folfollBeginning Saddle Pad Making Tutorials Check Off List.  
Private Tutorials are listed via YouTube on Diane's Channel. Permission to view is granted to those in paid enrollement om remote learning program.  Please reach out for more information to join and participate as a private YouTube guest. Thank you! 
Private Tutorials, 23 total:
MESH PREP - 10 Short Tutorials
  1. Mesh Prep 1) https://youtu.be/zWMhxxoCvAY  a) Flat surface to lay out mesh. Cut down center of rows OR on the string...find out which is best!  Be sure to ADD 6”-7”+ to width and length.  *Why is using a designated (thrift-store) iron the is best?
  2. Mesh Prep 2) https://youtu.be/0_j1KuERS4I  a) Terminology: Length vs Drop? Look close at how the mesh is woven (twisted strings vs parallel strings).  *Which direction provides the greatest strength?
  3. Mesh Prep 3a) https://youtu.be/2e66H-9JNu0  a) This project makes a 30” wide pad. Finished Drop (side to side) 30.25' finished; add at least 3” each side/drop = 6” total added.  *Why 3" added on each side to equal 6" total ?  Isn't less more?
  4. Mesh Prep 3b) https://youtu.be/kFt04U3ZEuI  a) Pad length to 32” finished; fold over 2” +/- each end; plan on 36” length.  *Why only 2” on the length each end vs. 3” on each side?
  5. Mesh Prep 4) https://youtu.be/MEJ2nIDl_R4  a) Reiterating the “Drop” and using the twisted string.   *How do the twisted strings compare differently to the pair of parallel stings?  
  6. Mesh Prep 5a) https://youtu.be/T0D6xYmBIeE  a) Fold, iron the Drop on 1st side.  *How does folding down the center of the squares and not on the strings make a difference?
  7. Mesh Prep 5b) https://youtu.be/xGELAN8KR0E  a) Side two of Drop.  *Is re-measuring at every single fold (and ironing each) really nessessary?  
  8. Mesh Prep 6a) https://youtu.be/cHwV5PJ6zU0  a) Double Check Measurements. Total Length Cut: 37” long X Drop 36” wide. Finished dimensions: 30.25W X 32L. *Why is a 30 wide pad popular with many experienced pad users verses a 32” wide pad?
  9. Mesh Prep 6B) https://youtu.be/5uQKIqGOwmI  a) The fun of four layers in each corner!  *Why keep all four layers...wouldn’t removing one or two layers be smart?
  10. Mesh Prep 7) https://youtu.be/mJ9FYSUOPy0  a) Find the center. Mark (safety pin or other, leave marker in place). *Why is knowing the center point a priority?
Begin Pad Making Basics - 13 Short Tutorials
  1. Begin Pad 1a) https://youtu.be/dUGN0-wiHJg  a) “Get Comfy and Create Tension!”  Diane sees a lot of pad makers struggle with inconsistent loops.  *How does creating a resistance, or tension, help to create a more uniform loop?  
  2. Begin Pad 1b) https://youtu.be/tKzIPFBwdPY  a) Begining one row off center is suggested for this demonstration.  *Does counting rows really matter?  
  3. Begin Pad 2a) https://youtu.be/iDymmpFUKTI  a) How to secure or hide the tail 1st loop.  *Note terminology:  "Tail" vs. "Working End" - so hide the tail, but continue with the working end? 
  4. Begin Pad 2b) https://youtu.be/OvELduWTFLs  a) Hold roving: *AWKWARD!  NOTE:  IF you crochet you have a tendency hold your latch hook the same with the "hook" end protruding near your thumb and index finger.  This may cause increased strain on forearm making pads.  Try holding the latch hook opposite with the hook extending near your pinky (not upward near your thumb).  This will take practice.  * Is pulling up motion with arm bent up @ elbow really easier on arm?
  5. Begin Pad 3a) https://youtu.be/u3FXJAs1eLE  a) Loops (on 1st row) working left to right (right handed).  *Are you right handed?  Try opposite if you are a Leafty?
  6. Begin Pad 3b) https://youtu.be/kFt04U3ZEuI  a) Finsh up 1st row, and last few loops.  Multiple layers poses a real challenge. What works best for your to “open” up square with more that one layer?
  7. Begin Pad 4) https://youtu.be/MEJ2nIDl_R4  a) Flip counterclockwise (right over to left) at end of 1st row to start 2nd row Why do you suppose "flipping pad" at the end of each row is best?  
  8. Begin Pad 5a) https://youtu.be/uDetYAscwAs  a) What finsihed rows looks like on this demonstration (working left to right on each row).  (And wouldn’t you know it I came to the end of my roving on that last usable square!)  Now:  *So, how to splice?
  9. Begin Pad 5b) https://youtu.be/vcZW6g96N44  a) Splice roving made easy; no secret here! Pending size of the roving “ball” you will be a pro at splicing by the end of your first pad!  *Is there a prefered tail length to work with when splicing?
  10. Begin Pad 6) https://youtu.be/PFyTihK5soY  a) Rotate pads you 180 degrees (rather than counter clock wise as in end of row flip) to begin work on the opposite side.  *Does continuous working from center out add to uniformity? Is it important?
  11. Begin Pad 7a) https://youtu.be/-tynJkTLfEU  a) Over castoutside rows:  Begin at corner by pulling first loop "up" in first usable square (near corner/outside edge) as previous rows.  The Latch hook parallels the working end on each loop creating the overcast edes.  *Why even do an overcast the outside edge? Can’t we just “end” by making loops like previous rows without the overcast?
  12. Begin Pad 7b) https://youtu.be/yIGNkpi-2Go  a) Close up of latch hook parallel to working end of roving at each loop pulled.  *Do you think an over cast row looks better or adds to the quality-apperance of the pad?
  13. Begin Pad 7c) https://youtu.be/6MD2MMbIyOo  a) Finish end of last row/last useable square.  Pull last loop through all four layers (this can either be "up" or "down"), with roving doubled over, snuggly pull in last usable square.  *What if tassles are the request in all four corners...how is that done? 
Public Tutorials, for public veiw listed as “Pro-Tips”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHbdd8RQWzw - All pads Diane builds are using roving split in half.  This has proven most successful over three decades of personal and client use.  Typically, her pads are seven to nine pounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeyYxfRTOxQ - Decide on the loop size best for you and use a point on thumb or finger to create consistent loops formed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cuH72reZI4 - Diane's clients are asked to offer me their saddle measurements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH2nTptA8z - Diane's favorite latch hook is...?  Which is yours?   Keep extra on hand as they can/do fail! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t7GAuqnGus - Use the K.I.S.S. approach, please (Keep It Super Simple)! Easy wash pulled wool saddle pads directions here!  Don’t take it from Diane, do what Tom Dorrance suggests: “Don’t submerge or saturate, rather...!”  Diane shares her amounts needed and the sources to buy from for direct purchases eiminating middle man mark up.  
  • Pro Tip #6 Buy Direct - Where to purchase and amounts needed for materials (rather than buying a kit)  
 https://youtu.be/iYTJJadAfT0   Diane shares her sources to buy from for direct purchases eiminating middle man mark up. 
  •  Pro Tip #7 Front Matches the Back - When building pads with my technique, frontside should mirrow backside
https://youtu.be/YfqdODXOrP0  By building rows following this technique, each side should closely look alike.  
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Watch these and more forthcoming tutorials on my channel.  @dianecmyers6647
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