A first for me - briefcase

[Ian]

A couple of weeks back there was a post from a gentleman looking for someone to duplicate a legal briefcase he had. Here's the finished case I did for him. I'm not a case maker, but thought it would be a good challenge.

PS The I didn't notice the white mark on the front pocket until I'd taken the picture - it wiped off.

The first picture is the original he posted post: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...pic=5606&hl=

[King's X]

I can't tell the difference. Looks like a reborn attache case. Seems to be of the same DNA. Great job!

Truly another master found on this group site...

Greetings from Austin, TX

[wildrose]

Great job! Bet he's pleased, it looks so much nicer.

[ArtS]

Really looks good!!! Amazing to think this is your first one. I'm watching! I want to make one someday for myself.

Art

[calanneh]

Fantastic!!!!!

You did a great job!!!!

William

[MADMAX22]

Great job for your first try. Looks really good.

I would love to give it a shot but not until I get a sewing machine that can handle leather someday. Until then I think Ill hold off a bit.

[Spider]

You get a big A$$ WOW!!!

[Grunt]

WOW!! That's some pretty outstanding work!

[Ian]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. Actually, it was one of the easier projects I've tackled - there are relatively few pieces in a bag like that. The biggest trick was keeping the pieces lined up while I sewed them together. Anyone who has medium skill shouldn't be scared to tackle a briefcase like this. My biggest fear was screwing up since I only bought a double shoulder and it took most of that to do it, so there was no room for error.

[esantoro]

Nice work, Ian.

Did you have any difficulty stitching the bottom corners where the two gussets and center panel meet? With thicker leather, I usually have to hand stitch the 25 or so stitches around that corner. I have yet to try a case that uses one wider gusset for the entire bag, and where that particular corner stitching wouldn't be necessary.

Ed