first timer of bag/briefcase

[Prince]

Well I've made some pouches for the renfair but nothing like a briefcase so I figured why not? Can't be too hard. Finally got a stitcher. Of course, being me, I hate normal, well, hates such a strong word, but I tend to stray far from normal at any rate. I was inspired by the fellow posting about his new briefcase and then the link to the ebay auction. So I drew this up and I'll have a go at it after I've finished that armor I'm working on.

If anyone have any pointers for a first timer of bag/briefcase making, I'm all ears. Its basically the front/back panels, and two straight strips and a divider in the middle, yeah? Any tricks to make life easier for stitching? I could see it turning into a mess after a few plates are on... Hhmmm Maybe I should try braiding the edges like some of you guys do... that looks cool... better stick to learning one thing at a time though lol

[abn]

Wow. Can't wait to see the finished product!

-Alex

[The Major]

Great design. Unfortunately I can offer no real pointers.

[candyleather]

I hope these pics can help to you, there are five pics with leather trunks with 500 years old from a medieval museum. I don't know where I got them. I think your style is like the scotish curran, the gang's bag.

[esantoro]

Well I've made some pouches for the renfair but nothing like a briefcase so I figured why not? Can't be too hard. Finally got a stitcher. Of course, being me, I hate normal, well, hates such a strong word, but I tend to stray far from normal at any rate. I was inspired by the fellow posting about his new briefcase and then the link to the ebay auction. So I drew this up and I'll have a go at it after I've finished that armor I'm working on.

If anyone have any pointers for a first timer of bag/briefcase making, I'm all ears. Its basically the front/back panels, and two straight strips and a divider in the middle, yeah? Any tricks to make life easier for stitching? I could see it turning into a mess after a few plates are on... Hhmmm Maybe I should try braiding the edges like some of you guys do... that looks cool... better stick to learning one thing at a time though lol

This is a great adaptation of my bag and the one that's sold on Ebay. It's enough work for me just to stitch the bag. I can't imagine doing all the artwork. I have hundreds of pictures of my bags and other bags if you want any ideas.

I personally don't like all the rivets on the Ebay bag and prefer stitching, but it seems your era's style demands more riveting and less stitching.

i can't wait to see your finished bag.

I wouldn't worry about the bag not looking good, as you said it's just main panels some gussets and straps. Again, to match the ren style, you should probably use lace instead of stitching, or what about leather ties.

ed

[Prince]

oh, by no means is this era. In fact, the armor I make isn't even era, its all just fantasy stuff; fun for the modern age. I'm not very knowledgeable in like historical items for instance, just like to be make stuff. I want to make this bag to carry my books if/when I do start college so for one, it'll get attention and sales from inquirers hopefully, and two, when I go to present my portfolio later on, I'll have a full arsenal of impressive gear that I'm just casually strolling in with.

Oh and those are very neat pictures. I especially like the small crescent bottomed bag. Wish there were a larger picture. Cant tell what exactly is going on if its wetmolded or what. Neat at any rate.

Edited July 24, 2007 by Azmal

[ETW Grumpy]

esantoro, is that offer available to others? I saw your bag and it inspired me to want to make one for my wife. Do you have any pictures of tooling or basketweave? I would like to do some tooling on hers. Same idea as azmal, good advertising. Not to mention good looking.

[Johanna]

Azmal,

If you don't already have them, you may want to pick up Al Stohman's three volume set of "The Art of Making Leather Cases". You already have the skills to make a briefcase like you drew, but there are lots of tricks to gussets and flaps described in his books that might save you some time and money.

Ed,

I'd be happy to put anything you want to share on dedicated webpage(s) with contact info, links to your site and fifteen reasons why people should buy your bags over what they see in the store or on eBay.

Johanna