Kymberly

Beautiful work!

Wow!!! Beautiful work... :-)

I started making some clutch bags a couple of months ago. I was experimenting using raw veg tan and suede, hand stitching, dying, waxing etc. I've used pig skin sued on the inside. I also used some beautiful Italian leather I purchased from A&A Crack & Sons. Here's how they turned out: https://kymberlysteel.wordpress.com

Thanks all! It's great to have the support. I just realised that a lot of the messages/responses from here have gone into my junk folder!! So, sorry if I've not responded to a questions etc. I've been working on a lot of things since I posted last. I finally have a blog up etc. I've been doing a lot of machine sewing but am now trying to do more hand stitching. I just need to get my head around all the different sized needles and thread... so much to learn!! https://kymberlysteel.wordpress.com https://www.facebook.com/KymberlySteelBags?ref=hl

Thank you all for taking the time to help me!!! :-)

Sorry it took me so long to respond!! Yes, lining is difficult but you can stop the fraying by adding a fusible interlining. The first tote bag I made was a disaster for this reason. It turned out well but the fabric was fraying on the edges... it was really frustrating because I worked so hard on it. Live and learn! I've tried saddle stitching on a wallet but not on a bag. I may need to do it on my next project as I've been asked to design two clutch bags. I was SO lucky with that silk. I found three meters of the gold and of the red... regular price was over £60 pounds for each but I got it for £15 on sale. I'll be very sad when it runs out!! I'm still planning to use some recycled material but at the moment I'm using new leather and suede... and silk. I just finished a new Geom bag in espresso brown because someone wanted to have a more classic look without the geometric shapes. I'm about to start work on these new clutch bags and I am a bit worried. The request was for one in a light lime green suede and the other in a tan leather. The suede will be tricky because it's floppy... and for a clutch it has to be stiff. The colour is also a problem... just can't find the light lime green she wants. I've not made a proper clutch bag before so am not sure what people do... maybe line them with some sort of stiff plastic and then cover the inside...emmm not sure. Any ideas on this?? I thought I might suggest skip the suede and use a veg tan leather ... maybe I can dye it the right colour... Tarrago has the right colour... hmmm really not sure!!! Here's where I'm going with it though... https://kymberlysteel.wordpress.com How is your new bag coming along? Gees, your work is soooo professional... LOVE IT so much... :-)

Hi all, I have two questions. First... someone asked me to make them a suede clutch bag. They are looking for a specific colour (light lime green). I can't find suede that is the right colour. I've attached some photos of the colour they've requested. I thought about suggesting we go with a raw veg tan leather and I try dying that lime but the only dye I can find the right colour is Tarrago. Is this a good choice... or even a good idea to try?? Second... If I go for suede the bag will be floppy and a clutch needs to be stiff. Does anyone know how to get around this? Thanks in advance for your help. Kymberly :-)

Thanks, that makes sense re the dye. It was probably mentioned on the back of the box or on the instructions... ha! I really have to pay more attention. Well it looks like it's really coming along. I can't believe you do most of it by hand. I have tried saddle stitching when making wallets but haven't tried making a bag that way yet. I've only just started learning how to sew by watching videos online. The reason is because I've been lining the bags and creating pockets etc. However, I think sewing by hand must give you much more control and I'd like to learn how to do that well. I'm just so impressed with your work... it's just so professional and beautiful. :-)

Oh I didn't know it was bad for you. I better use gloves next time! The new bag you're working on is amazing! I really love it. How are you putting the piping on? Are you using a sewing machine? I can't wait to see the final result. Are those little black and yellow things clamps to ensure pieces are glued well? Does the leather get damaged a bit if you have to replace a zipper?

haha ops... I meant Fireworks not Firefox! Thanks for all the information and links! :-)

Thanks Monica! I was a bit worried when dying the veg tan because I didn't use one smooth motion with a sponge. I only had the applicator that came with the dye and was basically brushing it on which made it a bit darker in some sections more than others. However, in the end it seemed to work out ok. The other thing was that I hole punched before applying the dye which meant the area around where I punched turned a bit darker than the rest. All in all, I was very happy with the result. I did make a bit of a mess though and turned my hands red... ha! Are you working on a new project? Hi Thor, How did you know!? I'm guessing the photos must have that information embedded in them? Thanks for the advice. I do have Firefox as part of the CS5 creative suite package but have never used it. I'll give it a shot. :-))

Thanks Tom! I'll do that next time. :-)

I've finally brought the new red Geom bag to life. For the handle, I ended up using Angelus red dye and finishing it with Natural Carnauba wax creme (Fiebing's). I was really happy with the finish. For some reason I can't seem to upload the other photos so if you're interested here's a link to more... https://kymberlysteel.wordpress.com/2015/03/09/geom-red/ …

Thanks so much! I wish everything wasn't so expensive. I need to make money but seem to just keep spending it on supplies!! :-)) Really nice work Bill! I'm just planning on staining the straps of bags and making some belts. This information (and the information Monica has posted) is so helpful... I really appreciate it. I'm going to check out the links now. :-))

Oh sorry Monica... I didn't get an alert re your response so have only just seen it now! Yes, wish I lived closer too. I don't have anyone nearby who likes working with leather and I've so much to learn. Watercolour painting is very relaxing. I started doing that a couple of years ago but have only been leather working for five months now... so am not that confident yet! If we lived closer I'm sure we'd learn a lot from each other... :-)) I was wondering if you might be able to help me with a question. I've just ordered a chestnut vegetable tanned leather http://www.aacrack.co.uk/catalogue.asp?product_id=185 The reason is because I want to dye it to make belts and handbag handles. I have never dyed leather... only the edges using Edge Kote. Is there a special kind of dye I should use for this type of leather and coating etc? Kim :-)

Monica your work is amazing!!! Did you take saddle making or did you just learn by yourself? Do you give any online courses? I wish you lived in London! :-))

A couple of days ago I posted some new designs where I've used goats skin (suede) and fabric. I've also used some nice Italian leather for the handle, stained it and then hole punched it across the top. The inside is lined with 100% silk. Here's how it turned out... (on to the red one now) :-)) https://kymberlysteel.wordpress.com

Thanks Monica... I love watercolour. There's something magical about the way the colours blend together when wet. I use acrylic ink also because it dries a bit brighter. :-)

I'm just working on some new designs which I've called Geom Bags. I'm using fabric and goats skin (suede) for these. They will be about 34cmX25cm and lined with silk. Really hope they turn out!! I'll post the final bags once they are ready... hopefully in a few days. I'm always waiting for something to arrive in the mail haha... glue... or bag hardware... interfacing... never ends. :-)) https://kymberlysteel.wordpress.com

Thanks! I've not bought any books but I've watched a lot of online videos! There are lots of tutorials these days and they are really helpful. I'm starting to recycle leather and fabric... I've some new bags here: https://kymberlysteel.wordpress.com Thanks! :-)

Thanks for all the positive comments!! :-)

Just finished making a new bag. It was difficult because the leather was very thick. Next time I will stick to thinner leather!! :-)) I've also added photos of some stages as I was working on the bag. I don't really have all the tools I need so I had to improvise!

Thanks Jshill! I'll look into that. :-)

Wow... love this idea! :-)

Hi all, Thanks... not sure I'll be buying much of it again. I think it's not bad for ladies bags (using it for some sections) but I made a wallet and it just looked like cheap plastic. :-( Kym I'm in the Richmond, Surrey area... and you?