Ferguson Britt Inverlochy copycat W.I.P.

[Ryan Ross]

I realized that the pelt has a natural curve in it so I cut the leather into strips that might overlap. I am going to try to have it follow the curve of the pelt.

Interesting... but I'm confused as to your rationale for cutting your backing material in strips to "follow the curve of the pelt".

[xman]

It was advertised as Geofferys cat.

Looks about right.

[Cowher]

To Ryan Ross: the pelt had a curve to it and the leather lining was flat. As I was adhering the pelt to the leather it was leaving ripples in the pelt. By cutting the leather into strips I found that parts of the strips could be overlaped to contour to the curve of the pelt and thereby eliminating the ripples. I just touched up the edges that didn't stick well enough so in a few hours I will trim the excess leather and show you how the leather and pelt looks and that may explain why I cut the leather.

[MacBean]

I love that you are intrepid enough to dare rush in where angels fear to tread. The world moves forward on the backs of such fools as us! That said, I might attempt a mock sporran in something less valuable to you than that cat (Thistledown's advice suggests this could require more expertise than you think). It's a beautiful piece of fur and you wouldn't want to ruin it.

I look forward to hearing more about your successes and failures in this project. Good luck!

[Cowher]

I stole it for only $19 on eBay. How could it go wrong

[Detroitpete]

Now THAT's where Miss Fiddlesticks has gotten off to! I must tell Geoffery immedidately! He's been so worried!

Sorry--it's been that kind of day

[Ryan Ross]

To Ryan Ross: the pelt had a curve to it and the leather lining was flat. As I was adhering the pelt to the leather it was leaving ripples in the pelt. By cutting the leather into strips I found that parts of the strips could be overlaped to contour to the curve of the pelt and thereby eliminating the ripples. I just touched up the edges that didn't stick well enough so in a few hours I will trim the excess leather and show you how the leather and pelt looks and that may explain why I cut the leather.

Ah, I see now. Very interesting idea!

For the next project, you might consider wetting and stretching the pelt out on a board until it dries, thereby making it flat. Your way sounds like it will take care of the issue, though.

[Steve of Lansing]

Now THAT's where Miss Fiddlesticks has gotten off to! I must tell Geoffery immedidately! He's been so worried!

Sorry--it's been that kind of day

Nice.

I've got some leather left over from an old war shirt and moccasin project that didn't pan out from a few years ago. I'm thinking of trying a Rob Roy type sporran with it. I have a walnut tree growing in my backyard, and I think I can make some natural stain out of the hulls, because "taupe" leather just looks awful. If/when I start, I'll post some pics.

Always, -Steve

[Cowher]

Now THAT's where Miss Fiddlesticks has gotten off to! I must tell Geoffery immedidately! He's been so worried!

Sorry--it's been that kind of day

Hahahahahaa nice.

Ah, I see now. Very interesting idea!

For the next project, you might consider wetting and stretching the pelt out on a board until it dries, thereby making it flat. Your way sounds like it will take care of the issue, though.

I didn't think of that. Although I like the curve because when I take the bulldog clips and put it on it to mock up stitching, the curve gives is a 3d pouch shape that looks fantastic.

[Cowher]

I have the leather glued to the pelt now. I was going to sew the bag first but after some thought and research I have decided to make the leather cantle sew it to the bag and then sew the bag and use the strength of the leather to be the hinge. Next step for me is to mock up the leather cuts for the cantle with card stock paper. My pipe band and I are playing with the Red Hot Chili Pipers on Thursday so I'm going to be extra crazy this week.