3rd son, 3rd laptop bag

[BDub77]

Over the last couple of years, I’ve made a laptop bag/briefcase for each of my 3 sons, with the third and last one being completed this past week. I used most of a side of SB Foot Tanning Co 7-8 oz chrome tan. It’s a bigger bag (18 X 13 X 5) with several large pockets. Build album here.

I pulled the straps from 10 oz veg tan. Used Angelus black dye and, after running out, switched to Fiebing’s Pro dye. Won’t be switching back, just as an aside. Luckily the finished dye colors look the same. Used Ritza 1mm black thread and the bag is entirely hand sewn. Fiebing’s Pro Resist and Aussie Leather Conditioner for finishes. Antique brass hardware from Emmaline Bags – except the 1.5” buckle – I antiqued that myself using salt and vinegar (not great, but it took the glow off).

I got a little too cute with the design, especially the pockets. I thought it would be super cool if the newspaper pocket on the back and the laptop pocket inside had the same dimensions and could be sewn onto the back panel at the same time. Note to self: don’t do that again. Ever. It ended up being very frustrating and awkward. Maybe if I had a ceiling-mounted stitching pony…

Decided to put Chicago screws in the pocket corners, and the overall look with the contrasting rust and black colors is pretty much what I had in mind. Always wanted to try gusset pockets on a bag, so that was fun. And tongue locks are a lot easier than I thought. Critique if you wish; I’ll gladly take the help/tips/input. But I think I’m done with big bags now. Each of the three has taken between 50 and 70 hours (yes, I sure am slow, haha) and I would only do that kind of work for a loved one.

[DomsLeather]

Sweet looking bag. Nice work. 

[AzShooter]

Wonderful. You're sons must be very happy. I hope I can someday make a bag that looks so nice.

[BDub77]

1 hour ago, DomsLeather said:

Sweet looking bag. Nice work.  

 

1 hour ago, AzShooter said:

Wonderful. You're sons must be very happy. I hope I can someday make a bag that looks so nice.

Thanks very much for the kind words. I believe they are pretty happy, but I think #3 is the best work - I think we all get better at this over time. Hope the owner of bag #1 doesn't ask for an upgrade, LOL.

[toxo]

Great job! I like that "D" ring. Haven't seen those before except on webbing. I know how long it took because I made a similar one for my daughter. I got paranoid about the scrotes on mopeds cutting through the strap so I incorporated a 2mm stainless cable inside the strap.

[BDub77]

1 hour ago, toxo said:

Great job! I like that "D" ring. Haven't seen those before except on webbing. I know how long it took because I made a similar one for my daughter. I got paranoid about the scrotes on mopeds cutting through the strap so I incorporated a 2mm stainless cable inside the strap.

Thank you! D-rings are great for straps because they easily find level or vertical by themselves. Maybe it's a North America thing.... saddles, cowboys, halters, etc.  I looked to see if you posted your daughter's bag, but couldn't find it. Did you post it? I'd like to have a look. And Yes, I think we could all go for fewer scrotes on mopeds.

[fredk]

That looks like a most excellent strong bag. It should last a wee while

1 hour ago, toxo said:

. . . I know how long it took because I made a similar one for my daughter. I got paranoid about the scrotes on mopeds cutting through the strap so I incorporated a 2mm stainless cable inside the strap.

An excellent idea. I'm supposed to be making a bag, in this sort of style, for my dottir for her going to Uni. I think I'll use your idea for the strap.

Edited June 28, 2020 by fredk

[BDub77]

1 hour ago, fredk said:

That looks like a most excellent strong bag. It should last a wee while

An excellent idea. I'm supposed to be making a bag, in this sort of style, for my dottir for her going to Uni. I think I'll use your idea for the strap.

Thank you, Fredk. Yes, I hope it's a lifetime thing for each of them. Cheers, and good luck on your bag!

[toxo]

1 hour ago, BDub77 said:

Thank you! D-rings are great for straps because they easily find level or vertical by themselves. Maybe it's a North America thing.... saddles, cowboys, halters, etc.  I looked to see if you posted your daughter's bag, but couldn't find it. Did you post it? I'd like to have a look. And Yes, I think we could all go for fewer scrotes on mopeds.

Here you go! This was my very first leather project. A few mistakes but it would take wild horses to get it out of her hands. 

If anyones interested in the pattern it's here. you can buy on it's own or even cheaper for the set of three.

https://www.leather-patterns.com/product/leather-bag-pattern-pattern-set-leather-diy-pdf-download-leather-bag-video-tutorial/161?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2

[Carl]

Great job!

[BDub77]

2 hours ago, toxo said:

Here you go! This was my very first leather project. A few mistakes but it would take wild horses to get it out of her hands. 

 

Thanks very much. It looks great, and I did notice the anti-scrote cable. Well done, Dad.

57 minutes ago, Carl said:

Great job!

Thank you!