Spindrift57

Thank you for the kind words, they are much appreciated particularly coming from people who do such great work themselves. I used the case for the first time today and it's as good as I'd hoped. Lots of admiring comments from colleagues was a bonus. If i do another one I'll make the straps narrower an move them out to the edge of the front pocket. I think I will make a new strap at some point if I can work out how to make it curved. Next project - I-pad mini messenger bag with smart phone pocket and funky coloured pigskin suede lining. It might have a coloured titanium clasp if I can afford the 9v batteries! Monica- does your Etsy shop work well for you? Big orange- check out Skytop Trading in Estes Park - truly awesome case system I need a makers stamp any recommendations?

Hi This has been a while in the making as it was my 1st project started about 18 months ago. Yes, I very soon realised I had bitten off too much! Made from veg tanned leather which has been oiled and saddle soaped. Full pigskin lining (I definitely need more practice with lining) with bound top edges. Front pocket was cased and the etachable divider holds the phone case and my Mont Blanc pen case. All hand stitched with waxed linen thread for the detail, constructed with 1.00mm waxed Tiger thread. Shoulder strap is cotton webbing with a extra long strap length stitched to it with D rings for bottles/keys etc (does anyone know where I can get the really good stuff from in short lengths now that Abbey only sell rolls?). Grab handle is two full wells handles and a pair of fighting butts (the fly fishers will know what I'm talking about!) with a turks head as centre decoration. My thanks to all those who have provided ideas and inspiration. As always things I'd do better/differently next time but overall I'm happy with the outcome. Should see me out anyway!

Looks great. Not sure I'd trust myself with all that water around my camera. If you're thinking of accessories have a look at this http://www.skytoptrading.com/accessories.html. I bought one secondhand but plant make my own additional lens cases etc for the stuff I carry.

Hi Big O Thanks for the kind words. The phone holders are cased on blocks to fit an i-phone 4 and then by eye for the flaps. Now that I have one I like I'll make some card templates. I might even ask Black River Lazer to cut me some acrylic templates if they are popular. Canteen coozies were made (on a piece of fence post!) to fit a 500ml/1pt stainless steel canteen. Dimensions are on various websites - Kleen Kanteen in the US. I bought a couple of cheap ones for strap heights etc. Whilst I usually don't mind sharing I plan to make the messenger bag as a 'signature' piece so would like to be a bit vague. Suffice to say if you google messenger bags I'm sure you'll find more than enough information - I know I did. All my pieces are hand sewn. I do have an old Singer that will sew leather but would like to perfect my hand skills before going down that route. Thanks again for your support.

Thanks Rob. I've lined a couple of smaller pieces which takes care of the rough inside surface. Need to make an edge finisher for my polishing motor and to invest in some edge kote. Still, I'm quite pleased with them as they are projects 4 > 9 and I don't really count the two belts that were projects 2 & 3! Thanks for the input.

Hi I've been practicing a few techniques and trying out a few ideas. Two of the phone cases are Ii de, one with a turn over/French binding and the other with a separate strip binding. All three are designed to be either carried in a bag or on the strap. The canteen holders were to practice butt stitching. They're ok but I can't get the hang of the curved awl & needles! Messenger bag was my wife's Christmas present , which she loves. I did some market research with colleagues at work and have a commission for mk2! As always advice welcome. ps - the owner insisted I cover the clasp!

Great satchel. Love the clean lines. Seems to have been a Christmas for satchels - will upload pics of the one I made for my wife. As to selling you work. Kwelna is right, some people will recognise the craftsmanship and individuality of a truly hand made piece and will be happy to pay. You have to decide whether you want to compromise on any aspects of your work. I recently threw out a price and have my first serious commission. Probably not cost effective but then it's not my 'day job'. Take a look on Etsy, e-bay and this site for craftsman you'd like to emulate. I'm relatively new to leatherwork but would like to think that eventually I'd get somewhere near the sort of quality people like Nigel Armitage produce. When your work is that good people don't quibble on price. Having mentioned him, Nigel Armitage has 2 videos on YouTube showing him making a messenger style bag with a 3 part gusset. We'll worth a watch.

I did a bit more e-mining and found this fascinating site http://www.storymindmedia.com/angryalien/military_manuals.htm Enjoy

Many, many thanks Gary. The PDF is just what I had hoped for and how good of you to share. Just need to make some. Now where's my pattern paper!

Hi all Does anyone have or know where I can download the patterns for these classic saddlebags? I did find an earlier thread but no links. I've also found a link to the #29 Ordnance Memorandum that gives the details but can't get it to download! Thanks in advance

Hi all Does anyone have or know where I can download a set of patterns for the classic 3 strap saddlebags? I found an earlier thread but any sharing seemed to be done off-line. I've also found a link to the original #20 Ordnance Memorandum but can't get it to download. Thanks in advance

Like the idea of the hinges. If you moisten the leather and press them in with a clamp and apiece of wood across the top the impression should stay when the leather dries. Personally I'd round the corners a bit with a file to soften the look just a bit and to prevent them catching. Would a french edging tool would get your bevel into the corners of the frame?

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. I showed the pics at work today and already have 2 tentative orders!

Many thanks Emmet. Weaver Leather have put me in touch with one of their customers in the UK who is going to order them for me.

Just finished this bag for my wife to use instead of a handbag when we're on holiday. 1st project and will take a beating so I've used relatively inexpensive materials hence the dark marks. Thanks to all on leatherworker.net whose e-brains I have picked whilst trying to work out how to do things. Next project is a briefcase for me which I'd like to get a bit of tooling onto, although I'll need more practice first!

I know there was a thread about this a while ago but I'm trying to locate a supplier of lever/harness fasteners as used by Colonel Littleton. Weaver Leather stock them but I don't want to place a $250.00 (+shipping) order. Any suggestions? Anyone got a couple they would send me?

I know there was a thread about this a while ago but I'm trying to locate a supplier of lever/harness fasteners as used by Colonel Littleton. Weaver Leather stock them but I don't want to place a $250.00 (+shipping) order. Any suggestions? Anyone got a couple they would send me?