Paulsleather

clean, casual & smart. Nice choice of colors - what weights did you go with? Wish I was someplace with green grass and blue skies like in your photo's - snow expected tonight up here!

Thanks, Monica - good idea!

Those are SWEET!

Hi Matt, I ran into the same thing when I did a briefcase out of black water buffalo (too soft). I had to go with a piece of aluminum flat stock, a couple of screws, wrapped it in matching leather and it worked out just fine. That Horween leather looks great and the stitching sure is neat and tidy! Paul

Thanks afton, glad you like the design. Hi capster, the customer picked this out from a few swatches I have from Waterhouse leather. I think he made a great choice. Stitching holes... my nemesis. Generally, I include them on the pattern itself. I find my work looks better. The straps are the exception in that I will lay down the grove and run a wheel or mark it with a ruler and then punch. In this project, I marked and then pre-punched "awl" 3,600 holes. In some sections I was sewing through 4 layers so I knew better than to try and punch and sew as I went. I've included a few extra photos of some of the punched panels and a few stitching shots. Thanks for your comments!

Thanks, Monica. Yeah, I'm generally swearing high and low when I'm done that it's the last... That is, until the next request from a paying customer. In reality, the longer projects give ya theopportunity to refine and improve skills and try new things. Btw - really enjoy viewing your work! Thanks again, Paul

Well done, Jelle! A true representation of a bygone era. Now how about whipping us up a vintage 1932 Stutz Bearcat to go with it! Looks great!

That's a great look.

Thanks, wishful & electrathon! Yes, Karina, definitely not fun getting the business end of the needle. Thanks!

Hi folks, Here is a hand stitched 19 x 11 x 10 carry-on bag made from 5.5 oz dark chocolate full grain pull-up leather. My first time using Riri zippers and they were worth the extra scratch. The side patch pocket also has a hidden compartment behind it which is accessed by a slit. The bottom has an 8 oz piece of veg tan attached inside as a stiffener which I wrapped in a 2 oz pig suede. I also used the suede for the inner compartment. The brass hardware and feet were done in a matte nickel finish and the shoulder strap is a double layer of the same leather. The most challenging (and tedious ) parts of the project were the zippers. Now that I think of it, the lap seams for the side panels were a pain... You know, one hand inside the bag the other outside... having to insert the inner needle without the benefit of actually seeing what your doing. My fingers looked like those of a type II diabetic when I was done. By now I thought my finger tips would have enough callouses to provide protection, hah! I'm glad it's finished. As always, comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks, Paul

Here is a picture of what I was describing. I'm using a yellow post-it note as the elastic material. This approach will allow you to access both sides (the leather and the elastic material). Let me know if this clarifies my comment.

OurJud, If you are willing to give up the lap seam, you could approach it as if you sewing in a basic gusset - similar to a satchel or briefcase. Make a small rolled edge with the elastic and join each one to each of the three edges of the leather. Since it's not a lap seam you would have access on both sides to do the stitching. By stitching close to the edge you could limit the size of the reveal (or lip). Good luck!

Hi folks, These guys seem to have a wide selection of canvas including the very heavy stuff. http://www.ahh.biz/canvas/ Good luck! Paul

Stunning - the color, carving, and component elements are outstanding!! A real pleasure to view your work.

That is fantastic! A very good use of your time - functionality with style!!

I like your gusset construction, Oscar. The bag has a look of solid quality to it that you should be proud of. Keep at it !

Thanks, Adam. BTW - I had to laugh at your exchange with Dwight re. "unpicking". I generally unpick once or twice when I'm doing handles on the briefcases. And so it goes... Cheers - Paul

Hi Adam, love them both! The inner edge binding on the Indy bag came out sweet. That looks like it took a bit of time and effort. Keep up the great work - I enjoy viewing your stuff.

Thanks, Mark - I dyed the edges then sealed with Resolene and then rubbed on a little paraffin wax. Good luck with the satchel. Would enjoy seeing pics when your done.

Thanks!

Thanks coho. The customer, who travels for business, said he had to be confident that the leather wouldn't touch the floor in the airport restrooms. He makes a good point, I think! Thanks much. Thank you - yes, all hand stitched. I've found that laying in a good deep stitching channel helps make the difference. Here's a close up of what I did.

Thanks, Firdaus. Stick with it - you'll get there!

Thanks, Jimbob!

Whaaattt, 2 Hours?! I need a month-at-a-glance calendar to clock my projects. That is fantastic! You obviously know how to get that tech sew up on two wheels! Yes, would enjoy hearing a bit about the build too.

I like the creativity of using the ring thingy to tie it all together in the back, and finishing with the concho. As your skills continue to grow, it will result in a level of fit and finish that will only enhance that creative look. Keep at it!