MY63

I am not an expert but it looks like the front flap has been wet moulded over a cord or thong. During the forming the leather has become burnished by the tools used to mould it that is why it looks like a burnished edge. The stitching is not just to draw attention to the piping but will also secure the backing that holds the cord in place.

I am sorry no one has replied I don't have any advice to offer but I have enjoyed reading your story so far and look forward to seeing how you progress.

Why not combine your name and your fathers Jay Lynn sounds ok I like Jay Hoffman. My favourite would be Hoffman Lynn for a stamp you could have the capital L wrapped around the H I still miss my Dad. good luck with your new venture.

I have recently upgraded from the standard clicker knife to the Vergez Blanchard L'Indispensable Flat Knife I think it is great, The grinding was a little rough I prefer my knives to have a polished edge I believe it cuts better now it has been smoothed and polished it holds its edge very well.

I use Le Prevo most often as they are close to me but I also use G H leathers http://www.leathermerchants.com/ they are both happy to help beginners and sell one hide or skin at a time. I had a minor issue with Abbey which they corrected straight away there brass ware is excellent. Welcome to the world of leatherwork this site is full of great people who are happy to share their knowledge.

I don't use holes or guide posts just plywood here are some pictures of the mould as it was made. IMG_0598_1 by my0771, on Flickr Once the shape was cut out I sanded both sides until the gap was equal to the thickness of the leather I then round over the upper edge of the inside piece and the lower edge of the outer piece. IMG_0600_1 by my0771, on Flickr This is the first pressing from the mould as you can see there are some marks on one side so I sanded a little more off that side of the outer piece IMG_0647_1 by my0771, on Flickr I thought you might like to see the finished case IMG_0915 by my0771, on Flick Thanks JLS Leather I like to keep everything simple my whole blog is the same way straight forward and to the point

I am not an expert but I would have added a magnetic bag catch to the flap itself to take the weight and leave the buckles for decoration.

I use marine plywood to make moulds for my cases and as others have said I round off the corners on both pieces of the mould. I cut out the shape I require and sand the edges so the gap is at least the thickness of the leather. I fix one piece usually the inside to another piece of plywood and then place the leather over that then clamp the outer piece of the mould over that. IMG_0645_1 by my0771, on Flickr Hope that helps

Here is my home made effort I started off with two barrel staves from a cooper, The spring is sullied by the two strips of oak screwed to the bottom. I added the strap to secure smaller projects. If I were to make another I would angle the top to thin it down to make it easier to sew small items. I have pictures and a how to on my blog if anyone would like to see more pictures

In order to help you understand what you are trying to recreate I thought you might like to see this video from J E Sedgewick's maker of fine English bridle leather

Your work is excellent as always I really like the camera harness and the duffle prototype. I am making a prototype with a zip so I share your pain

I thought you might like to see how the case turned out I just need to finish the edges.

Thanks for the prompt response. I realised my mistake when the cover did not fit the closed case so I made the spine piece overlap as you can see in the picture. Your reply was very helpful

My most recent project involves a case made in two parts an inside and an outer cover. Both parts are ready to be attached together my problem is I cut the first cover with the case open and when I closed the case the outer was too short. so I have made another outer cover. My question is if I glue and sew the inner piece what happens to the extra material when the case is opened I hope this makes sense

Outstanding work as usual

Very nice indeed

I am also still learning about carving I have read the casing thread a few times and I think I understand it. working out where to bevel and background has me totally lost. I am not artistic at all I guess that is why I like carving as I can trace the design "No talent required" :lol:

Thanks Monica I was referring to your leather carving of the foxes although the other carvings are also very good. The Gladstone bag was 1.8mm to 2mm veg tan shoulder the inside is pig suede mounted on 2mm grey board. I will finish it and let you know when the pictures are on the blog. I have put the full story of the red case on my blog. Michael

Thanks Monica I have a box full of things that I did not get right my stitching is an issue but in my defence I do have some pretty serious issues with my right hand which requires more surgery very soon. The Gladstone bag is for myself and unfortunately it keeps getting put on one side while I do other projects which I am being paid to do so that is ok. I have fitted the handle assembly but it needs adjusting as it does not sit well. Being totally honest I don't have a use for it but I really like it. It is like my collection of writing slopes I don't use them but I like having them I have added a picture of my latest project for a fellow fountain pen addict it is a cover for a Hobonichi planner she asked if I could carve a bird on the front, she owns the big red cylinder case I made a couple of years ago I had better check to see if that is on my blog. I have attached a picture so everyone can see it. I enjoy carving I would love to know how you vary the depth of you detail especially on the foxes which are neat btw. Michael

Hi Monica If I ever get to your level of mistakes I will be very happy. Don't give yourself a hard time you made a mistake and you can see where you went wrong pretty good in my book. Michael

Outstanding

Thanks for the kind words. I am unable to sew for long periods and think my problems with stitching are where I have stopped and started more practice may well help with this. Tugadude I made the pad too large and decided to cut it down after I had sewn it together I have some leather left over so I will be making another. Michael

This has been a long road which I have thoroughly enjoyed the English bridle leather is a dream to work with. The corners of the gusset were the hardest thing to get my head around. Thanks for looking and especially to those who took the time to comment

My search for suitable rivets has been successful the attached pictures show the hasp now riveted in place and the fastening straps glued in place. Edges next.

Very nice edges thanks for sharing