abn Report post Posted September 11, 2008 Here's a belt pack I recently completed. Its external dimensions are 14cm x 11cm x 3cm with just enough space for any sort of day trip essentials, like a map, pocket knife, compass, etc. It features weather flaps, an interior pocket, and a reinforced bottom for carrying heavier items. Construction is 4-5 oz. tooling leather colored using Eco-Flo leather dyes. (The dye is a 50-50 mix of Java Brown and Dark Mahogany.) The finish is Satin Shene, and the seams are hand-stitched. The stamping pattern is "borrowed" from a beautiful belt that Singteck posted a while back. Anyway, enough intro... Here are the pics! Questions and comments are certainly welcomed. Regards, -Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tashabear Report post Posted September 11, 2008 It's beautiful, but I'm left wondering why you didn't do the front edge of the flap? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crystal Report post Posted September 11, 2008 I really like the rich brown you got when you mixed the Java Brown and Dark Mahogany. Gonna have to give that a try. Crystal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted September 11, 2008 It's beautiful, but I'm left wondering why you didn't do the front edge of the flap? Ah, good question. Probably because I'm lazy. I leave horizontal stamping off of the front flap so I can size it and fit the snaps at the very end. I like a nice, tight fit over the weather flaps, and don't want to worry about working around (or trimming off) decoration. Helps me keep my sanity at the very end of the project... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArtS Report post Posted September 11, 2008 That really looks good Alex. I could tell that was hand stitching right away because it was so cleanly done. Cool design and great color too. ArtS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carr52 Report post Posted September 11, 2008 I really like your design. I just made one similar to that but it didnt come out no where as nice as yours. I didn't get my main body peice of leather square and it threw the whole thing off. I kept thing it was my stitching so I took it apart 2 times before I found out what I goofed up on. OOPS. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JustWakinUp Report post Posted September 12, 2008 I'm definitely a big fan of your stuff Alex. The color on that is insane, beautiful job. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted September 12, 2008 Nice work Alex. I'm wondering if a second belt loop might make it carry better...on the next one of course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted September 12, 2008 Thanks for all the kind words. They're appreciated! Nice work Alex. I'm wondering if a second belt loop might make it carry better...on the next one of course. We think alike. I considered a second belt loop, but I mocked up this design and found it carried nicely with a single loop. It stays close to the body, but has enough flexibility to shift when you sit in a vehicle, etc. I decided to stop while I was ahead... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
singteck Report post Posted September 17, 2008 Very nice. I like it. singteck :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted September 17, 2008 Thanks, S.T. -- I've really enjoyed seeing your work, too. A case that you posted a few months ago provided the inspiration for this project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted October 24, 2008 Thanks, S.T. -- I've really enjoyed seeing your work, too. A case that you posted a few months ago provided the inspiration for this project. ABN...very nice work...you've helped make up my mind on a project I'm working on now...I call it my Plinking Rig...holster, belt, Knife sheath, and pouch like yours to carry .22 rounds in....That style wil be perfect for what I have in mind....thanks for the inspiration! Question...I will be using a block of wood to form the leather around it, how do you keep the side panels in place while you stitch?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted October 25, 2008 how do you keep the side panels in place while you stitch?? Well, the side panel consists of two pieces of leather: a rectangular piece of 4-5 oz. leather (i.e., what you see in the photo) glued to a slightly larger piece of 2-3 oz. leather (about a quarter-inch larger on all sides). The heavier leather holds the shape of the pouch and doesn't allow it to collapse. The lighter leather is turned up and glued to the pouch body. Then the whole thing is stitched together. Clear as mud, right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomSwede Report post Posted October 25, 2008 A very nice little bag you got there! Love the colour. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craftsman827 Report post Posted October 30, 2008 Great job Alex, Your work , as always looks VERY pro. Just one question ? What are the 3 spots for on the middle photo ? Are they just for astectes [looks] Anyway, the bag looks great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tashabear Report post Posted October 30, 2008 Are they just for astectes [looks] (psst... it's aesthetics...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted October 30, 2008 Tom and Craftsman, thanks for the nice words. What are the 3 spots for on the middle photo?Are they just for astectes [looks] Yes and no. The single rivet under the belt loop anchors the bottom of an interior pocket. (It's also glued, but I wanted a little extra strength.) The other two domed rivets hold an extra piece of leather to the bottom of the case (on the inside), thus reinforcing it for heavier contents. Probably none of the rivets were necessary, but I do like the way they look, too. So maybe some aesthetic value did influence my thinking... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted October 30, 2008 Vrey nice Alex...clean smooth lines. I'd like to see it the interior lined...maybe 2-3 oz calf?....it would be a nice finishing touch and easy to do. Looks great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted October 31, 2008 A +...........ONE BELT LOOP WOULD WORK, JUST MAKE IT MUCH WIDER. VERY NICE COLOR. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bree Report post Posted October 31, 2008 I like it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites