Handstitched Report post Posted February 7, 2013 G'Day, I do sometimes have old handbags given to me , or I've found them in second hand or charity shops. They are usually in pretty poor condition when I get them , but by the time I have finished with them, they're pretty good. In the first pic, you can see how bad it is. It's even got some mould on it. The original buckle was put on upside down The second, I pulled it apart ready for a good clean with some solvent to remove any sealers , dirt etc. The third, after cleaning, I gave it a coat of oil, followed by 2-3 coats of black dye,( enough to hide the brown underneath) some sealer, and leather dressing and a polish up. The fourth, after using white machine stitching, I used some 4.7mm white lace for assembly, and instead of using a replacement buckle , I have used a chrome magnetic clasp, and used rivets to cover up the holes. Some additional leather trim , 'D' rings and chrome chain ....and some creativity , was used to complete the picture. All ready for its new owner I quite enjoy doing those, and the end result All the best HS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishful Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Impressive! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
veedub3 Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Very nice job and bringing the bag back to life! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LNLeather Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Verrrry Nicely Done! The old owner would Not recognize the New Bag! Just curious - Do you make a pattern from the old pieces? Just thought that'd be a great way to collect patterns... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whiteeugene Report post Posted February 7, 2013 That’s beautiful what a great way to recycle old bags what kind of a lining do you use, I live in Eugene Oregon the hippy capital of the world I’m sure I can find many back like that in the second hand stores. How do you handle the carving or embossing that is on the old bag? Doug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReneeCanady Report post Posted February 7, 2013 Very nice! That is great work! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aurelie Report post Posted February 7, 2013 G'Day, I do sometimes have old handbags given to me , or I've found them in second hand or charity shops. They are usually in pretty poor condition when I get them , but by the time I have finished with them, they're pretty good. In the first pic, you can see how bad it is. It's even got some mould on it. The original buckle was put on upside down The second, I pulled it apart ready for a good clean with some solvent to remove any sealers , dirt etc. The third, after cleaning, I gave it a coat of oil, followed by 2-3 coats of black dye,( enough to hide the brown underneath) some sealer, and leather dressing and a polish up. The fourth, after using white machine stitching, I used some 4.7mm white lace for assembly, and instead of using a replacement buckle , I have used a chrome magnetic clasp, and used rivets to cover up the holes. Some additional leather trim , 'D' rings and chrome chain ....and some creativity , was used to complete the picture. All ready for its new owner I quite enjoy doing those, and the end result All the best HS Really nice job Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handstitched Report post Posted February 11, 2013 G'Day again, Thank you for your comments. Just to answer a few questions, no I didn't put any lining on the inside, I have dyed it , but it is now quite neat clean and tidy. But I have lined them in the past. I use a material called 'chamois' ( no doubt a different name where you are) , a bit like a velvet, only much cheaper ( here in Oz at least) Before I use any adhesives on the material, I put a good covering of matt sealer on the inside , the same sealer artists use after doing pencil drawings. The sealer prevents any of the adhesive 'seaping' through to the 'good' side when applied. I use a contact type adhesive. The one I use is a gel type, so I don't get the 'stringy' bits that you sometimes get from glues. I do normally take a copy from the pieces for a pattern , but on this occasion I didn't because am pretty sure I have the same or a similar pattern in amongst my 100's of patterns & many books etc in my filing cabinet. I have many old pattern books dating back to the 60's & 70's , many of which are Al Stohlman. There is very slight " sihouette" style carved pattern right down the bottom of the front of the bag, ( out of view). Perhaps with a bit more thought......and of course , time, I could have used some white leather paint to complete the B&W theme, it would have been a 'reverse silhouette' carve I guess (?) . but I left it as it was . Anyway, thanks once again, All the best from a VERY hot Western Australia HS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jax Report post Posted February 11, 2013 wow what a difference, I really like that, well done & thanks for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WScott Report post Posted February 11, 2013 That looks really great, you did a fine job restoring it probably to better than original form. Thanks for the tip on sealing the inside to avoid adhesive seeping....I will use that technique for sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jazznow Report post Posted February 11, 2013 Very Nice Job! Jonathan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redguitar Report post Posted February 21, 2013 Holy crap. I think by new owner you mean me. You're a miracle worker. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
