First Satchel

[pnozzer]

Finished my first proper project as a Christmas present for my girlfriend. Lined with pigskin, found all the stitching quite tiring! It's 10 inches wide so just fits an A5 pad, has a 3-piece gusset, and uses Sam Browne studs to close since buckles seem like a hassle (will see how well these work though...). Had some interest in making more but would have to charge ridiculous money for it to be economical Still all good fun.

P

[Blak Smyth]

Looks really nice, did she love it?

I know what you mean, I made a small satchel and it took forever for all the hand stitching. Everytime somebody asks how much one would cost I cringe.

Edited January 2, 2014 by Blak Smyth

[Zor]

Looks great !

[AndyL1]

Looks great! How did you do the gusset in three parts? I mean it's made of three short strips instead of one long one then? Is it easier that way?

I feel you on the stitching. I used to hand stitch all my bags until I got a machine. They still take forever to make even with that though (lots of parts!)... I still don't feel I charge enough. Ha!

[needles]

very nice..... i bet she loved it...

[pnozzer]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, and yes she did love it thank god!

About the 3-part gusset, I took some process shots because I couldn't find anything online about this, but I stole the idea from some briefcases in shops which have a similar set up. I don't know if it's easier but I did it to keep the front as flat as possible, without warping due to the stress on one long piece gusset bent around the corners. I hope you can make out the idea from the pics here.

P

[LederRudi]

Nice and clean work! Clever construction! Thanks for sharing!

[kwelna]

" Had some interest in making more but would have to charge ridiculous money for it to be economical Still all good fun" .

If some one asks, quote the price as rediculous as you might think it is, Do not hesitate, just throw it out there as if you have quoted it before. Some will say, "Oh I don't think I can afford that." and thats OK. Some will say why so much or I can get one just like that on the internet for a lot less? And your response should be ; "Because that is what the last one sold for". or "Awesome you should buy that one instead." (Respectivly) Maybe give them a couple of high end leather briefcase makers names that sell a simular product and have them look up what they go for. Do not spend time with these people as they will never buy and only gripe and try to get you to drop you price. Walk away! If you make the mistake of selling these people anything they will constntly come back with complaints. Walk away! Finially, you will run into people that will say. "Huh, not bad do you have any more?" or "Do you have other models?" etc. Here is a possible sale. Spend time with these people. LIfe is too short to sell your wares at a loss or to break even. Set a price and stick to it. Make sure you pay yourself for your time not just the materials.

[KCF2013]

" Had some interest in making more but would have to charge ridiculous money for it to be economical Still all good fun" .

If some one asks, quote the price as rediculous as you might think it is, Do not hesitate, just throw it out there as if you have quoted it before. Some will say, "Oh I don't think I can afford that." and thats OK. Some will say why so much or I can get one just like that on the internet for a lot less? And your response should be ; "Because that is what the last one sold for". or "Awesome you should buy that one instead." (Respectivly) Maybe give them a couple of high end leather briefcase makers names that sell a simular product and have them look up what they go for. Do not spend time with these people as they will never buy and only gripe and try to get you to drop you price. Walk away! If you make the mistake of selling these people anything they will constntly come back with complaints. Walk away! Finially, you will run into people that will say. "Huh, not bad do you have any more?" or "Do you have other models?" etc. Here is a possible sale. Spend time with these people. LIfe is too short to sell your wares at a loss or to break even. Set a price and stick to it. Make sure you pay yourself for your time not just the materials.

Well said...Kwelna

I take the cost of materials everything..leather,snaps,thread broke it all wown cost per sq ft, cost per foot of thread/ lacing... excel spredsheet to keep it all sorted out, and I take the actual cost of materials and times by 3,(found this was a pretty good standard among craftspeople in this area)... this covers anything I have missed and pays for my time...it takes time to make templates, time to create the project, times to market it on website, social media, etc.. It took me a long time to get the "the price is the price"...and no yard sale haggling.

I still get a hesitation at times, but once i put the price out there, then thats it...if they say nothing ..their loss I figure.

And that is a great looking Satchel Pnozzer, keep up the good work

[kwelna]

Thansk Kings country, I do not sell very much and I tend to give a lot away to my friends as gifts. But when I do sell, I ask a premium price. Why not? The worst they can say is no. And I get to keep what ever i make. I do not do this for a living, I do it for mental health and relaxation and to have a hobby once I retire if I ever get to.....So I can not see undercutting those that are trying to make it as a business it only lowers the value of my work and hurts thiers....