Thread: Homemade leather bags.

Absolutely mate. the whole way through the making of it, I knew it would be what it wanted to be. I had no real plans except what was in my own head. My neighbour took a look at it and said, "Of course you're using a template, aren't you?!" and was most surprised when I firmly stated, "No! It is what it was meant to be!"
He also said, "You know you could buy a bag don't you?". I promptly told him I couldn't afford to buy handmade luggage, so I had to resort to making my own.


Mick

And so it goes........well done Mick !

Hopefully my project might inspire others to have a go at it. It had it's moments for sure, but I already have ideas for other designs to try sometime down the track...And with some nicer leather perhaps as well. Bike could do with a new set of saddle bags as well....Hmmmm


Mick

You inspired me alright. I started thinking about all the leather projects I have to do and the amount of stitching involved. My barbers chair, pick up seats, a custom jacket I have always wanted to make, etc. etc.

I found this on the bay. I have seen plenty of you tubes of them going through leather. I mean like belt leather or ten layers of denim.
1927 model 66-16. It needs some minor things but it purrs like a kitten. A little worn but for 30 bucks and maybe another 20 in parts it may be well worth it.



It may be a year before I use it though :<0) I got soooo much going on.

Originally Posted by MickR

Well here it is. ..

Well done mate, that's a brilliant bag! Been watching your thread here with interest, and I must say it turned out way cool. Good job

Originally Posted by 10Pups

You inspired me alright. I started thinking about all the leather projects I have to do and the amount of stitching involved. My barbers chair, pick up seats, a custom jacket I have always wanted to make, etc. etc.

I found this on the bay. I have seen plenty of you tubes of them going through leather. I mean like belt leather or ten layers of denim.
1927 model 66-16. It needs some minor things but it purrs like a kitten. A little worn but for 30 bucks and maybe another 20 in parts it may be well worth it.



It may be a year before I use it though :<0) I got soooo much going on.

I've not seen an old Singer for less than $200 here. I would buy one if they were priced a little more like yours. They're just the ticket for leather work when paired with a good strong needle...I still would have hand sewn the bag though. You just can't beat saddle stitch for durability, and the best you can do on most sewing machines is lock stitch.
That's a really pretty machine. Love it.


Mick

Man, what a steal! I've always thought it would be handy to have a machine to sew leather with. so many projects I could do that don't require the strength of hand stitching. I'll have to keep an eye out for one of those.

Well MickR the bag is/was meant to be hand sewn. It wanted the attention and it looks great that way. I was wondering ....Do you have a stitch horse ? That sure helps things alot. Easier on your hands and faster.

No I don't mate, but I have often considered making myself one in the past. Problem is, I usually don't do such big jobs, that it rarely seems necessary. I should just buy one and be done with it though. If I keep planning on making one, it'll never happen.

The bag looks good now that I've given it a couple of coats of dressing. It's taken on a bit more of an antique appearance, which is really pleasing. I'll post another photo up tomorrow to show as a before/after oiling. I wasn't planning on putting keepers in place for the straps, but I think I will add them soon anyway. I may never use them, but they might be handy on those rare occasions I want to have the straps stay locked down.


Mick

If the bag wants wants keepers, give it keepers . The bag wants to be what it wants to be.