thefanninator Report post Posted December 10, 2014 Messenger bag made from Horween Essex leather, Lin Cable French linen thread, Amiet brushed brass lock w/key, brass hardware, and adjustable nylon strap. Cell phone pocket on back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hi Im Joe Report post Posted December 10, 2014 (edited) That looks really nice! That's a ton of stitches! 9sti? I love that lock. I have to say it though. The nylon strap really doesn't go with how classy the rest of the bag is. I nice adjustable leather strap would really take it to the next level. Overall though great craftsmanship and a beautiful bag. EDIT: the only other small critique I have is stitching around the flap. I think it really looks nice and makes the bag look more finished and uniform. Please remember these are small critiques. You should be very happy with that bag. I would love to see more pictures of the top and sides of the bag! Edited December 10, 2014 by Hi Im Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tboyce Report post Posted December 10, 2014 ditto on everything Joe said...especially the strap. However, been there before and I'm only too aware of how that extra leather you've been saving for the strap magically withers away as you need to cut another piece to fix that gusset or pocket Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thefanninator Report post Posted December 10, 2014 (edited) I totally agree about the nylon strap. I ran out of Horween and bought a black strap of "English Bridle" leather and I was not happy with it. I don't want to spend anymore money on it. Agree on the flap stitching too. Only real reason I didn't do it is that there's not two pieces to stitch; it would only be for looks. Anyone got a strap of black Horween Essex they want to sell me? It's basically Valerie Michael's briefcase resized and similar to a Frank Clegg. Edited December 10, 2014 by thefanninator Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hi Im Joe Report post Posted December 11, 2014 Yeah I've been there. Necessity can be a bitch. Maverick has some black essex I believe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thefanninator Report post Posted December 11, 2014 Yeah, I bought this Horween there. I asked them if they'd cut me a strap of black Essex and they said sides only. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hi Im Joe Report post Posted December 11, 2014 Yeah they won't cut into the sides. You gotta order a whole side. I have a bit of black essex but not enough to cut you a strap or else I would in a heartbeat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonicaJacobson Report post Posted December 12, 2014 Nice bag, fanninator! What's wrong with the black English Bridle? (Sorry, I'm currently still obsessed with finding out what English Bridle actually is...) Lots of tiny stitches! The handle looks like it was fun to make. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thefanninator Report post Posted December 12, 2014 (edited) Nice bag, fanninator! What's wrong with the black English Bridle? (Sorry, I'm currently still obsessed with finding out what English Bridle actually is...) Lots of tiny stitches! The handle looks like it was fun to make. Thanks Monica. I mentioned it on your thread about English Bridle. It seemed very dry and it had what seemed like black paper material on the flesh side. I decided to stitch the flap. Maybe I'll get around to doing a proper leather strap. Edited December 12, 2014 by thefanninator Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonicaJacobson Report post Posted December 12, 2014 Oh yes, I remember that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Basically Bob Report post Posted December 13, 2014 Nice job, i certainly agree with the strap comments and I know that it's contrary to most here, but I like the flap without stitching, a simple crease would finish it nicely. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thefanninator Report post Posted December 14, 2014 Sometimes a light comes on and I had one of those moments a few weeks ago. My Vergez Blanchard pricking iron is a 9/10. Which is 9 teeth per inch but HELLO it's takes 2 marks to make 1 stitch. So after 9 tpi you really only get 8 stitches ... not to quick on the uptake. I'll post a few more photos when I take some... I finished stitching the flap. Anyone have a suggestion for buffing this thing up? Maybe just a shoeshine brush or something? Since Horween is already finished I don't really want to use a polish or cream or anything. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thefanninator Report post Posted December 14, 2014 Updated photo with flap stitching and crease. Top and back/side. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonicaJacobson Report post Posted December 14, 2014 Oh yes, that really ties in the lock better. Very nice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
