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Hello! I'm Natalie Ryan, owner of Double Barrel Custom Leather! My main focus for my business is to create western horse tack with the horse in mind. All of the tack I make, I design for the horse's comfort. I want to change the pattern in the western industry of flashy, bulky tack that doesn't fit most horses. I want to help be a part of the change from one-size-fits-all horses or the generic Horse, Cob, Arabian, Draft sizes that don't usually fit. All horses are different in anatomy to some degree and generic sizes won't usually fit in all areas. I am working in my local Oregon area to provide bridle fittings and offer custom fitting tack sets for local horses. It is my belief that a comfortable horse will always perform better than a stressed or uncomfortable one. I want to help people's horses and help make a difference in the western industry! This is my first bridle that I made for my horse. He is a small Arabian with a petite face and he has always been tough to shop for. So, I made my own! I still have a couple of adjustments to make, including making a new throatlatch because it needs to be longer. With this bridle though, he has had almost zero fussing and he is performing better with it as well! I want to be able to share this with western riders. I want to give them a solution to bridles and tack sets never fitting. I want to help alleviate common bridle issues and ear shyness that comes with ill-fitting tack. That is my ultimate goal as a leatherworker. Later this summer I also plan to enroll in bridle fitting classes to get my certification. This way I can be better informed and can do my job better as well as further educate future clients! On top of horse tack I also dabble in tobacco pipe accessories, wallets, and riding chaps! I also have more example work on my website! I also regularly post on my Facebook page!

I've been reading posts on this forum for several months now and have gained so much knowledge about industrial sewing machines. I want to thank all the contributors for taking the time to share their valuable knowledge and experience to people just getting started. I knew that sewing was in my future a few months back when I picked up 3 industrial machines about 5 months ago from Craigslist and started the journey. I didn't know much back then but bought them because I love machinery and they appeared to be a good deal. The purchase was for a Bernina 217 and two old Singer bar tackers. I followed many threads on this forum and realized what I really wanted was a walking foot machine. I changed my mind a dozen times about what machine I would get and finally ordered a new Juki DU-1541S from Greg at Keystone Sewing based on the recommendations on this board. It is expected to be delivered this coming Friday. I can't wait. Greg was super nice and helpful. I will be doing more business with him in the future. So after I ordered my new machine, a Consew 206rb in almost new condition was listed about 100 miles from here for $500. I couldn't pass it up. I am in the process of cleaning the 12 years of idleness off the machine and getting it ready for sewing. It is an awesome machine too. I have to make room so I listed my Bernina in the LW Marketplace. I plan on sewing Cordura and webbing at first, to sharpen my skills,, before I start working on leather. I am sure I will be reading more threads on here for sewing tips now that I will have some very nice machines to work with. Here are some photos of my first machines, the Bernina and the Consew. I am very glad to become a member of this forum. Thanks! John Noveske Sr.

Hi, I have a relatively simple leatherworking job that I'm looking to offer to someone either in/near Norfolk, Virginia, or Portland, Oregon (I live in VA, but the majority of my business is located in OR). I have a straightforward wallet design that I need someone to construct. I'm considering two methods of manufacture. 1) Having the leather laser-cut (including stitch holes) and then hand sewn. 2) Having the wallets die-cut and sewn by machine. Either way, the requirements will be relatively basic. If you live in or near Virginia or Oregon, and have an interest in this work, please let me know by personal message. Further, if you have contact information for someone or some business that may be interested in this work, please forward it to me. FYI, this job probably will not begin for the next few months, but I'm trying to get things in order now. Also, I'm currently at sea with the US Navy, so my response time may be delayed. Thanks!

Hello from Portland Oregon! I have been hooked on leather work after fumbling through my first few projects, and I am enjoying building my skills (and tool collection.) I've been reading these forums for a little while, but this is my first post. There is so much information on here that I feel pretty lucky to have stumbled onto it! Being new I don't feel like I have much advice or help to offer, so I'll just put up a couple photos of my humble workbench and projects. I look forward to conversing and learning more from all the talented folks on these boards! The first pic is my little work corner under the eaves in the attic. Second is my workbench I built out of wood from the salvage yard. Third is my stitching pony I built from left over flooring. I call it my stitching donkey... Fourth is my first project. I was pretty proud of it, but now it looks kind of ragged. Works though! Last is a little card case with some proper saddle stitching (thanks, donkey!) Not great, but improving. I'll put some pics up for critiques at some point after I get another little project or two done. Thanks for looking! -N

This is a link to a new video I made for a new belt. http://youtu.be/cPN1gkAXQFE www.portlandcustomleather.com

I have a tipmann boss sewing machine and don't put it to use enough. Machine is in excellent condition with very little use. I have all the documentation and most of the attachments, including flat bed, stitch guide and a lot of other accessories I have never used. They sell brand new on sale from Tipmann for $1195 with just the base unit. I am asking $1000 including all the accessories. The only reason I am selling this machine is because I found a Skiver and would put it to much more use than the Tipmann Boss. I am willing to ship anywhere that doesn't create a hassle. Thanks for looking! feel free to call 715-271-9558 I am in Portland, Oregon

I have a Consew 206rb-5 in tremendous condition and has been well maintained. I upgraded the clutch motor to a servo motor and love its performance. I would not be selling the machine if I hadn't found an artisan I like at such a great price. This machine has served me very well. Includes, table, servo motor, and all accessories. I also have an extra mechanical clutch motor I would consider sending with it. I am located in Portland OR feel free to call! 715-271-9558 item is to large to ship so I would prefer pickup only or I could deliver within 50-100 miles. This machine has provided all my needs up to currently. I am only upgrading. Still very happy with the machine! Asking price is $1000 Tony

Trying to get a rough estimate of interest in the Portland/Vancouver area for a Leather Guild. Maybe we have enough people to do something! I tried to use the "Manage Topic Poll" but nothing shows up in preview. Here is a link to an external poll if my efforts didn't work. http://poll.pollcode.com/xqe31 Thanks! disregard botom link! hooray it worked!