First Purse

[Fraulein]

After almost three years of leather working my biggest project to date, purse for my Grandma. Made to her design specifications with a front pocket for phone, back pockets for keys and a small notebook, detachable shoulder strap, and zipper. Added her initial to the front pocket to give it a personal detail.

I used a 4-5 oz. veg dyed light brown with dark brown antique. Will probably stick to chrome tan for purses from now on as that is a LOT of dye work. Pretty happy with it but always welcome critiques and advice!

Black fabric lining with pockets sewn on the sides

~Frau~

Edited March 16, 2023 by Fraulein

[Hags]

Very nice! She will be quite happy with that. I like the liner too.

[RockyAussie]

19 minutes ago, Fraulein said:

Pretty happy with it but always welcome critiques and advice!

I think you have done pretty good on most details. Only thing I can offer is that the D attachment pieces could have been used to cover the side seam join at the top line. I am sure she will treasure it anyways.

[PastorBob]

Love that stamping pattern on the pockets.  Great job.  

[AlZilla]

28 minutes ago, PastorBob said:

Love that stamping pattern on the pockets.  Great job.  

I'd agree and I think laying out the grid was a stroke of genius. I always have trouble staying symmetrical when stamping. I'll be incorporating grid lines going forward ...

[Tugadude]

11 hours ago, RockyAussie said:

I think you have done pretty good on most details. Only thing I can offer is that the D attachment pieces could have been used to cover the side seam join at the top line. I am sure she will treasure it anyways.

Good catch.  That would definitely improve the aesthetics.  

The lining looks really good, well executed.  The stitching all around looks very nice.  The only thing I might consider changing is the attachment of the handles.  Nothing "wrong" with them, just not my favorite method.  

I echo the comment regarding the stamping pattern on the pockets, it really sets this piece apart.

Thanks for sharing this with us!

[Fraulein]

Thanks for all the compliments everyone! I'll definitely have to try that with the D ring attachments, thanks for the suggestion @RockyAussie!

Also, agree about the handle attachment @Tugadude, aesthetically not my favorite, but I do like how they stay up so it's easier to grab.

That stamping on the back pocket is one of my favorite designs. I put it on everything; belts, wallets, notebook covers, you name it.

 

~Frau~

Edited March 16, 2023 by Fraulein

[Tugadude]

What you have there Fraulein is a signature.  It is unique to your work and sets you apart from the herd.  Keep it up!  A lot of leatherwork begins to look the same after a while.  This is a great way to differentiate and I applaud you.

[Littlef]

That's beautiful.  The stamping on the pockets is a real nice accent.  I'm sure your grandmother will love it.

[Burkhardt]

I finally have seen one of the don't ever use stamps part of the 20 you get online used and what a great look. Is that where you got yours from one of the 20 kits?