. Again, I can't thank you enough for your help and willingness to share your techniques. Avery

Hi Cody: I will look forward to your reply.....and appreciate your willingness to share info. Your work is amazing!!!!! Avery

Stunning...absolutely stunning. I'm about to attempt my first pair of chinks. Can you tell me what weight and type of leather you used? I love the fringe detail....would also appreciate any hints as to how to do that,.....I do not like the plain cut in look. It looks so much more professionally finished when the fringe is sewn on. Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.....Avery

I have a Cobra 4, and love it. However, there is a leaning curve. Steve is wonderful....call him and he will walk you through the setup. Did you attach your chain correctly? Don't give up....it takes time and practice (I'm still learning), but it is a wonderful machine and Steve will give you full support.

I'm far from an expert. I have a Cobra 4, so it may thread differently. On mine, the thread goes from the spool through the loop, around the tension ring and then back out the same loop before going down to the 2nd tension loop. Does this make sense? Your photo shows your thread going straight from the first tension ring straight down. Sorry....didn't see the rest of the post where you got it fixed. Glad you are back in business.

Me too! I have two Belgian Tervurens....long coats...and would love to try your collar design to see how it works on long haired breeds. I also make dog collars for the local police K-9 unit, so new designs would be of great interest.

I'd be interested in these. Please let me know if you begin to produce them.

I am making a suede vest with the smooth side out and skin side in. Is there a product I can use on the suede skin side to keep it from pilling? Or do I have to line it? Thank you for any advice

Really nice work!

Hi Chris: Thanks for the information on the laser. It sounds very interesting to me. I was a glass arttists for over 30 years and did a lot of sandblast etching and photo resist work. I still have my sandblaster, but sold all the other glass equipment when I discovered leather. I'd love to pick your brain sometime on the laser. I'm no expert on making tack, so I'm probably not the best person to ask on this forum. I just went with what I wanted for my horse. The ring is 2.5 inches for the center of the collar. I use a combination of rivets and sewing for strength. Some people think rivets look cheap, but I like them for a decorative, as well as functional purpose. Yes, I cut the straps myself. I just have one of those inexpensive wooden strap cutters from Tandy. You can buy straps pre cut, but you pay a premium. I buy my supplies from both Tandy and Springfield Leather. I have accounts with both. If I need something really different and special, I will search the internet, Ebay, Etsy, etc until I find what I want. The buckles and d-ring size will depend on how wide you make your breast collar. When you start your first one, you can email me privately with any questions. As I said, I'm no expert, but I will gladly help where I can. averya@earthlink.net.

Thanks Chris...I appreciate the feedback. This was my first so it was a real learning curve. I will do some of the construction differently on the future ones. I see you do laser engraving....something I am very interested in. Can you tell me what machine you have? Thanks Avery

I finally finished the breast collar for my horse that matches the bridle I made for her last fall. A few glitches, but for the most part I am happy with it. It is lined in a soft red leather. Critiques are certainly welcome. I'm still learning and have a long way to go. Thanks

wow...beautiful. Did you desing the pattern?

Very Nice! I ordered one from Grey Ghost also and am waiting for it to arrive and day now. The proof he sent me was awesome. I had previously ordered one from another vendor but it was impossible to use so was a total waste of money.

Who made it for you?

Thank you. I will contact them tomorrow. Appreciate the help.