FOR BECKY

[richardk315]

I made this for my daughter who is graduating from college in a few months. It took me almost two years to complete. I took the original design from "The Art of Making Cases" book but didn't get very far. I got the handle on the second try, after three screw-ups on the gusset I was almost ready to give up. I spent about six months looking at pictures of cases on the internet and then came up with me own version. The bird was her pet, the oakleaf on the flap was my entry in the first contest. I needed extra thickness for the latch that I used, so that is why the flap is sewn on. I had a basic idea of what I wanted, but it kind of evolved as I went along. I figured because I had a book, I could make anything, boy was I wrong. I probably won't attempt something like this again unless I invest in a sewing machine, hand sewing is a lot of work.

[ClayB]

Richard,

It may have taken a long time, but all your hard work and commitment to this project payed off. It looks really nice and I bet your daughter will treasure it forever. The coloring on the bird is really nice!

Clay

[esantoro]

I made this for my daughter who is graduating from college in a few months. It took me almost two years to complete. I took the original design from "The Art of Making Cases" book but didn't get very far. I got the handle on the second try, after three screw-ups on the gusset I was almost ready to give up. I spent about six months looking at pictures of cases on the internet and then came up with me own version. The bird was her pet, the oakleaf on the flap was my entry in the first contest. I needed extra thickness for the latch that I used, so that is why the flap is sewn on. I had a basic idea of what I wanted, but it kind of evolved as I went along. I figured because I had a book, I could make anything, boy was I wrong. I probably won't attempt something like this again unless I invest in a sewing machine, hand sewing is a lot of work.

nice work! I like the curvature of the flap.

ed

[SCOUTER]

Richard! Nice Bag! The stitching on the handle came out GREAT! I also like the Oak tree branch you added! Sweet! Lucky Becky

[howardb]

I particularly like the use of the chewy stick. Bound to come in handy as a self defense tool...

Seriously, it's fantastic. The stitching is very nicely done! Carving and dye work - just beautiful.

Brent

[TracyMoss]

I have made about a dozen briefcases or satchels, along those lines. I have made stiff gussets and collapsable ones as well. The gusset never gets any easier after about the third one. They will always be a pain in the but. Although, I did do one with a single compartment and it wasn't bad at all. Good work, I know how frustrating those things can be.

[Hilly]

I have made about a dozen briefcases or satchels, along those lines. I have made stiff gussets and collapsable ones as well. The gusset never gets any easier after about the third one. They will always be a pain in the but. Although, I did do one with a single compartment and it wasn't bad at all. Good work, I know how frustrating those things can be.

I was going to try making my nephew either a currior bag or brief case when he graduated college. I got the document case video by Rene Berends, and he makes it look easy. I was going to modify his plan by making the case a bit larger, adding a handle at the top, and either putting in hardware so you could attach a shoulder strap, or stitch a strap right on. Maybe I should think again about trying it....

[Hilly]

That's beautiful! Your daughter is gonna love it!