The difference in leathers

So I don’t know much about leather, I’m still learning, that’s fine. My first leather hide, selected with help, was a Craftsman tooling side, 2-3oz/0.8 -1.6mm thickness, something of a special order, they said. This has worked beautifully for three saddles so far, with two more in production. It machine cuts well, takes dye really well, moulds beautifully and glues quickly. Winner! Except I can’t get hold of any more very easily up this end of the UK. So I’ve been trying a different type of leather. Not quite working so well, sadly. It has some interesting good and bad points. Doesn’t cut so good, takes dye well but then becomes very stiff when it dries. Its cracking when worked, but that’s producing a lovely antiqued, sort of burr walnut effect. It has produced a sweet (if a bit wonky) set of saddlebags in a new design which I never thought was going to get finished! I’m persevering, its interesting, let’s see how we go.

tan-saddlebags-new-design-work-in-progress-detail

However, I think this might be an idea… Seminar Day – Understanding Leather and its Uses

Saddle sizes

I create saddles for a specific one sixth scale size at the moment. But there are several styles of horses in this category, with more being made. Here are a few useful dimensions for my saddles. I can create the fastenings to fit specific sizes on request, or leave the girth straps without punched holes so you can fit them yourselves. For the experienced hobbyist, my saddles can also be deconstructed careful by removing the conchos and saddle strings to make adjustments to the stirrups under the saddle, then reattaching the conchos.

western-roper-saddle-pattern-sizes

My Mum’s Singer sewing machine

When I received a Mexican Camaron saddle from Nohuando last year I was astounded at the stitching and embroidery all over it. Here was something to aspire to. But it was impossible (for me) to recreate by hand, even though I tried. Step forward my Mum’s Singer sewing machine 401 SLANT-O-MATIC, bought brand new in the fifties and in full working order to this day. A very sought after item. Leather needles bought and attached, it performed exceptionally well, even at tiny stitch lengths. You have to go very carefully, one wrong stitch and the leather is marked and… you have to start again. The only way to perfect those stitches is constant practice on scrap pieces of leather, take your time and don’t sweat it if it goes wrong, life’s too short!

Thanks Mum!