lightningad Report post Posted March 19, 2013 (edited) First time i have tried making a bag...very happy with the result! some dodgy stitching, but its 100% handstitched, with no glue used. The design evolved as i went along, and because its my own design, i was learning all the time. Hence the odd strap holding the buckle. A solution to a problem i had not considered when starting out. On the whole, i am happy for a first attempt, obviously lots of places for improvement...and i need to figure out edge finishing on chrome tan, as i have never used this kind of leather before. Love to hear your comments adam Edited March 19, 2013 by lightningad Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
humperdingle Report post Posted March 19, 2013 I've just completed my 2nd 'large', bag. Yours looks much more complex and neat, though Fortunately (for me), I like the simple, rustic, antique look, so my simplistic style suits! I like the satchel - Fairly traditional satchel looks. I'm not keen on the colour, but that's subjective and personal. One thing I am gradually learning, is that planning is everything... So much easier to make something if you've done a 'dry run', made templates, pre-measured, etc. Good make Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wijjit Report post Posted March 19, 2013 The prototype is always a learning experiance. The next one will go a lot faster and come out better. Execellent job on the first one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningad Report post Posted March 19, 2013 (edited) thanks. My wife spotted the leather whilst rummaging through an offcuts pile at a suppliers exclaiming "...that would be good for a satchel" so a project was born! I made card templates for the main parts and stapled it up to check sizes...the main issues i had were that i chose to reposition the pockets once they had been constructed, so all other ideas about buckles needed to be adapted. And having never stitched around a gusset like this before, i was careful to leave enough overlap incase i had miscalculated the length needed, and because i had attached the pockets and strap hangers to the gusset first, this meant i needed to measure an equal overlap on each end, then stitch the gusset outward from the centre point of the bottom edge! Fortunately it worked! totally agree wiijjit - its the experimenting that makes it fun! Edited March 19, 2013 by lightningad Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
humperdingle Report post Posted March 19, 2013 totally agree wiijjit - its the experimenting that makes it fun! And makes many hours disappear as if by magic :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningad Report post Posted March 28, 2013 Big smug grin time! Just been asked to make two identical satchels for a pair of twins! How cool... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoubleC Report post Posted March 28, 2013 I love it and the color.....Cheryl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningad Report post Posted March 28, 2013 Thanks Cheryl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReneeCanady Report post Posted March 28, 2013 I think you did a great job! Normally I wouldn't have liked that color because I am a neutral kind of girl, but for some reason since you chose the white thread it makes it really cute, almost trendy yet primitive. It looks very functional also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningad Report post Posted March 28, 2013 Thanks Renee, Much as i like really bright things, i probably would not have picked red myself. It was my wife who pulled it out of the pile saying it would be ideal...And i think shes right! I think i might see if i can find some of that braided thread for the next ones, as the linen thread did seem to fray a bit after it had been through so many holes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chancey77 Report post Posted March 28, 2013 Hmmmm first times a charm! All that hand stitching! JEEEEEZZZZZEEEEE not me pal! that is all you! lol Awesome and incredible job for no glue or machines! I AM IMPRESSED! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningad Report post Posted March 28, 2013 Thanks Chancey - appreciate that! weirdly, i actually got to quite enjoy the stitching! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bissetdesign Report post Posted March 28, 2013 Big smug grin time! Just been asked to make two identical satchels for a pair of twins! How cool... Good work fella! You'll be the next next kitchen satchel company like the girl on the google chrome ad...lol! Nice going Adam You should try the tiger thread, I think there has been a few threads about it on here, I bought some recently from Ian Atkinson at Leodis in shorter lengths, a little bit more expensive but then I don't have the huge reels from Abbey sitting around. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningad Report post Posted March 28, 2013 you read my mind Paul - i was intending to do just as you suggest and get some shorter reels from Ian. How have you found it to work with? I think the google ad failed a little - my friend mentioned it when she placed the order for the satchels - said mine reminded her of the imitation leather satchels she'd seen on googles ad !! I think it was the gaudy colours made her think they were plastic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bissetdesign Report post Posted March 29, 2013 you read my mind Paul - i was intending to do just as you suggest and get some shorter reels from Ian. How have you found it to work with? Good, I've used it in the past on the huge reels but space is becoming a problem in my workshop so got some shorter lengths in instead, mine came in snapbags off ian, no reels, just measured off & kinda hand folded but ok to work with, I don't need huge lengths of the stuff so just cut off what I need & back in the bag to keep it clean....doh! Forgot about that satchel where I'm going to need big lengths lol! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
