Here is part four of the sequence showing the making of my Last Pair of Cowboy Boots, constructed by the famous Lee Miller of Austin Texas. They’re a fancy custom pair, and today you’ll get an idea of the design. (See previous parts here: initial fitting and construction, parts 1, 2 and 3).
The notes below are by Carrlyn Miller, who runs the business end of the shop and also helps with design, ordering, and finishing the boot:
Here is the first version of the pattern that Lee drew up for your design.
Here you can see that Lee has removed the thread from the sewing machine, and is “sewing” on the paper pattern that he’s drawn. There will be holes then poked through the paper that corresponds to the design. You’ll see the purpose of that tomorrow.
Another view as he’s going around the pattern.
We make two different sets of paper patterns. This pattern Charlotte is filling in and will be used as a cutting pattern. Again, this will be clear as we go along.
The yellow and green leather has been pulled for your roses.
Here is the paper pattern that Lee has just finished “sewing.”
The Pacific Blue Kangaroo leather for your tops.
Laying the patterns on the skin to determine where the tops will be cut from.
Tops have been cut out!
A note on design: it incorporates two features introduced and made famous by Charlie Dunn, who originally owned the shop and under whom Lee apprenticed. They are the inlaid “mirror writing” and the pinched leather rose—usually yellow to represent The Yellow Rose of Texas.
I would have never guessed a Yellow Rose Of Texas motif for your design Jerry. Looks like they are going to be very sharp looking boots!
It’s traditional from that shop, and I love how they make pinched roses.
+1
Yellow roses are also for peace, so they’re appropriate for Jerry in that way.
Very cool how they do the rises.
Wow, excellent design! Woo-hoo!
Have to admit, I would have bet big on at least one moggie.
Me, too.
Ahhh. So the mirror design occurs naturally by “sewing” onto the doubled-over top pattern. Cool!
I’m dying of envy. I’ve wanted full custom cowboy boots for years, and these are just going to be so stunning. I hope to be lucky enough to own a pair like this some day (though, consoling myself with a pair of full-on-rock-and-roll customs by Hollywood RiffRaff will help.)
I’ve stitched leather by hand. I think I’ve guessed.
Very interesting. Thanks.
It freaks me out when Jerry says “last pair of cowboy boots” because it’s like a Twilight Zone episode or something foreshadowing his demise!