kncorey Report post Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) Wanted to share some of the shave kits (dopp bags, wash kits, whatever you'd like to call them) that I've been working on for Christmas gifts. After seeing many different designs, I settled for using a plan from one of Al Stohlman's books. I didn't like the dimensions of that one however, so I modified the width until I finally came up with the right proportions, at least in my mind. I find some of the other shave kit designs out there look a lot like a loaf of bread! They may be easier to make, but I had a picture in my mind of a kit that my dad used to have, and this one comes closest to that. The construction method was challenging to figure out, in the book it showed using the awl to do the final stitching. I tried that a couple of times, but did not think it was the best way, and it was messy stitching, even though it was on the inside of the bag seams. I now pre-punch the stitching holes after figuring how to make them line up. There's also a trick (it's not a trick Michael) to sewing the sides that I also figured out after making a few of these. I left out the typical grab handle and opted for the d-ring. I find that when I carry one of these bags it's kind of tucked under my arm. I usually have too many loose breakable items in the bag to sling it around on its end with a handle. I did include the d-ring in case you wanted to hang the bag on the back of a bathroom door. Edited December 20, 2017 by kncorey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kncorey Report post Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) Second Edited December 20, 2017 by kncorey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kncorey Report post Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) Third Edited December 20, 2017 by kncorey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kncorey Report post Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) More Edited December 20, 2017 by kncorey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwican Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Those look great Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
battlemunky Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Those are beautiful work! I think your stitching is wonderful and the color choices you have picked work well together. I be pleased with any of those. I like that piping on the seams; always wondered how that was done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted December 20, 2017 You've been gettin after it! I'd say you have it down pat and you are going to have a bunch of happy recipients! YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 I need to try piping and zippers. They both seem very difficult in my mind. Great job. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stetson912 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 These are excellent. I like Stohlman's design but I'd like to make one with a lining that's fairly water resistant myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garypl Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Nice work - they look great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJole Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Wow, that is stellar work. Those are lovely! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OLDNSLOW Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Come On now, did you really to those?! Just kidding like all the others those are over the top, I have been wanting to make some, and have the leather for it just scared to take the jump, but I guess I shouldn't let they hold me back. I need to read up on how to do the piping on those and I am going to guess here that you sowed those inside out? But hay did I ask, If you really did those? Nice job!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fire88 Report post Posted December 20, 2017 Those are some great looking bags, great design and perfect color combinations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plinkercases Report post Posted December 20, 2017 the third and the more caught my eye. Nice work and design. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bayou Bengal Report post Posted December 21, 2017 Freakin sweet! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake907 Report post Posted December 21, 2017 very nicely done, your stitching is perfect, (doffs hat, and bows). I'm inspired to make the shave kit I've been needing for the my summer work traveling. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ByNelson Report post Posted December 21, 2017 (edited) 11 hours ago, Stetson912 said: These are excellent. I like Stohlman's design but I'd like to make one with a lining that's fairly water resistant myself. Where do you get the stohlman design? and great bag ! Looking super smart Edited December 21, 2017 by ByNelson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirkba Report post Posted December 21, 2017 (edited) Hi ByNelson, Those instructions and diagrams are in: The art of Making Leather Cases - volume 2. send me your mail address - dirkba@webafrica.org.za I also modified the "handle" for better carry purpose and added a side pocket Edited December 21, 2017 by dirkba added pics Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stetson912 Report post Posted December 21, 2017 @ByNelson, dirkba already said it. The art of making cases volume 2 by Al stohlman. There are 3 volumes total. They are worth having in your library for sure. @dirkba thanks for the response. Much obliged. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pauls Leather Report post Posted December 21, 2017 very nice bags. love the attention to detail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ByNelson Report post Posted December 22, 2017 21 hours ago, Stetson912 said: @ByNelson, dirkba already said it. The art of making cases volume 2 by Al stohlman. There are 3 volumes total. They are worth having in your library for sure. @dirkba thanks for the response. Much obliged. 22 hours ago, dirkba said: Hi ByNelson, Those instructions and diagrams are in: The art of Making Leather Cases - volume 2. send me your mail address - dirkba@webafrica.org.za I also modified the "handle" for better carry purpose and added a side pocket Thanks guys Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kncorey Report post Posted January 2, 2018 Thanks everybody for the comments, the kits have been well received now that the holidays are over. These are great projects to practice zippers, I've found that the key to getting a nice zipper is using a strong two-sided tape to hold it in place, and ensuring that when you stitch back through the zipper tape, you make sure your needle enters the stitching hole cleanly. That means perpendicular - it's easy to come in at a bit of an angle, and in doing so you might snag a couple of the threads from the zipper tape (since your stitch holes through the tape will not be as clean as through leather). If you do catch some of the thread, it will pull just enough to make the top stitch a little wonky. As far as the piping goes, it's not as hard as it might seem, just make sure the leather for the piping is thin, but not so thin that you need a filler to give it a round fold (the part that shows). This design allows the piping to be butt-joined, since the seam is hidden under the end tabs. If the piping seam is going to be exposed, then it needs to be overlapped, which is much trickier. Also realize that your glue line will be much smaller than you might think, since it will be turned inside out and have stress placed on the seam. Glue just thin enough so that it holds together for the hole punching. Happy New Year folks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genzale Report post Posted January 6, 2018 Great work! I like the dimensions ass well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JMcC Report post Posted January 7, 2018 Those are sweet! Good job on all of them. Now send me one for free and I will advertise your product for you! (joke) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites