Croc clutch!

[motocouture]

Sneaking in another project for myself before honoring my promise to hubby to make him another watch band for his Apple Watch (I think he’s getting a little spoiled, but it’s how I justify the leather stash  ). 

This one will be the same design as the last clutch prototype, done this time in a mink-colored Nile croc. From memory, the croc hide was about 32cms wide, grade I/II, in a Millenium (matte) finish. Will be lining with some incredible olive HAAS calf (thanks @nstarleather!), with hardware from Ohio Bag Supply. Stitched in Lin Cable 532, with KS 3.00mm irons. 

First step was that terrifying moment where you have to make the first cut  . Luckily all went well, and I managed to get all the pieces out and still have nearly the full tail left. 

[motocouture]

Oh and just to warm up, finally got around to covering my dive weights (0.5 and 1lb) with some scrap Horween, instead of an old dish cloth, to use as pattern weights.

Have also been experimenting with pigments, thanks to inspiration from @RockyAussie ! I mixed some pearlex dry pigment with the matte edge paint, and it gives a surprisingly nice sheen (especially since I was pretty rough and ready with the edges).

[KingsCountyLeather]

Looking forward to seen the different stages of this project again. 

Looking good already.

[rodneywt1180b]

Beautiful skin.  I think it will be a great bag.  Getting out the popcorn for this one....

 

[motocouture]

17 hours ago, KingsCountyLeather said:

Looking forward to seen the different stages of this project again. 

Looking good already.

Thank you! The croc is great to work with, and a lot easier after doing a prototype

 

38 minutes ago, rodneywt1180b said:

Beautiful skin.  I think it will be a great bag.  Getting out the popcorn for this one....

 

Thanks, it’s a great color in person, too (hard to capture in the photos). Hopefully I’ll keep you and the popcorn entertained! 

[motocouture]

Photo of my test runs on edge paint + pearlex pigment, and gussets in process 

[KingsCountyLeather]

665 the winner? Will the thread match the edge paint or a contrasting colour?

[motocouture]

17 hours ago, KingsCountyLeather said:

665 the winner? Will the thread match the edge paint or a contrasting colour?

Yes, 665 is the winner! Matches the croc beautifully. Going with a beige thread, that will be a soft contrast with the croc. The hardware is going to be gold, so didn’t want too much going on.

[KingsCountyLeather]

I’m sure it will turn out perfect!

You’re such an inspiration to other leather workers and showing us all the process you have to go through.

This satchel I finally sewed together last night is my first bag to make. It is a lot of work and even though its not finished and also not perfect, You were the inspiration for me to do it at all. As I was stitching all the pieces together there were times I thought would it ever end? I thought of when you were making your red bag and kept going.

So please keep up the good work!

Also... Maybe it might help other leather workers... I use latex finger protectors only on my thumbs when stitching, you have almost a viselike grip on the needles and still feel everything at the same time and also takes care of the occasional bloody finger as well.

[motocouture]

Thank you so much! Completely made my day. Glad that my pain and frustration can maybe help ease someone else’s 

that is a stunning bag! Really clean lines, stitching looking great, and I love the contrast with the edging. Well designed!

Edited March 23, 2018 by motocouture