Long ago, I developed the opinion that time spent patterning is never time wasted. If you spend the time thinking about your pattern and making sure it’s correct, then sewing all the pieces together is easy. When you don’t spend time on the pattern, you’ll use that time (and more) later trying to adjust everything to make it fit.
These boots are really demonstrating the truth of that to me. I spent days and days thinking about this pattern and how the pieces would go together, and because it was far outside my comfort level that time was difficult for me. But I have to admit that once I started this boot it has amazed me with how easily it’s come together.
The toes are done now so from here to the finish it’s just normal shoe making!
Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker 
These are outstanding. I love the way it allows the red element to swing back around the calf.
I understand the desire to maintain length of the heel counter.
I am curious though, if the zipper started above the counter would the foot have difficulty entering the boot?
I think the foot goes in easier if the zipper goes through the vamp/counter line, but it’s also so much more difficult to make that way!
Always great looking display of your talents your boots are always a work of art
Thank you!