pnozzer

You may be on to something there! You're right thought, it is definitely a labour of love. In that calculation I was more thinking of economical as in a proper income as opposed to a hobby (no plans for that any time soon!). Good luck with your projects in future!

Hi psychosmart, your question made me think what I meant when I said that initially, and realised it was based on a feeling rather than hard numbers. Here's what I've worked out (sorry am working in pounds UK, will convert to usd at end!). All materials cost £45 (roughly 70us), and I think after putting the planning for the first one I could make one in two full time days. For it to be economical, I'd be making at least £100/days work, so would have to charge £245+ (~$400+), which to me sounds like a hell of a price for a satchel! I suppose the time side of the equation could be reduced quite a bit from practice and economies of scale. But I'm completely naive, I see lots of great buts on here and they might be selling for what I would call ridiculous money...

Thanks for the pricing advice, I'll keep that in mind if this becomes more than a hobby, for now am happy to do a few hours here and there

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, and yes she did love it thank god! About the 3-part gusset, I took some process shots because I couldn't find anything online about this, but I stole the idea from some briefcases in shops which have a similar set up. I don't know if it's easier but I did it to keep the front as flat as possible, without warping due to the stress on one long piece gusset bent around the corners. I hope you can make out the idea from the pics here. P

Finished my first proper project as a Christmas present for my girlfriend. Lined with pigskin, found all the stitching quite tiring! It's 10 inches wide so just fits an A5 pad, has a 3-piece gusset, and uses Sam Browne studs to close since buckles seem like a hassle (will see how well these work though...). Had some interest in making more but would have to charge ridiculous money for it to be economical Still all good fun. P

Great work hunio, and thanks a lot for sharing your processes, it's very helpful for a beginner like me I'm in the middle of making a very similar purse from goat skin and I have a question. In your post from 10th of november with the card slots, I don't understand how your edge along the slots is so smooth! I mean the edge closest to the multicolor tape. Do you skive and fold over some leather from behind or is there some other method you use? I notice you said something about an electric edge creaser, if that's what gives you this edge finish could you point me towards one please! Thanks for all the tips and ideas, PN