Lisa Sorrell, cowboy boot maker

My goal was to have all four panels stitched by 5pm. It’s 5:08; I guess that’s close enough.

The one on the right has been stitched and cleaned. The one on the left will get to be beautified this afternoon. Each color is a different piece of leather–there’s no painting.

As I was struggling to cut a big piece of leather this morning I thought, “I wish I had a place for my five-in-one that wasn’t surrounded by stuff that catches big pieces leather as I try to cut it. If I had an extra five-in-one I could put it out front where there’s more open space. Maybe I’ll have to save some money and buy another five-in-one. It wouldn’t have to really be a five-in-one–it could only be a cutter. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could find a long arm one?” THEN I realized that I have one sitting in the back hallway!! It’s been there so long I forgot about it and it’s exactly perfect for what I need! The blades are even sharp! I’m so happy right now!

Raise your hand if you believe that this pile of oddly-shaped, multicolored scraps will magically transform into a water serpent boot top tomorrow.

I’m getting ready to start cutting out this design. I remembered to turn the pattern over so I’d have mirror images, so I’m pleased about that.

Today I’m stitching boot tops.

I finally got to try out this little beauty today. I think we’re going to get along very well!

Here’s a peek at the boot tops I’ll be working on tomorrow.

One would think that after a while I’d become accustomed to cutting into an alligator skin, but no. It still worries me that I’ll cut something wrong and waste leather so I like to mark the pattern on, take a break, and think about it.

Here’s a link to my Monday video. As you may guess from the image, I’m taking a break from filming for a while. Someone has to make boots around here to pay the bills and since I’m the only one, I guess it’s going to be me. “It’s a Boot Life” will return in January.