Purse For The Wife...

[BigMatt]

I decided to make a purse for the wife. I really want to make another briefcase, but I thought I should practice first. Here is the result of my practice -

[cds]

Looks very nice!

[veedub3]

Very nice! I think she will love it!

Karina

[Invasion]

That look great it looks very professional to me

what thickness of the leather did you use ? any way you could show/explain how you stitched the gusset to front and back and what those tab bits are for on the gusset ?

[BigMatt]

Thanks for the compliments.

I used 7-8 (maybe 8-9) veg-tan that was drum dyed and also has had a glaze treatment. I did, however, split the gussets, decorative panels, and handle pieces.

The tabs on the gussets are what make the standard 3-piece gusset. When you cut them they should fit together like a puzzle to make a gusset. My first one was pretty rocky, but I was more careful after that and they turned out well. I should have taken more progress pictures.

If you search LW.net, you will see what I am talking about. It is also illustrated in "The Leatherworking Handbook" by: Valerie Michael.

Edited February 17, 2015 by BigMatt

[MonicaJacobson]

That looks beautiful, Mike. And thanks for all the in-progress pictures. They're very helpful.

[opus56]

Looks great.

[BigMatt]

Thanks Monica, your opinion means a lot.

[thefanninator]

Nice job. You didn't glue the rolled handles before stitching?

[BigMatt]

Thanks. No, I try not to glue things if I don't have to. Getting them started was tough, but once started, they weren't bad.