These boots are on the trees. I still have to do the final polish but they’re basically finished.

These boots are on the trees. I still have to do the final polish but they’re basically finished.

Today I’m wearing my blue alligator and suede shoes that Paige made for me. I hope no one steps on them.
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I’m in Oregon for the Pendleton Leather Show. I visited another boot maker; he had a beautiful curved needle for sale; and assuming I can get it into the truck, I’m bringing it home with me!

Something in this photo is amazing and wonderful. Can you spot it?

Paige’s boyfriend Shane has been doing upholstery for several years. Like her, he became interested in leather work early and is already quite accomplished. I purchased this comfortable old chair second-hand, but the vinyl upholstery was ripped. Shane recovered the chair in leather and did a great job!


Yesterday I laid the soles on these boots, stitched them, and pegged them. I should have focused better on the stitching because it’s fantastic! (I’m not quite good enough on a curved needle to be over bragging about it when I do a good job.)

This little guy was playing possum right in the middle of the alley behind my shop. I thought that was rather unwise of him, so Dale shoved him over into the grass with a board. You don’t want to get too close to possums; they’re incredibly grumpy and they have very sharp teeth.

Here’s a link to my YouTube video for October.
I came into the shop bright and early this morning, and had a pair of boots inseamed by 10am. My reward is a massage this afternoon.

They’re on the last and the toe boxes are in. I’m going to force myself to make waxed thread before I go home, and then it will be downhill all the way to the finish line on these boots!
