Book Satchel

[MattTheHat]

Very nice bag, indeed! And I love the expressions on the boy's faces.

-Matt

[MonicaJacobson]

@JonP, thanks!

@Joe - Yes, I see what you mean. I'll keep that in mind for the next one. In the past, I've been leary of adding it to gussets because I thought it made the seam look messy, but I'm open to being told that it looks better than an extra seam. Especially if I skived down the lower edge so that it melted in a bit. However, you're still left with the seam at the bottom of the pocket. So, I dunno.

Thank you, Rohn! Ha, about the sheaths, it was good to figure out what not to do on something that didn't matter.

Thanks Matt! Believe me, it's no joke to get a plastic knife in the gut when you turn a corner.

[Hi Im Joe]

@JonP, thanks!

@Joe - Yes, I see what you mean. I'll keep that in mind for the next one. In the past, I've been leary of adding it to gussets because I thought it made the seam look messy, but I'm open to being told that it looks better than an extra seam. Especially if I skived down the lower edge so that it melted in a bit. However, you're still left with the seam at the bottom of the pocket. So, I dunno.

Thank you, Rohn! Ha, about the sheaths, it was good to figure out what not to do on something that didn't matter.

Thanks Matt! Believe me, it's no joke to get a plastic knife in the gut when you turn a corner.

I just realized you got "U" shaped gussets on the bag...hmmmm that makes my suggestion not so good. LOL.

You could do a hanging pocket on the inside and line up the vertical stitching rows with straps maybe?

[3wunder]

Monica, that's a really great looking bag! And it's good to know there's still boys with decent knives around.

[vicroll91]

I have a nice piece of this same leather, but I am reluctant to make a bag with it. How'd it sew? Did you skive the edges?

[MonicaJacobson]

@Joe - No, you're right, with some more thoughtful planning I could have completely hidden the stitches. Thanks for the suggestions! I'm going to move more towards zippers, so I'll keep that in mind as I change my pockets a bit.

@3wunder Thanks!

@vicroll - I love Austin leather. I do skive the edges where there will be two layers, but it's thick enough that the edges are easy to burnish, and it's fun to work with. It's chrome tanned, but it's easier to cut out than thinner chrome tanned, and it keeps its shape well because of the thickness. I'd be interested to know if anyone has found a non-Tandy equivalent of this leather at Springfield Leather Co. or somewhere else. My sister, with no prior leatherworking experience, made herself a cool backpack out of Austin leather a few months back. You can see it here: http://monicajacobson.com/?p=869 . So much to say, it's not hard to work with. And it's nice to not have to worry about dye.

[Bob Blea]

You old bag looks good but your new one looks awesome! You should show that off with pride!

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you, Bob!

[rosiart]

Love the new bag. I think the old one was very nice too. I'm thinking some of your problem with it is that your aesthetic has changed over time, as you have learned new things and found your own style . I think it is a process that we all go through learning a new craft/art :-)

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you, Rosie. I think you're right about one's style changing. But I didn't give you a close up on the drilled holes, frayed edges, insufficiently light dye job, and shiny, crackly, over-thick layer of lacquer. But it's been a good bag, and I've certainly enjoyed it.