Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker

I’m in Japan this week, and it’s already Monday here, so I’m going to go ahead and post a link to “It’s a Boot Life” for February!

It’s a Boot Life

The United States flag/eagle boot tops are stitched. I am most proud of the fact that the entire boot top, with the exception of the lettered banner (different color of thread) and the tail feathers (will be stitched later), was done as one continuous line of stitching. I started at the bottom of the flag pole, worked my way through the complete design, and finished back at the bottom of the flag pole.

Whoops! I made it around this design to the arrows, and realized that the overlay piece for the bottom of the arrows had fallen off. I checked the usual spots–floor, sole of my boots, clothing… and didn’t find it, so I’m cutting and skiving a new one. The fastest way to find the old one is to create a new one.

AAAAGGGGGHHHH! I have been sitting at the sewing machine all day long and now I’m tired and sore. And, I’ve only gotten both of the back panels done. It’ll be another fun day in the studio tomorrow!

Isn’t it cool that this little pile of oddly-shaped leather pieces can come together to create this beautiful boot top?

Guess what, everyone? I sent a pair of boots to the International Shoemakers Days competition in Germany, and I not only won a Gold Medal, I won a Master’s Cup also!!! Here’s a photo of the boots. I’ll give you three guesses who they belong to: Dale Sorrell, Dale Sorrell, or Dale Sorrell.

I LOVE this article!!! I don’t have the tape issue in my shop, but I completely understand being obsessed with small details. I also agree that those small details are a telling hint of the larger picture.

The Kitchen Habit Professional Chefs Can’t Stand

My day continues to get better. I just delivered the alligator boots; they fit perfectly and the client was pleased.

I’m alone in my shop, all my inventory is put away, and today I get to do nothing else but start on all four of these boot tops while listening to bluegrass. Small sob of pure happiness…

Full American alligator boots in cognac, titled “Amos Moses.” I hope Jerry Reed would be proud.