Hi Im Joe

Thanks!

Looks great! I love that tooling design.

Thank you very much Neillo! My intention was not to make an actual dry bag so I'm not too worried about the seam going all the way to the top. I think the added ease of entry and seeing down into the bag is more important. Leaving the roll top un-sewn (is that even a word?) really helps to make it easier to get into the bag. I'm working on the next bag using 138 sized thread. I'm not sure my machine can handle anything more robust than that. However, for some reason I get a lot of fraying and skipped stitches once I move up to 138 thread. I have to figure that one out. The skipped stitches are driving me bloody crazy.

Thank you sir!

I would say the leatherworking manual is really good by Valerie Michael. Not a long book but tons of good info. You just have to be willing to figure some stuff out on your own. Secondly, for bags I would say check out Arthur Porter's Youtube videos. REALLY long and REALLY in-depth about how to make a few different styles of bags. Highly recommended.

OMG so many great posts and comments! I'll try to address them all... Thanks Constabulary! I think making the flap out of some type of heavy canvas is definitely an option! I'd have to find a good supplier. Maybe heavy duty 1000 denier nylon? I have almost zero experience with fabric...LOL. I like the idea of handstitching but I think I'd rather figure out my machine issues. Mastering the sewing machine is a big deal to me and it's something I'm committed to doing. You make a good point about the D-ring but I think it will hold up fine. However, time will tell. I thought about folding the flap over like that but the veg was just too stiff. The next one I make out of softer temper leather will be done how you describe. Thank you! Monica thank you so much! This is exactly the type of discussion I love having. There are so many ways to skin a cat that hearing others opinions and ideas is always so helpful for both design and construction. I think the D-rings will be ok but time will tell. I thought about stitching the flaps together but what stopped me was leaving them apart allows you to fold the top over when its open so you don't have to stick your whole arm in the bag. Also, having the flaps separate allows you to see into the bag easier.

Those are awesome points! I would like to move to copper rivets if I am going to have to hand set rivets. I plan on buying a hand press for sure. I will try to lessen the top tension and see how it comes out. I am a total novice with sewing machines and am trying to learn as I go. It's trial and error for me. I tried using 138 with a 23 needle on an Adler 67 but the machine did not like it. I got a lot of fraying and a ton of skipped stitches. There are rivets on the inside at the top of each side seam to help to keep the top of the bag together. Thank you for the awesome advice. Btw where can I buy quality rivets?

Thanks jimbob. Practice makes perfect. That and making mistakes (aka learning experiences).

Thanks Bill. Your insights are awesome as usual! The thread is 69 sized bonded nylon with a size 18 needle which I believe is correct. I think part of it is the illusion of a black hole with black thread? Yeah the stitch line did wander a bit on the closure strap especially. I do not have an edge guide. I just need more hours on the machine. I am still a relative newbie. Yeah I think brass would definitely look very nice. I however had nickel stuff on hand so that's what I went with...I'm cheap...lol. I absolutely plan to get a hand press. I'll probably buy the one from gold star tools as it seems to be by far the most reasonable. Thanks again for taking the time to write up such a detailed response! Joe

Hello Everyone, I'm a huge fan of Teranishi Brand and decided to try my hand at an interpretation of his "Daytripper" bag. I love the roll top design and simplicity of the bag. The bag is made out of Horween Crimson Vintage along with Hermann Oak London Tan straps and accents. A couple things I learned: 1. I should have cut a notch between the invisible seam and where the roll top starts so everything lays flat. 2. I should have skived the corners to help with sewing over the turns. 3. I need a hand press for rivets and snaps. The D rings are for attaching a shoulder strap that is not shown in the photos. I put the Ds on all four strap ends so the bag could be worn over the left or right shoulder. There is also a D on the inside behind the buckle to clip your keys too. Let me know what you guys think and tell me what I could do differently or better! Thanks for looking, Joe

You should talk to RavenAus. He is a member here and makes some awesome masks. There is one other dude too who does masks I think. But he could tell you what tools he uses the most that way you aren't wasting your money. Good luck!

Thanks Monica! Working with liners is like a whole new world. It definitely adds a level of complexity. However, it is kind of nice because it covers a lot up as well! Dual edged sword I guess. I think next I'll do a gussetted bag and see how it comes out. Should be fun.

Thanks!

Thanks billy! Thank you so much! It definitely was not the easiest to assemble. But I learned a lot!

Thanks!

Thanks Rohn!

Thank you! Leather is 2.6oz according to the supplier. It felt insanely thin. But it worked out really well and turning it was a piece of cake due to its lightweight.

Hello Eveyrone, Here's a red tote bag I made for my mom. The last project I posted was a canvas and leather tote. I used that project as a trial run for this all leather tote bag. This bag has a duck cotton lining with an internal pocket. It also has an external zipper pocket and zipper top closure. My mom likes cross body bags so I made the strap so she could wear it this way. A couple things I learned: Zipper top closures are a pain in the ass. I have to figure out some better ways to get it done and have a cleaner look. Top stitching around the top of the bag is a bitch. I should have top stitched it from the inside to the outside instead of the other way around. I definitely made some errors with this bag but I feel like I learned a lot and the next one will be even better because of it. Thanks for looking! Let me know what you like and how I could do better. Joe

Now I'm even more jealous!

Nobody likes a braggert! J/K you are lucky.

You could definitely make an awesome briefcase. Would be heavy duty but doable.

Belts...

I like that idea too! For a complete and finished look.

Thank you Monica! The leather was Horween Crimson Vintage. I would NOT recommend this leather. I bought it sight unseen and it is a top grain leather (not full grain) and the finish rubs off pretty easily. I did not buy it "direct" from Horween so I'm not sure if this is normal for this tannage or I got a bum one.

Thank you Aurelie! I love your saddles by the way. Awesome work. I'll let someone else chime in on how to best get the rounded handles figured out.