Newbie On The Forum

[Nutty Saddler]

Hi all, I am a newbie on this forum , I am not however a newbie to leatherwork . I thought I would show you all some pics of the sort of work I have done -

This is a selection of stuff I have made from a cavesson bridle ( I must make about 1 a week ) to a full harness ( make about 1 a year ) , everything is hand made using traditional methods

Here is a link to my photobucket - http://s657.photobuc...Vihar/Saddlery/ - this has lots and lots of photos should you want to look at them all, but for now a small selection

[wvcraftsman]

They look good from what I can tell. The pictures are a little small to see much detail. Keep up the good work and keep posting pics.

[alb]

I just spent an hour browsing your photos - Wowza! Awesome work.

Would you mind answering a couple of questions? What size thread and needles do you use for various stitching?

Also - how are those round crystal beads sewn into the headbands?

Welcome to the Forum!

Ann

[Nutty Saddler]

Hi thanks for the comments,

I don't know if things are the same in the US as they are here - I use John James No 4 needles and Somac 18/3 reverse twist linnen thread which I wax ( pure beeswax ) myself prior to stitching . Almost everything is double-hand saddle stitch at 12 stitches per inch , I have been known to stitch single needle backstitch at 17 per inch but that is insane - even by my standards.

It's a bit difficult to explain in words how the beads/pearls are sewn in but here goes , firstly the browband has to be completed with a channel cut into the top layer of leather for the beads to sit in , the beads themselves are strung on 50KGS break strain fishing wire ( I've found this best ) . The wire is knotted at one end and this is passed between the layers at one end untill it appears inside the end loop . I then string one needle with 18/3 thread and knott one end. This thread is then passed between the layers of leather , I have to make sure that I pass the awl and needles between the stitches that hold the layers together , this thread passes over the fishing wire and then between the layers on the opposite side , the thread then has to be inserted between the layers again - using the next bead as a guide as to where to put it - this process is repeated for each bead so in effect every bead is held in place . The browband has to be in the completed shape when inserting the beads so a gap dosen't appear when it is bent - this also ensures that there is no excess stress on the wire as it is bent when it's on a horse. ( hope this explains it )

Again thanks for looking - I will try to get some bigger pictures into my gallery , but until then enjoy the photobucket.

Nutty

[Nutty Saddler]

OK I will try to get some pics that are of a decent size -- if it doesn't work I will have to try a different method