Dark Chocolate Carry-On

[Paulsleather]

Hi folks,

Here is a hand stitched 19 x 11 x 10 carry-on bag made from 5.5 oz dark chocolate full grain pull-up leather. My first time using Riri zippers and they were worth the extra scratch. The side patch pocket also has a hidden compartment behind it which is accessed by a slit. The bottom has an 8 oz piece of veg tan attached inside as a stiffener which I wrapped in a 2 oz pig suede. I also used the suede for the inner compartment. The brass hardware and feet were done in a matte nickel finish and the shoulder strap is a double layer of the same leather.

The most challenging (and tedious ) parts of the project were the zippers. Now that I think of it, the lap seams for the side panels were a pain... You know, one hand inside the bag the other outside... having to insert the inner needle without the benefit of actually seeing what your doing. My fingers looked like those of a type II diabetic when I was done. By now I thought my finger tips would have enough callouses to provide protection, hah! I'm glad it's finished. As always, comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

[Wishful]

Very nice.

[veedub3]

Nicely done! I know what you mean about the sewing with one hand inside, the other outside. I am working on a bag myself and yesterday the needle bit the crap out of my index finger on my right hand, and I gave up for the day after that? :) Couldn't imagine doing that more than once and continue sewing after that!

Again Very nice bag!

Karina

[electrathon]

This is awesome

[Paulsleather]

Thanks, wishful & electrathon!

Yes, Karina, definitely not fun getting the business end of the needle. Thanks!

[MonicaJacobson]

That is a nice bag. Must have taken a lot of patience! Who knew that dull looking needles could do so much damage?

[Paulsleather]

Thanks, Monica. Yeah, I'm generally swearing high and low when I'm done that it's the last... That is, until the next request from a paying customer. In reality, the longer projects give ya theopportunity to refine and improve skills and try new things. Btw - really enjoy viewing your work!

Thanks again,

Paul

[AftonCraft]

Nice design and details. Well done.

[capsterdog]

Very nice. I like the color of the leather. Great hand stitching job. Did you use a stitching awl or did you punch your holes first?

[Paulsleather]

Thanks afton, glad you like the design.

Hi capster, the customer picked this out from a few swatches I have from Waterhouse leather. I think he made a great choice. Stitching holes... my nemesis. Generally, I include them on the pattern itself. I find my work looks better. The straps are the exception in that I will lay down the grove and run a wheel or mark it with a ruler and then punch.

In this project, I marked and then pre-punched "awl" 3,600 holes. In some sections I was sewing through 4 layers so I knew better than to try and punch and sew as I went. I've included a few extra photos of some of the punched panels and a few stitching shots.

Thanks for your comments!

[MonicaJacobson]

Thanks for adding extra pictures. I hope you show these to the client - it makes it a lot more obvious how difficult it was. And shows the texture of the leather nicely.

[Paulsleather]

Thanks, Monica - good idea!