Bar C Leather Report post Posted October 19, 2009 Okay, I don't feel worthy of posting my work in a "gallery" but it seemed the most appropriate place! I've been working with leather for over 10 years and am self taught. I've always dreamed of making saddles and after a few years of studying up on the art...I'm taking the plunge!! My first saddle is an 11" Buster Welch Barrel Racer for my two young daughters and their 39" shetland, Gator. I've already learned MANY lessons and am making notes as to what I'll be doing different with the next saddle. I knew going into the project I'd be breaking some ground rules...like building it from two consistent hides. I'm actually using "leftovers" and doing my best to cut from the right areas and match doubles. I'm not cutting any corners but lightening the load where I don't think it will compromise quality...as I'd like that the girls could actually lift the saddle while they can still ride in it!! I'm usually my harshest critic and I'll spare you all the things that make me cringe on the saddle so far!! I would really love to hear some feedback from you experienced saddle makers. I'm very open to constructive criticism! Starting with the gullet cover... and the bottom horn piece This shot is to show off the beautiful draw down stand my hubby built me!! Seat strainer cut from factory made full size strainer Plugs Building the ground seat My rigging rig! I built Dusty Johnson's model. Very strange feeling tooling on a horn!! Actually started the stirrup covers a year or so ago!! It's amazing the little ways our work changes over time. Swell cover. I wanted to do more tooling but was a little worried about how everything was going to turn out!! Blind stitching (didn't turn out so well, maybe because I'm using strap leather instead of skirting...too thin? And I don't have a real awl either ) Before the wrestling match And after Fender tooling Painted fender and billets Thanks! I can't wait to hear from y'all!! Natalie Bar C Leather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mulefool Report post Posted October 21, 2009 I'll bet your girls are going to be pretty proud riding their custom made saddle. Not too many kids get one. Did you have any trouble getting a tree to fit a Shetland? Looks good especially for a first attempt. On the next one you might try keeping the welt on the fork below the point of the shoulder (of the fork). Good Luck, Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bar C Leather Report post Posted October 21, 2009 (edited) I'll bet your girls are going to be pretty proud riding their custom made saddle. Not too many kids get one. Did you have any trouble getting a tree to fit a Shetland? Looks good especially for a first attempt. On the next one you might try keeping the welt on the fork below the point of the shoulder (of the fork). Good Luck, Chris Hey Chris, Not a problem getting the tree for the Shetland. Got it made by Bowden. The girls may be proud of it but I ordered it 2 years ago and was so scared of messing up I didn't get the nerve to start it until this summer! My oldest probably won't get to ride in it much before she's grown out of it. There are MANY lessons I have already learned. I was very worried when modifying the design for the fork cover and at the end I was glad to have it on but not really happy with how it looked. I did feel that the welts went up too high and that maybe that was part of the reason they wanted to gap at the top. They didn't come out perfectly straight either. Any tips on blind stitching? Or what the best method for covering the forks is? I have the Leather Crafter's Journal saddle making series by Pete Gorrell and Dusty Johnson's book as well as Al Stohlman's and a video by Bruce Cheaney. This particular pattern was modified from Stohlman's book and I had to use the lacing to cover my horrible blind stitching job! ) Thanks for your feedback! ) Natalie Carroll Edited October 21, 2009 by Bar C Leather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
