Alexis1234

Company has positions for seamstresses ,etc listed on Indeed and are active on social media as we speak.I have a feeling this is is going to be just a tough lesson learned,lol.

Long story short, I had an "opportunity" with a company that has a large social media following and a physical store to design and create several high end USA made tack sets exclusively for them( tooled, blinged out barrel racer stuff). Part of the deal was a non compete and I couldn't even take pics of the stuff. I looked into it- company is legit, USA based, in business for several years. Owner tells me she'll send the contract and says in the meantime they want a sample tack set designed just for them for evaluation and if they like it, they will purchase it. Company is actively recruiting small USA business owners to do sewing and leather work. She wanted price quotes/"raw costs" as well.,etc. It was delivered and I have not heard a word from this company despite several follow up emails., no contract sent, etc. She responded when I asked her for a shipping address for it but nothing since. I should mention I had a zoom interview lasting almost an hour as well. At this point, I guess I'm just curious how the heck I get an expensive "sample" tack set back from them? How do other businesses handle sending out expensive "sample" products? I'm embarrassed as well... I don't think it was a scam per se, but at the very least its extremely poor communication on their part. I'm not going to oust the company at this point, but wanted other's thoughts on this. I just want the tack set back- no money has been exchanged. Thanks!

I use prong spots on collars I've made with a liner because I think it looks nicer. However, on horse harness they will put spots on parts that aren't lined. The prongs are just bent over and flattened really well.

My first leather projects were dog collars and misc harness parts. I had to start with fairly simple projects as I was still accumulating tools and supplies. Since then, I've made everything from horse harness to bags, bridles, belts, rifle slings,etc( I get bored very easily). I learn something new with each project but I do try to incorporate skills I would use in harness work since that is my main interest and there is always room for improvement.

Mine came with one of those - I assumed it was for a spool of thread too.

I got my parts/manual from Eli. He deals with Landis 1 stuff . (217) 543 -3464

Beautiful work!

Since it burnished well, I would assume it's a veg tan. The difference in center color could be that the tannage didn't penetrate all the way thru the hide.

Thank you for the responses. I thought no one responded to this. I have stripped saddle. Looks like tree will at least hold tacks. I have ordered supplies and will post pics of progress. If nothing else, it will be a learning experience.

I was gifted an 1880's/90's catalog sidesaddle in poor condition that I have been wanting to take on as a project since I got it( several years ago). Besides obvious rot, breaks, etc how do I determine if the tree is even sound enough to be worth rebuilding? How old is too old and can you fix certain things? Any books recommended before I begin this? Thanks for any input.

Beautiful work!

My domestic sewing machine struggled sewing 9 oz canvas bags( folded hems,etc).I wasn't impressed with the stitch quality and you have to use lighter weight threads. I bought a used Phaff 145 H-3 for $225.00 last fall and it works well, just wish it was a cylinder arm.

Thank you all for the help. I looked at the Barry King site. I've been slowly buying tools since December and can see I need to add a few. An update on this project(saddlebags): I tried correcting the cut lines this morning and some of them were soo wavy there was no way I could acceptably blend them in/ soften. The closer I looked, the worse they were,lol. I need to learn to cut straight! So, it's back to square one.

Thank you! I'll have to put in an order with him

When I was getting mine up and running I needed a new spring( i forget the correct name) in the shuttle- I believe that regulates your bobbin thread. The gentleman in Illinois was able to fix it... I also purchased a 2nd shuttle and if I recall it was approx. $200.

Thank you both. Frekd how did you make your own if I might ask?

I am not happy with my cut borders- is there a way to soften/round them? They need fixing( they look jagged, uneven, unacceptable). I'm not sure if there is a tool? What am I doing wrong? Is this the way the are supposed to look? I am struggling with tooling. Thank you for any help.

I answered and tried to be as helpful as I could in your personal messages.The rest of your questions I think have been answered- I wouldn't get into leather work for the money. In my area, people don't want to spend $30 on a leather belt, let alone a leather tote or horse harness. I was told last summer at a show- it's a $25 leather bag. I think your best bet is to go online and find a niche market offering items that are unique.

I make the piece up, glue , use bone folder and tacks if need be and when it's dry I'll trim it.I personally use a round knife to trim, but whatever works for you- razor blade, scalpel, etc. For straight raised strap work I add 1/4" to the top piece- but don't hold me to that, it depends on what your doing and I haven't been at this that long!. Pics of 1/2" raised straight strap and a shaped martingale drop. I'm sure those with more experience will chime in.

I make the bottom piece the size I want, then I take a filler piece and bevel the edges of it with a french edger. Top piece is slightly larger.

I actually just bought one from Canada last week- but thank you

gorgeous, clean work!

I regularly hand sew thick leather(1/2" +) -driving bridle cheeks, driving breast collars ( certain areas of harness I struggle to sew with a machine), etc and what I do is i make my stitching line with a compass and on the face of the strap use a pricking iron to mark stitches. Then i use an awl to go thru all layers and help me determine first stitch. I then use a pricking iron and make holes on back side with the iron.

I'll give him a call on Monday. Thanks everyone for the info!

I am not familiar with SX. Do you recommend I contact Beilers?