My First Few Bags

[walkingH]

If you can find some old Tandy adds, they had a small bag made just like your first one. I will have to find it and tell you what it was called. I seen it in some old Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal.

[MonicaJacobson]

Huh, interesting! I'm not surprised, as the whole purpose of the pattern is to minimize sewing. And it's kind of a 70's hippy purse throw-back thing. The time minimizing works great if you use a sensible chrome tanned, but I didn't really find that it saved me any time, what with burnishing edges and tooling and oiling. And I didn't even spend the time I should have, as it turns out.

[Jenny5]

The bags look great Monica, I see I have a lot to learn

[J Hayes]

Funny you should say that, that's exactly what it's like. My friend's husband thought the Colson Keane bag was awesome, but much like me, couldn't afford to actually buy one. She asked me to make one like it, and I added some tooling and used a different leather to avoid completely copying his design. It's a really sweet bag.

I also like their wider messenger bag in the same style.

Yours appears much better made than the colsen one. I like their bags and have emulated them myself making a few of my own improvements as well. The woven strap down the side just looks good, and I really like your two tone and tooling. Well done. I made a pattern for mine from 1/8" masonite and that works great, lay it on my leather and cut, easy peasy. I add a sewn in large rear pocket almost as big as the back and one smaller one sewn to it for a phone. I can share a picture if you'd like, I don't want to hijack your thread though, your call.

Jeremy

Edited October 30, 2013 by J Hayes

[MonicaJacobson]

Jeremy, I'd love to see a picture! The masonite is a great idea.

[Feraud]

Very nicely done work.

[J Hayes]

Hopefully this looks ok. I have a paper template to mark the slots for the weave, I use 1 1/2" straps on mine.

Jeremy

[MonicaJacobson]

Thanks Jenny, and Feraud!

Jeremy, thanks for posting an actually usable template! Yes, I really should take the time to add pockets.. I always hesitate to start putting holes or grooving lines into leather so far away from the edge. It seems like an accident waiting to happen, even with a ruler.

[J Hayes]

If you can find some old Tandy adds, they had a small bag made just like your first one. I will have to find it and tell you what it was called. I seen it in some old Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal.

Just wondering if you ever ran across thr ad yet.

[Buttons]

Incredibly beautiful work.