Changes to the saddle pads coming

I'm going to be making some slight changes to the saddle pads.  Up until now I've been using a 14 count aida cloth to make the traditional size pads.  I just made my first classic size pad using 22 count aida cloth and I love the end result.  From now on for the traditional size pads I'll be using 18 count aida cloth.  The smaller squares/higher counts are a bit harder to work with but I'm liking the end results a lot more.  They look more in scale with the models and the stitches are a lot 'tighter'.  I was figuring it out last night and even though I'm changing the count size, I should still be able to use my patterns just as they are which will be nice.  My prices will remain the same too.  I'm curious to see what the response will be, the first pads I make with the new count will be show donations.

Slight modifications needed to be made...

Well, apparently a 20 count aida cloth isn't made!  So, I'll just have to make the classic size pads on the 22 count.  I also measured Wahoo King and even though he looks bigger (to me), he's not really any bigger than the new classic models.  I'm really liking how small the stitches are on the 22 count although my eyes don't like trying to look at those tiny stitches!  And because the pad is so small it's not taking any time to do it, should have it done in another day or so.  It's a simple pattern so I can take it with me outside and sit out in the garage with Mike and stitch away while he does his thing (did that for several hours today).  I found that all the bright lights in the garage also help me see what I'm doing too, guess when you have big halogen lights that are supposed to be outside in a small 20x24 building that tends to happen.

Now have three shows that I've agreed to make donations for.  They're all in March and April so I have plenty of time thankfully as I will be making both traditional and classic size pads for each show.  Now just need to figure out some way to put my name/logo on them, what I was doing just wasn't working as it couldn't be read very easily.....  If you have an idea of what I could do let me know, just keep in mind that it has to be something that won't scratch or leave a mark on a model.

Have started doing classic size pads

Well, I finally sat down last night and figured out what count cloth I'd need to do classic size pads and still keep my patterns the way they are.  Wow.  For the larger classic size (Scamper, Wahoo King, etc) I need a 20 count cloth and for the smaller classic size (frolic stallion, AQH mare, etc) I need 22 count cloth.  I have a package of 22 count here so I opened it and started a saddle pad.  Man, I'm going cross-eyed trying to see those tiny holes!  It's going pretty quickly though, in just a couple hours or so I have about 1/4 of the pad done.  I started with a pretty simple pattern thankfully.  And once the stitches are done they're soooo tiny you can hardly tell they're there.  I think the classic pads are going to be a success.  Stay tuned for pictures of the finished product!

Getting back into the swing of things

Well, we've been here at the new house for two months now and I'm finally starting to feel settled in.  All the pictures and such are hung up on the walls again, minus a few things that need power tools to be hung up.  I couldn't stand the flooring in the kitchen and breakfast area anymore so I spent August 26th and 27th ripping out the old flooring and laying down new.  Took me about seven hours to rip out the old and about six hours to lay the new!  Changed the whole look of the two rooms.  Next week I'm hoping to get some paint and get rid of the neon yellow walls.

A fellow model horse hobbyist has put out an ad for help with her new CD of saddle pad patterns so I've offered my services.  I'll be getting a pattern (or two or three) from her which I'll stitch, then send to her and in return I'll get a copy of her newest CD as payment!  Looking forward to doing the project.

Speaking of projects I just finished another saddle pad.  I only had a small amount left on it when we packed everything to move and it's been sitting here begging to be finished.  I finally got it done.  It's a trio of greens in my cutback Native American pattern.  It will be listed for sale along with another one I finished a while ago.

My saddle pads are now international!  I just sent one to a wonderful gal who lives in Australia as a 'thank you' gift for some recent purchases she made from me.  I don't know if she shows or not but it's still neat knowing that something I made is halfway across the globe.

I should also have an order coming up for a friend.  She wants a couple of solid color pads for a couple of roping set ups she wants to show next year.  Will be nice to know that my pads will be in the show ring.

I have also sent e-mails out to a few live show holders who are asking for donations for their upcoming shows offering either completed saddle pads or certificates or both.  Time to start doing whatever it takes to get my stuff out there and in the public eye.

Stay tuned for more updates and progress photos.