Gate Post versus Knee Roll

  I got a call from a local equine supplier [tack shop to you and me]. A lady had brought in her saddle. She has failed to negotiate a gateway and walloped her knee on the gate post. Luckily the gate post was unharmed in the incident but the rider and saddle were not so lucky. The rider is sporting a dislocated knee. That's going to smart for a while. The knee roll of the saddle is partly separated from the saddle flap.

 The job was to restitch the knee roll to the saddle flap. That is easy to type but not so easy to execute. First I examined the saddle and then the damage. The saddle was made in Sutton Scotney apparently by hand. It says so on the badge attached to the tree underneath the skirt. My idea of "by hand" and what I had in front of me are two different things. However after a cup of tea and a bit of thought I reconciled my issues. The saddle was machine stitched throughout. The stitching thread is nylon. There is no question that the saddle is robust. It looks like it has had a hard life. In a sense that is a good thing. It means the neddies [my term for horses or ponies of either sex] are getting ridden regularly. If I had a horse I would ride it everywhere. Perhaps not to London or Manchester but certainly in twenty mile radius of home. Returning to the damage on the saddle.....

The customer said the stitching had ripped. This was true in part. As I tidied up the stitch holes I found: A. the machine stitching and B. There was a 1 1/2 inches gash where the leather had ripped. The funny thing was that the loops of the stitching was still in place. It took a few minutes to clean the area of thread and figure out a plan to repair the stitching. Tea always comes in handy at this point.

   I figured there was nothing I could do to repair the ripped saddle flap. The customer was not going to buy a new saddle on account of this damage. I guessed I would be able to piece together the seam between the knee roll and saddle flap and restitch the seam using the existing stitch holes. When the stitching got as far as the rip I decided the stitch line would have a detour. I would take the stitch line inside the rip so the new stitching would be still provide support in joining the two piece of leather together although looking a light asymmetric. Symmetry would mean a new saddle and we knew that was not an option.

   I decide to do the easy bit would be restitch the upper stitch line first. My rationale was that the leather and holes were not damaged. Also that in securing the upper line it would hold the piece in place whilst I tackled the lower stitch line and the rip area. The first five inches were easy enough. The saddle flap was errr....flapped back and forth at give access for the needles to execute saddle stitch. I started the stitching over the end of the machine stitching in order to secure the end of the machine stitched line. It got really tight as I approached the skirt and the big rivet that secures the saddle flap to the tree. The "D" ring of the martingale anchor also served to reduce access. The needles are about two inches long so that is the minimum space required to pass the needles to and fro. Once I got to the end the stitch line is was straight forward to turn the corner and make the three stitches down the start of the lower stitch line.

   I back stitched here partly to reinforce the seam at this point but also to start a new thread. My plan was to stitch along using the existing holes until one stitch before the rip. Take the stitching through 90 degrees for two stitches then another 90 degree turn to bring me parallel with the rip. I would stitch along parallel to the rip then do two more 90 degree turns to bring me back onto the original stitch line. This was a great plan except there was no room to work in. The detour stitch line line needed new holes. The leather is three thicknesses at this point and I had to be careful not the stab the existing saddle with the awl point. It is enough to say but making the twenty odd stitches to execute the detour took nearly and hour and a good deal effort. I probably did not help myself my doing the stitches at 16 to the inch. I figured many stitches would provide a secure repair. In hindsight that was probably overkill. Once I got back onto the original stitch line I was away again. I had plenty of room and difficult bit was behind me. I took the new stitching over the end of the old stitching to secure it. A couple of back stitches and the repair was complete. I cast eye over the rest of the saddle and found a small section of the welt on the knee roll had been opened up by the impact. I could not help myself and repaired that section. The access was good so it only took a few minutes. The customer drove a hard bargain on the cost of the repair so a baulked at cleaning the saddle and repairing the other areas of general wear.

      The repair closed the joint between knee roll and saddle flap to its original position. It also closed the rip. The top edge of the knee roll saw to that. I got the fine paint brush and the dark brown dye out. I carefully painted the inside edges of the rip with the dye. The inside of the leather was a lot lighter than the outside surface of the saddle leather which had weathered and had the patina of age. The dye toned down the contrast essentially making the repair disappear to the casual observer. What the owner of the saddle thinks remains to be seen. My customer, the tack shop, seem pleased with the repair.


   

Ashby Show

   Ashby Show [Click HERE for website] was a big deal for me. It was the first full scale agricultural show I had attended as a trade exhibitor. I had been on the other side of the counter many times. I had been fretting about the weather. For a week before the show the weather had been amazing, hot and sunny, just as a summer should be. I was concerned the weather might break on or before the show. I was at the show ground at 7am. It was grey and we, my fellow traders, felt a couple of spots of rain. We set up, optimistic that the weather gods would be kind to us. As the morning gave way to the afternoon the sun came on in full effect. It was glorious summer's day in England.

   The horse riding event were held early in the morning so they were pleased with the relative cool weather. It took me ages to get set up. As they say work expands into the time available. I usually get set up in 45 minutes at the market. It took me over an hour. My pitch was on the main avenue running between the public car park and the show ring. My stall neighbours was Lester who made horse inspired jewellery on one side and on the other side a pair of brothers, Geoff and Ben, who sold knives. All very complimentary trades. I like to think that was arranged by the show organisers. I was set up before the gates opened although there were some very early starters.

 

   I nipped off and got the bacon butty and a brew. I sat in my fold-up chair and ate them in peace for a few minutes. Just as I wiped the flour off my face the fun began. I was on my feet all day. There was a steady stream of browsers, questions, folks reminiscing about bygone skills, stories of lost loves and working in leather. One chap asked if I was mending things today. Yes was the answer. He whipped off his belt because it needed a rivet resetting. His missus was a bit put out at his actions but this happens to me all the time at the market. He was an interesting chap. I had a chat with the knife brothers. They asked about a sheath for a 14" butchers knife. So just for something to do I made them one. I knew if I started making something it would draw a crowd. The brothers were chuffed with the result. I let them have the sheath. Their knives need sheaths they are wickedly sharp.

  One chap was very interested in the stitching leather together. After a minute or two of disconnected questions I stopped him. I got two small pieces of leather and showed him the process; edge, mark, prick, stitch and burnish. He was fascinated. I gave him the piece and he went any way delighted with his "gift". I like an enthusiast.

   The Denna piece, on the dummy on the left of the stall, drew comments and enquiries all day. I even got one of the girls to try the gorget on. She was a LARPer [Live Action Role Player] so she liked dressing up. The table was arranged from left to right as re-enactors/costumes, tack, bags/cases, belts and the Cedar blocks on the end. At the back I had a couple of hides and on the left I had a belt lengths of hide. I don't make belts a spec. I like folks to pick the leather for the belt from the strips of hide. I think it adds something to buying a bespoke belt.

   Hazel came along to help me with the day. Hazel had sense to turn up a a civilised time. Hazel kept me going but did manage to see all of the show. I managed to see the car stand directly opposite me across the avenue and the quick scan over the vintage cars as I quickly walked to the loo and back.

   A number of familiar faces popped up on the other side of the counter. So a big thanks to them for the support. You know who you are. 

   Plenty of cards where taken and given out with a bit of luck commissions will arise from them. One chap, Ian, said he would see me the next afternoon, Monday. OK I though. 4pm Monday my phone goes off and it is Ian. He give me a commission, exactly as discussed. [Update the commission is completed]. I also went over to see the stunt rides but I just missed there show. I met them at their tent/stable/truck and had a good chat with them about tack and horses. I did just happen to have a few pieces of tack over my shoulder...as you do. It was a very full day. Hazel had brought some lunch but I did not get a break until 2pm and then had to eat on the run as folks were still coming by. I also met a very interesting fellow from the Hedgelayer's Society. 6pm came and a flurry of activity saw the camp disappear into its respective vehicles. It went away quicker than it came out.

   So that was Ashby show done. I got a few ideas, some of which I have already put into action, and met a bunch of decent folk. I even picked up a few quid.

A Little Commission

 
 
Not all commissions are big or expensive. This is a brow band for a pony. The customer wanted a simple black band but to a precise length. That I have done. Stitching at twelve picks the inch is murder.

One Massive Catch up

   One masssive catch up. Here we have almost a years worth of posts from the old Diamond Awl website.

28.03.13 I have been a busy chap getting commissions ready from the last farmer's market and Spaceport. I have a little time to develop some new skills. See the blog entry on chain maille.


10.03.13 It was an early start to get the Seacombe, on the Wirral. I had not been to this sort of event before. The visitors were very interested in the Stars War props I took along. I can report Spaceport is a very interesting place. It even has a section of Wallace and Gromit replicas from "A Grand Day Out" for folks to climb on. It was a long day but I was made comfortable by the lads and lasses of the 99th Garrison and the Mint Imperials.
 










09.03.13 The farmer's market was a little quiet then it went mad all of a sudden. I took an order for a shoulder bag and finally sold a wrist bracer. The lady was very happy with the custom fit.
16.02.13 I have sorted out the blog so now I can add articles. It would be interesting to get some feedback. Also I have two events to go to in March. One the Castle Donington Farmer's Market and the other is Spaceport themed weekend. I am going to Spaceport just to show my wares rather than a market proper. The 99th Garrison and the Mint Imperials with be there as well as some of the actors that were inthe Star Wars Films.
   The Spaceport weekend is just a way of folk seeing my work but I hope it shows the visitors the lengths the players go to for authenticity. It won't hurt if folks ask me about what else I do. I am trying to put together a custume so I don't look to ordinary when surrounded by the troopers.


27.01.13 New entry in the blog. It is about the new City case I have just finished.


26.01.13 I am a clumsy oaf. I have damaged the portfolio area. I was uploading pictures for the latest bag. Here is a picture whilst I fix the gallery. The case has enough room for your city meeting essentials: Ipad or Nexus and holders for business card, mobile phone, your Mont Blanc pens and a clip for your keys. There no chance of anyone breaking this bag in anything like normal use. The corners are rivetted and the leather is heavy weight. Just to make it interesting instead of standard squares or D-rings to attach the strap I decided to use harness hooks. This a horse bridle technique. It has the side effect of making the strap super adjustable.

19.01.13 I have been working on chain maille to embelish the armour pieces I am developing. The bracelet was just a practice piece but it looks really good. It is heavy too! I might make some to order if asked. This one is 9inches [225mm] long. Have a look in Portfolio tag for a bigger picture.

14.01.13 The first of the farmer's market is done for this year. I was well dressed for the cold weather so the freezing weather did not bother me. I took a couple of orders for belts and got sone good feed back from the folks I did nthe Shire horse halter. More new goodies arrived inthe post during the week. Just having a practise working with them.

28.12.12 I have got the blog working again. No new posts as I just got it going a second ago. Computers eh!
 
28.12.12 The shop has to come down for a while. Email with your requests or requirements or just plain questions to me via the contact page..

08.12.12 It was bloomin' cold at Castle Donington Market. I was not in the sun this time.  There were lots of folks about and plenty of interest. I dressed the stall a bit differently. I think it was better. 

05.12.12 Just finished a satisfying job. A refurbishment of a halter for a shire horse. I had to make a new chin strap, repair broken stitching and generally clean, feed and polish the rig. I am used to ponies and the regular size of horse but these young Shires are something else.

02.12.12 Do not forget it is Castle Donnington farmer's market next Saturday between 9 and 1pm. It is a small but bustling market.  

01.12.12 Latest job is the repair and refurbishment of a halter for a Shire horse.

30.11.12 My latest commision, A Boba Fett ammo belt, has been received in Australia. Isn't the Internet a great thing.

15.11.12 Another commission out the door. Bracers this time for a Sith Lord.
11.11.12 Well..... the market stall went well. A morning sat in the sun with a bacon butty and tea having a chat to folks is never a bad thing. Have a look at the blog to find out what I thought about it. I made a very few bob for Movember.

07.11.12 This month has been renamed "Movember". It is about growing a moustashe to raise awareness and cash for Men's Health issues mainly prostrate cancer. Click HERE to go to my Mo bro pages and see what it is all about. A couple of us mo bros have joined together as a team. We call ourselvers the Moira Mo Bros. We are mo bros and we are for Moira. I am all for keeping it simple. Check out the website and give what you can, should you feel that way inclined. 

31.10.12 Its offical I shall be at the Castle Donington Farmer Market on 10th November. Click HERE for the markets website.
23.10.12 It has been a busy couple of days. Saturday I went to the Walsall Leather museum. Click HERE for  their website. Some interesting characters working at the museum. One chap had worked there 70 years. The museum is one tannery building that was saved from the 60's planners. Next it was up to Stockport to talk discuss the next developments for Star Wars characters. Then today was a make up day. I made a buch of wrist straps. Check the shop out for the individual items. I finish them to length and with a fastener of choice to order and all for £8.50 + p&p!
  










14.10.12 I went to the National Ploughing Championships in Whittinton today. There was a lot to see. H and I were mainly interested in the horse drawn ploughing. It was a splendid day. Not too hot, not too cold and a big blue sky for most of the day. I could not help but cast an eye over the the tack even if was supposed to be a day off.


13.10.12 I got did not attend the Apple Fair as a stall holder but I did go to meet the folks that run the event. I have agreed to go on the next market which is 10th November. I now know what I need to do and what I need to get before the event.

01.10.12  Enquiries are starting to drop in on a regular basis. Folks imaginations are great. I would not have though of doing any of these things. Got to keep busy producing. The Apple Fair is approaching.   

26.09.12 Finish a rather nice mini rikki. I saw a young lass sporting a small low slung rucsack the other day and light bulb went off in the my head.

21.09.12 A busy day in the workshop. Check out the blog for info on the cross belt set.

16.09.12 I finally made myself a drum sling for my tenor side drum. I was going to do a black one then thought "hold up", why not make a set.

 15.09.12 I have yet another order for E-11 blaster holsters. Just as well I got some new 3mm black shoulder in.
12.09.12 The new website went live this evening. This site loads more quickly and has a blog and shop. The blog and shop were hard to operate on the other providers platform. Have a browse round the site. The shop is live so feel free to order one or more of everything.
07.09.12 A new client has taken delivery of their repaired handbag and adjusted bag strap. Check out the blog and facebook for the details.
01.09.12 I have had a couple of rush orders for E-11 blaster holsters. Delivery made on time. Rob at RS a happy chap.
14.08.12 I back from holiday. Two weeks the English Lake district. I picked up loads of metal work and leather. On my way out I delivered commissions for two clients. One was a Star Wars E-11  holster. The other a Trader's Money Apron. Have a look in Portfolio/ Bags for the apron.
27.07.12 I dropped off my commission . It down very well. Look in portfolio/belts for the latst item, a watch strap. I picked up a new commission which I finished in double quick time. I deliver it tommorrow. I made some new  contacts at the Manchester Expo.  Some interesting thing are being to come out of the meetings.
21.07.12 This weekend is the comic-con expo in Machester. I hope to hook up with a few folks. I also have to drop off my completed commission pieces. As soon as they are dropped off I will post pictures on the Portfolio pages.
15.07.12 The Living History fair was washed out...doh! Went to the local country show intead. It was a lovely day out.
10.07.12 Check the gallery, FB and the blog  for pictures of pictures of Hazel's belt.
We are of to The Living History Fair this weekend. Check FB for details.
The shop is not ready yet but bank accounts and paypal are