Spindrift57 Report post Posted March 5, 2014 Hi This has been a while in the making as it was my 1st project started about 18 months ago. Yes, I very soon realised I had bitten off too much! Made from veg tanned leather which has been oiled and saddle soaped. Full pigskin lining (I definitely need more practice with lining) with bound top edges. Front pocket was cased and the etachable divider holds the phone case and my Mont Blanc pen case. All hand stitched with waxed linen thread for the detail, constructed with 1.00mm waxed Tiger thread. Shoulder strap is cotton webbing with a extra long strap length stitched to it with D rings for bottles/keys etc (does anyone know where I can get the really good stuff from in short lengths now that Abbey only sell rolls?). Grab handle is two full wells handles and a pair of fighting butts (the fly fishers will know what I'm talking about!) with a turks head as centre decoration. My thanks to all those who have provided ideas and inspiration. As always things I'd do better/differently next time but overall I'm happy with the outcome. Should see me out anyway! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonicaJacobson Report post Posted March 5, 2014 Wow, that's a ridiculous first project. Really nice! You should get some good years out of that one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackd942 Report post Posted March 5, 2014 Wow, that's a ridiculous first project. Really nice! You should get some good years out of that one. lol...I think if I had started with a project like this I would've ran away! Looks great... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorange Report post Posted March 5, 2014 you are kidding right? first project,,, beautiful ! I need to make a bag like this and you have given me a few Ideas! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spindrift57 Report post Posted March 5, 2014 Thank you for the kind words, they are much appreciated particularly coming from people who do such great work themselves. I used the case for the first time today and it's as good as I'd hoped. Lots of admiring comments from colleagues was a bonus. If i do another one I'll make the straps narrower an move them out to the edge of the front pocket. I think I will make a new strap at some point if I can work out how to make it curved. Next project - I-pad mini messenger bag with smart phone pocket and funky coloured pigskin suede lining. It might have a coloured titanium clasp if I can afford the 9v batteries! Monica- does your Etsy shop work well for you? Big orange- check out Skytop Trading in Estes Park - truly awesome case system I need a makers stamp any recommendations? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonicaJacobson Report post Posted March 6, 2014 Etsy works okay for me because I'm a hobbiest and can only work on things for an hour or two a day. But in general, I've heard that if people can actually hold your work, they'll pay considerably more for it. Art Fairs, etc. I have three kids and no time for that sort of thing, so I do etsy. It's a bit slow. It probably takes me 6 - 9 months to sell things. However, I never pay for advertising. I suppose if you do, and actually market your stuff, you'd probably have no problem. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Exuviae Report post Posted March 6, 2014 Looking good . What clasp is that on the front ? i think ive seen similar ones around but never figured out the name Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spindrift57 Report post Posted March 6, 2014 Monica Thanks for the info. Think I'll give Etsy a go. Exuviae It's a harness collar fastener. I got mine from Weaver Leather in the US who now have a good on line shop. Colonel Littleton, Orivis, Skytop Trading and many others use them for belts and bags. I like them but they' only come in one size and are a bit heavy for smaller bags. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Exuviae Report post Posted March 7, 2014 Hi, managed to find it. Thanks a lot, been fascinated with these latch style fasteners ever since i saw them on JP Marcellino's website. He claims to to be an original design invented by him but i started seeing it on Skytop trading's and other bags all over the internet and that got me obsessed. Finally i can rest ( after i order a box of them ) . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spindrift57 Report post Posted March 7, 2014 To be fair to Marcellino the ones they use look more refined than the ones available from Weaver and are probably made or altered for them. When you get right down to it there isn't much that is new or unique just creative ways of doing things. Looking forward to seeing how you use the fasteners. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyL1 Report post Posted March 7, 2014 This is very nice! I love the use of the fly rod handles as the handle for the bag. Very cool! Not sure why they are rotated in the post... I opened them in Photoshop and they are correct there. Anyway, I took the liberty of uploading them again if you don't mind. Cheers, Andy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesR Report post Posted November 28, 2014 I really want to get some of those collar fasteners but Weaver is sold out. Does anyone know of another supplier? Thanks Jim PS That is a very fine 1st attempt! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snubbyfan Report post Posted November 28, 2014 First Project? Fantastic job! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
