Map Pouch?

[GampasShop]

Ok, a little background, up until now ALL the projects I have done have been kits from Tandy. Hard to believe in the 30 years off & on of doing leather work I have never done anything but a kit.

One of my other "Hobbies" is ATVing in the mountains of Colorado. Have a cabin there and we try to go at least 2 times a year. I have a pretty good collection of topo maps for the area. These maps are all on the waterproof/tearproof paper. I have kept the maps in a small bag from a bookstore and then just put them in one of my storage areas on the ATV when its time to take a ride.

Last fall I bought a shoulder 4/5 weight (dang CRS, cant remember for sure on the weight). What I want to make is a pouch to keep my maps in. Actual size of the maps is 4 1/4" X 8" X 2 1/2" (can be compressed down to around 1 1/2"). I have the Cases by Al volumes One & Two and there is really nothing that caught my eye in either one of them. I dont really need anything heavy duty or tight fitting.

Have been thinking on this for a while (almost a year since last vacation) now. If I cut 2 side (gusset) pieces 4" X 9 1/2" this will give me a 1/2 stitching area on side & bottom. Then the other piece will be cut to 5 1/2" X 26". Front will be 5 1/2" X 9", bottom 5 1/2" X 3", back 5 1/2" X 9", top 5 1/2" X 3" and a flap 5 1/2" X 2".

If I use a gouge on the fold lines and then sew the sides in place, I should have a usable pouch. What I am wondering about is the top opening. Will I need to double over the tops of the side pieces to give me a little more solid to the top? Will the top area try and curl up on me?

For you old pro's, give an old rookie some advice. Will be listening and watching.

[rdb]

IMHO 4/5 oz should be plenty heavy for maps. Double over that edge if you want to add an embellishment (like on a holster) but just sliding maps in and out, I wouldn't think it necessary.

You did get me thinking though, of a simple map folder...maybe something that folded sort of like an envelope, and tied where all the pieces met. I'll give that a try this week. Good luck with yours, hope we get to see the pix soon.

[GampasShop]

I keep thinking and changing my mind on certain things. I need to just jump in and get er done. Will probably get started on it this weekend.