Restoring And Customising A Briefcase

[my63]

It seems like an age since I started cutting leather and suede for this project but I have finally started dying the leather the correct colour

 

IMG_8384_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_8382_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The first picture shows the two pieces that make up the covers for the dividers they will have the pockets sewn to them they will then be sewn into the base and ends of the case.

Don't worry if it is not clear now things will come together slowly at first, as there is a lot of hand sewing to be done.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[dcpritch]

Love watching this process!

[scrivelry]

I also love watching the process.

[Kosmic-kowgirl]

love the color, very rich

[my63]

The four small pieces I showed yesterday have been joined together to form a pocket for a Mac book in its case, I will make a similar pocket for the ipad and the paper notebook

 

 

This pocket will be sewn to the leather that will cover the divider I will be making a flap to close the pocket.

 

IMG_8399_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

This is the first picture that should have been in the post above

 

IMG_8397_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have made the pictures smaller I think there is a problem with flickr I have asked them for support but they are slow to respond

[my63]

Here is a sneak peak at the next stage the dividers hold the whole bag together in this picture you can see the kydex dividers without their leather covers

 

IMG_8402 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have started attaching the pocket to the cover

 

IMG_8405 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I am learning as I go here so it takes time to get things right, clearly there is not as much space as I thought in this case.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

I have started the final pockets for this project it has taken some time to get these right

 

IMG_8577_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have found that it is easier to cut the leather to size and then add the suede once that is done I scored the fold lines and punched the stitching holes.

 

IMG_8578_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have also started to pre assemble the case so I can test fit the interior

[Kosmic-kowgirl]

gonna be so wonderful!! thanks for showing every step of the process!

[penmanila]

haha this thread is hypnotic great work!

[my63]

Thanks to both of you

 

Here is the outer shell of the bag tacked together to enable me to test fit the dividers which need to be attached before the front and back pieces are sewn together

 

IMG_8588_1 by my0771, on Flickr

IMG_8590_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

There is a lot of sewing to be done now

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[CindyK]

Micheal, you have been doing amazing work, and have great skill. Thank you for showing us how you do this, it has been a real treat to watch you go through all the steps!

[my63]

The next stage is to make the flaps to cover the pockets

 

IMG_8657_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Using the dividers to mark the distance from the edge than a pricking iron to mark the holes

 

IMG_8661_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Unfortunately it takes a long time to mark everything and punch the holes and then sew it all together the owner has been very patient.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

Two hours later I have sewn around the edges of three sides the forth side will attach the flap to the back of the pocket I may use a double line of stitching along the back just to be certain

 

 

IMG_8673_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

[my63]

When I attached the pocket to the divider I used long lengths of thread I am now using these ends to attach the flap for the pocket.

 

IMG_8676_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

To be honest I am not very good at hiding the joints so if I think about it first then I don't have any joints to hide.

Only four more pockets to go

[CindyK]

Michael - are you doing all this stitching by hand? It looks like it, and if so, you are doing an amazing job with your stitching consistency!

[my63]

Michael - are you doing all this stitching by hand? It looks like it, and if so, you are doing an amazing job with your stitching consistency!

Yes everything is hand sewn using saddle stitch and18/3 linen thread,

I am not yet at the point where I can sew without thinking

[Shangas]

You should perhaps invest in a leather-sewing machine? Singer made some absolute beasts back in the day. Maybe a vintage one?

 

http://www.antiqbuyer.com/images/ARCHIVE_PICS/sew_archive/early/Treadles/29-4.jpg

Singer Model 29 treadle leather-stitching machine.

Edited September 20, 2014 by Shangas

[my63]

Thanks Shangas

A little out of my price range I am afraid my daughter has a singer treadle machine from 1937 that I restored for her a few years actually it was five years ago where does the time go.

If I did use such a machine would my cases still be classed as handmade?

[Kosmic-kowgirl]

Gorgeous! And yes they would still be classified as handmade given all the work and attention to detail you give them. It's like comparing watercolors to oil paints- different tools are used but the end result is a painting