Briefcase

[strudell]

Well that's nice to hear, cheers, though I am curious as to who's work you may be referring?

S

[DavidL]

beautiful bag strudell. Did you take a leather apprenticeship? Im still starting out but id be happy if my work turns out this good, especially the circle stitching in the middle.

[Jason C]

Strudell,

Very, very nice work. I really appreciate seeing your layout and construction process. I've been thinking of embarking on a similar project. What weight leather did you use for this project? Where did you purchase the leather?

Thanks, Jason

[Exuviae]

Really great design . I'm particularly intrigued by the side / bottom pieces, could you share how you made them ? i've been trying to make a briefcase too but could never get the sides on right or make them join the bottom cleanly for that matter

[strudell]

Hi DavidL, thanks, I did not take an apprenticeship. The circle stitching is very easy, scribe, prick and stitch, no different than a straight line.

Thanks Jason C. This is 3mm bridle - many will use the 4mm. Lighter on the gusset, those weights will not be bending. Stateside, Ken Chapman at 'Booth and Co' sells a similar bridle from England. I've made some straps from it, and for Americans I'm sure it's substantially cheaper and easier than ordering from across the pond. http://www.boothandco.com/

Hi Exuviae - the 'gussets' are fairly simple in theory. A three piece gusset (which is shown in several books, maybe even somewhere in Stohlman?) is constructed as usual, then wetted and folded with a bone (prepping for the 'concertina gusset'). Stitch in the partition, then the front and back. A bit of shaping and hammering and the bottom corners will fall into place nicely, (assuming everything has gone to plan).

[cholack]

This is a beautiful bag and very well constructed! Keep up the good work!

I was wondering if you could lend some advice on the finishing for the Bridle leather, specifically if you could recommend any finishing product for it?

Also, I plan on hand glassing / slicking the grain side to bring out the shine and "flatten" the grains....would you or anyone else be able to comment on what liquid to slick the Bridle leather with ( ie. water, saddle soap, or other)?

Thanks.