My new bag

[bikermutt07]

1 hour ago, garypl said:

That's a nice looking bag Mutt!  How many hours do you figure you have in it?  I also like the closure method.

What’s with the extra holes/stitches in the picture of the pocket?

Gary

 

The loops for the closures are incorporated into the inside pocket. That part was kind of a booger to get it to look right.

A note on the closure itself. It is kind of tough to fasten it back closed. The original design has English points on the closure. But there were so many round points in the design that I wanted to keep those round. I may have to cut English points on this one. And maybe next time make those loops out if 4oZ to make them a little more flexible. 

Concerning the carry strap I found it a little busy for my taste compared to overall construction and I was going to simplify it. But, I couldn't work it out without cutting and staining more veg tan. After finishing the strap I really like it and it didn't take that long. 

I'm guessing I have about 25 hours in this bag. I may decide to sell it and plan on asking about $425.00.

That may seem high, but it was a bit of an undertaking.

[Riem]

@bikermutt07 this is a super bag for carrying a laptop around in! I really like how all the elements come together. Although I would have burnished, I completely agree with @YinTx that it's the maker's decision, and in this bag the unburnished edges adds to the overall look. What was the most challenging part of the build?

[bikermutt07]

4 hours ago, Riem said:

@bikermutt07 this is a super bag for carrying a laptop around in! I really like how all the elements come together. Although I would have burnished, I completely agree with @YinTx that it's the maker's decision, and in this bag the unburnished edges adds to the overall look. What was the most challenging part of the build?

Assembly was kind of awkward. I couldn't really glue it together like normal. I did find making a knot in the stitching every so often helped with keeping the stitches tight. 

Also taping the pattern to the leather oversized burnt up a bit of left overs. The process goes like this. Cut out the patterns large. Tape to the leather, then punch the holes, then cut the final dimensions through the paper pattern. It winds up being a tad wasteful. And, it was hard to get a rythum going. But, things started moving a little faster about half way through.

[bikermutt07]

Here are a few pictures of how the loops are incorporated....So, this is the front of the bag body. The loops are secured inside the inside pocket.

[blue duck]

Very nice Mr. Mutt! That one should stand the test of time. Really like the rugged look.  I know what you mean about wasting the leather. Really bothered me, until the time the entire piece becomes a waste because there was no wiggle room left. 

[Sheilajeanne]

18 hours ago, Rockoboy said:

That is a seriously good job. I like the closure so much, I think I can see myself borrowing that idea!

Was thinking the same thing!  

Nice job!

[bikermutt07]

Thanks everyone, I produce so little annually I'm usually afraid to share because I feel like my chops may have slipped. It's nice to know I'm still doing ok at this stuff.

 

Edited August 17, 2019 by bikermutt07

[Riem]

5 hours ago, bikermutt07 said:

Assembly was kind of awkward. I couldn't really glue it together like normal. I did find making a knot in the stitching every so often helped with keeping the stitches tight. 

Also taping the pattern to the leather oversized burnt up a bit of left overs. The process goes like this. Cut out the patterns large. Tape to the leather, then punch the holes, then cut the final dimensions through the paper pattern. It winds up being a tad wasteful. And, it was hard to get a rythum going. But, things started moving a little faster about half way through.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I can see through possibility of the waste that you mention - makes working with a bought pattern less appealing, but there's truth too in what @blue duck said about overcutting providing some wiggle room. Hmmm, good insights.

[bikermutt07]

Another tip that came in handy from @koreric75 was to not try and template the strap goods. Just run them through the strap cutter. Measure to length on your taped up pages and then use the template ends for punching out the appropriate holes.

This worked out great.

Also, I took a lot from Nigel's Vimeo page on using squares and straight edges.

[toxo]

Looks great mutt. I'm halfway through Tonys Motoko3 laptop bag which looks to be very similar. I didn't like the waste either but I printed mine on card so now the patterns are templates so not so much waste next time. I'm also thinking that a lot of it could be done on the machine. Punching all those holes took forever. I think Tony says 12 hour build but I think it's more like your 25 hours. My only criticism of the Motoko3 is just a single row of stitches on the back end of the front flap and the single rivet holding the straps both of which are taking all the weight when using the carry handle.