I’ve been a long time lurker on the site. Always been a DIY guy. A few years ago I aspired to make my own saddle, but one thing or another got in the way. Having a decent sew…um, thread injector was the biggest deterrent. Well, a couple years ago I had a 1972 Chevy Nova that I picked up to restore with my Dad and daughter. Long story short, my daughter decided after I bought it that other things were top priority. I had purchased an industrial walking foot machine to do the interior. Ended up selling the Nova, but couldn’t sell the sewing machine. Well, it has come in handy on my journey down the rabbit hole. This morning I started not one, but two saddles. One for the wife and one for myself. Hers is a pleated saddle and mine is more of a phantom clone. I watched Jerry’s videos multiple times and been reading up the threads. Got my mesh cut out and the gross grain installed. Both saddles also have the leg strap loops installed. Been at it since 630am this morning. Of course, the first three hours was assembling the sewing machine and getting the routing of the thread and tension all worked out. I’m using V92 bonded poly thread. I have the servo motor turned down to the lowest setting and it still rips, so I used a cork yoga block under the peddle to serve as a governor. It’s been time consuming but I’m having a blast while watching YouTube hunting videos. Tomorrow I will start on the 2” chassis straps. Am I crazy?
The real advantage in making my own was being able to tailor out features I don't use to keep it as minimalist as possible, i.e. dedicated lineman's loops and molle anything. FWIW I have gone to a rated waist buckle on it though. 
