Book Satchel

[MonicaJacobson]

I made a bag for myself a few years back when I first started leatherworking. Ever since, I've gotten a flood of compliments on it. However, once I joined Leatherworker, I got enough better that it has been getting downright embarrassing to get compliments. I always felt the need to say how everything I make now is so much better, really. I decided I was doing a pathetic marketing job, and it was a legitimate business expense to make myself a new bag. Besides, I used scrap pieces left over from other bags, so it's almost free.

All hand sewn, 9 oz. Austin leather and stoned oil tanned leather, doubled, for the straps.

My new bag:

Old bag with the new bag.

And then, just for laughs, the sheaths I made for my boys' rubber/plastic practice knives. I've never made a serious sheath before, so these were fun to do. I skimped and made a lot of mistakes, because I'm sure they're going to end up lost or rotting in the rain. Here they are, looking fierce.

[GrampaJoel]

I like your new bag.

Look comfortable and inviting right off the get go.

Three boys! Your a blessed lady.

Joel

[Northmount]

Nice!

The old bag is pretty good, and has developed character.

Tom

[papadanny]

Nice bags and boys. I like the Austin leather.

[electrathon]

Awesome bag.

[MonicaJacobson]

@GrampaJoel, thank you! Yes, this is a testosterone filled household, that's for sure. Lots of guns, knives, and army men. No dolls in sight.

@ Tom, I'm going to try to remake it, rather than throw it away. Cut off the bad stitching and restitch slightly smaller, and get rid of the front tooling and terrible strap. It was supposed to be an art nouveau cicada, and ended up looking like an alien invader face. You just can't unsee that.

@papadanny and @electrathon, thank you! I like it because it looks rough and not at all prissy.

Edited July 28, 2014 by MonicaJacobson

[Jon P]

Great looking bag!

[bethefawn]

Beautiful bag! Also, I agree that the old one is lovely too. I'd really recommend gifting/selling it to someone rather than modifying it. I know tons of gals that would be thrilled to sport it. Your new work is undoubtedly nicer, but don't discount the character of your old one!

[Hi Im Joe]

Very nice work Monica! The only small critique I have is the interior pocket stitching showing through to the back of the bag. And that is a very minor critique. It may have looked just a bit cleaner to catch it up in the stitching attaching the gusset to the bag.

I am always very happy to check out your work!

[Rohn]

Really nice bag. Good looking sheaths for the boys knives too.