Saddle Pads

early attempt, back in the hot-glue-and-say-prayers days of tackmaking

Anyone who has ever asked me will tell you...I hate making saddle pads. Hate is a strong word, but it is an accurate one. I do okay with cross-stitch.

this little darling is for sale, any offers?

  ...but I don't have the best relationship with my sewing machine....

It took ALL MY PATIENCE to make these two silly things

I didn't make the saddle, just the derp bridle and pad

   So imagine my delight when I find a seller who makes LOVELY, ASTOUNDING saddle pads in brilliant colors and patterns, that I can actually justify afford.

CANDY.

Of course my new etchie, Spider, had to have a spiderweb pad!

The web is metallic threads...SO HANDSOME

The first pad I bought from them, looks SUPER CUTE with my favorite Western

Had to try the cutback even though Thor doesn't need it...LOVE.

She uses this awesome fleece that feels super realistic, and thoroughly stitches them.

      So go check out merryjeansdreams on ebay! The pads are a great price and super nice (and I am a notoriously picky person). I know that I will be back for more, so go buy yours before I get there first! She has a ton of Halloween stuff up right now, and lots of other great patterns, as well as some very pretty models, too!

My current collection of merryjeansdreams pads...

The Time-Eating Monster

 My personal life has turned into a whirlwind of a mess since February. The first half of March, I was busy with Comic Con, one of my other hobbies. My cosplay buddy had talked me into making a Black Widow outfit, and I also brought my Loki. I had an absolute blast, got to meet a couple of my scifi and film heroes and the woman I was named after. It was amazing!

Black Widow acquires the target

Loki no. You cannot have an army of KITTs.

After that, I ended up on another road trip for a family emergency, but on the way back, I found a little jewel. Who knew there was an action figure museum in a small town in Oklahoma?

I couldn't believe it. Someone with more toys than I have.

The GI JOE dioramas were my favorite.

There were even model horses. And an old Broom Tail! (I used to have a red one)

There was a section of the museum with toys for kids to play with. How could I resist that?

Ouch. They never build these doorways tall enough.

They see me rollin'

After I got back from that trip, I barely was able to catch a breath before some other bad news hit. I don't want to get into it here, but suffice it to say if things don't work out, I could be in some real trouble. So between that and my health issues acting up, I have pretty much had 0 creative muse. Still, I get really bored sitting around worrying. I have a need to be doing and learning even when I feel like crap.

So I learned to make chainmail

Some glamorous bracelets

 and I hung up the poster of Loki that I got at Comic Con

In hindsight, this was not the best poster placement.

Yesterday, I pulled my sewing machine out because it's been so long since I sewed last, that I forgot how much it and I don't get along. I did manage to make a couple of saddle blankets out of an old pillowcase.

The fruit of my frustration

...and then played with my chainmail.

Aviator is so annoyed with me

Eventually, I found something to do with the normal-sized blanket, and I think I'm pretty happy with it.

 

So that's basically what I have to show for the past two months. One saddle blanket. Not quite the amazing body of work I was expecting to be able to produce now that I'm moved in, but it's better than nothing, I suppose!

Bosal Progress

    The colorful bosals are nearing completion.

    I just need to add reins, browbands, and possibly decorations. I will probably keep most of them, since my first set accidentally turned out in mostly Classic scale and I need Traditional-sized tack. There may be a few for sale later, though. I really, really need to go through my tack pile!
   
    I have decided to sell a few of my cross-stitch pads. They are lined in soft fabric. They're a little thick, but I've curved them so that they fit better under saddles. I can't vouch for live show-ability as I don't show (and I'm just learning to make these), but I definitely think they photograph well. The saddle isn't finished yet, and is not for sale.

#1: $30

#2: $25

#3: $35

                   If you're interested in any of these pads, or in commissioning me for one in your dream color, just message me here or at my Facebook page.

Embroidered Saddle Pads

They're a ton of work, but I really like the end result! I tried out a new stitch and it looks a lot more like a woven blanket-style pad than just straight up cross-stitch.

I tried it again in blue, for a Classic-sized pad.

So cute! If only they didn't take me so long to make!