Oil Tanned Leather Messenger Bag

[DavidL]

Really beautiful stitching. Must of taken at least 1.5 hrs to stitch.

European pricking iron or japanese pricking iron?

[MonicaJacobson]

I'm a little unclear about the difference between the two - I haven't been able to afford super high quality tools yet, but if I'm right, and the difference between the two is that Japanese are diamond shaped, verses diagonal, then I have a European style pricking iron.

Thank you! Maybe I'm a slow stitcher yet, but just the stitching took me more like 15 hours, with all the pockets, etc. Unless, of course, that was an ironic comment. I did feel a bit silly stitching 4 oz. leather together by hand, since I'm pretty sure someone with a machine could have zipped through that in less than the 1.5 hours you mentioned.

[DavidL]

I relooked at the bag and theres more stitching than my first impression, almost a ridiculous amount.

I stitched a computer case and it took 2 hours, but it was a lot less stitching. Skilled leather workers stitch purses at the same rate your doing.

I plan to use a sewing machine to get the holes and stitch by hand to knock down the time , maybe thats something you want to look at.

[Hi Im Joe]

I'm a little unclear about the difference between the two - I haven't been able to afford super high quality tools yet, but if I'm right, and the difference between the two is that Japanese are diamond shaped, verses diagonal, then I have a European style pricking iron.

Thank you! Maybe I'm a slow stitcher yet, but just the stitching took me more like 15 hours, with all the pockets, etc. Unless, of course, that was an ironic comment. I did feel a bit silly stitching 4 oz. leather together by hand, since I'm pretty sure someone with a machine could have zipped through that in less than the 1.5 hours you mentioned.

This just goes to show you don't need fancy and expensive tools to make a beautiful and well crafted item. Great job!

[MonicaJacobson]

Heh, David, I did that to someone else the other day. I estimated 40 hours, and they said it was 100. Whoops, I thought.

Thank you, Joe!

[Feraud]

Excellent job on the messenger bag. I love the cell phone pocket detail.

[Wild Bill46]

Monica,

No matter the time spent stitching, the end result looks fantastic. Nice work ! The complete bag looks great too !

I was especially happy with the look you gave the straps, again Nice work !

[bdunne]

Very nice! Got me inspired to try my own!

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you, Feraud, Bill, and Bdunne!

[Not Awl Together]

Lovely workmanship and clean design! I also really like that you included the sliding shoulder strap pad, it seems lately that I'm seeing fewer of them on bags intended to carry heavier items. IMHO, it elevates and complete's your bags overall appearance as well as providing additional comfort. Congrats on the fine work.

N.A.T.