Latest bag

[Ole Frog]

A while back I posted a bag I had recently made

my finished bag

Original Post asking for guidance

I asked for comments on how to improve my bags
Artificer & Brown Bear were extremely helpful

I have done a couple of bags since then and each time I try to identify an area I can improve on

Brass & Patch knife was owners choice
I am hoping to do one with Iron & no patch knife
someday lol

I wanted to share my latest bag.
Still looking for ways to improve so comments will be appreciated

 

[Silky921]

I'm no expert, but I think it looks pretty darn good. I like the "depth" look of the leather where it almost looks like cherry wood.

 

[Artificer]

Is that double cyma reversa, on about the center of the flap, decorative stitching or another piece of leather added on?

Gus

 

[Ole Frog]

The front piece is 3 pieces of leather
The bottom half, the top half, and the edging
The decorative stitching sews the top and bottom pieces together

 

[Artificer]

Thank you for the explanation. I wasn't sure if I was seeing an optical illusion. Any reason for the two piece flap or just artistic expression/whimsy?

Your edging looks VERY nice, BTW.

Gus

 

[Ole Frog]

I kept it because I liked the finished look of it

my original pattern called for it that way and it was supposed to be from an original bag

but as my skills grew my pattern changed somewhat to improve the bag. ( things like the edging and the welts)

I can also do one with a cut out easily and not have to change my pattern much

 

[Ole Frog]

You know I can't thank you enough

There is always room for improvement but I am at a place where I am fairly happy with my bags.

It was you, Brown Bear, and Spotted Bull that were kind enough to encourage me, willing to offer criticism and wise enough to challenge me without offending me.

My bags took a big step forward when I tried to implement each piece of advice

Thank you!

 

[rijerolmon]

Damn fine craftsmanship! :thumbsup:

 

[BrownBear]

Excellent design and workmanship. Bet you can't stop with this one! :rotf:

You have very good reasons to keep them coming. :thumbsup:

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Beautiful bag! :thumbsup:

 

[Jimkennedy]

Very nice craftsmanship. I would love to have a bag like that.

 

[fleener]

Very nice.

Do you hand sew or with a machine?

thanks

fleener

 

[BrownBear]

Do you hand sew or with a machine?

Ahhhhh. The ultimate compliment to a hand stitcher! :thumbsup:

 

[Ole Frog]

I hand sew

my hands are pretty sore after I finish a bag

 

[fleener]

I assumed you were hand stitching but your work is very good.

I have hand stitched leather for almost 25 years, but recently purchased a speedy stitcher, have not tried it yet.

Do you use a speedy stitcher on your bags?

thanks

fleener

 

[BillinOregon]

Very well done, Bullfrog. Know what you mean about sore hands after a lot of hand-stitching -- except in my case, I have a dull and homely product to show for my strivings, unlike you.

:rotf:

 

[BrownBear]

my hands are pretty sore after I finish a bag

Dunno if this is the case for you, but I used to have a heck of a time with that. But I found that the more work I put into getting my awls really sharp and highly polished, the easier the work- both the piercing and the sewing. I also adjust the width of my awls to match the size thread I'm using.

Whole nuther topic, but awl sharpening (and choice) is worthy.

Mostly I bring all that up to encourage you to keep on doing what you're doing. You're on a winning course. :thumbsup:

 

[Ole Frog]

No I have never used a speedy stitcher
just two needles on a piece of thread

I do use a tool to mark out my stitches
Then I am very careful punching out the hole

Also I tighten my stitches slowly so that the line pulls tight exactly where I want it

 

[Ole Frog]

Mostly it is just arthritis

 

[BrownBear]

Mostly it is just arthritis

Oh yeah.... That....

Been there. Got the T-shirt. Still there. :wink: