Ah well, it seems I was right enough in my thoughts that this one had hung around too long.
I cleaned the skin, washed it, conditioned it and hung it out on the washing line for two days, until I could get into Galgael and pick up my stretcher frame.
I hadn't gotten the frame beforehand because I didn't think I was going to need it.
Turns out I was right.
Hair slipping off from the skin
Showing how cleanly the hair is coming free from the skin.
When I was in the workshops Ian said, "Sika ? that loses it's hair really easily."
and I had confidently said, "Well this one looks sound enough
"
Hah!
Since the hair was only coming free from two patches either side of the spine I needed to soak it in water for three or four days and try to get the rest to slip off cleanly.
So, it's in a big black bin half full with water just now.
Problem is that it's been -oC all the time here, and now it's partially frozen :sigh;
Sod's Law
I'll let it sit, work at it when I can, and see if it can still be smoke tanned over the New Year.
cheers,
Toddy