WIP Sporran #5 (hunting)- from the very start

[adsmguy]

Looking sooooooo good. SOOOOOOOOOO good. When do you start mass production? ;)

[longhuntr74]

Looking sooooooo good. SOOOOOOOOOO good. When do you start mass production? ;)

Wouldn't that be slightly contradictory? The beauty of this work is that it's hand made and one of a kind (though I agree...I want one too!).

Artificer....I just went through this entire thread for the first time this morning. As a novice leatherworker myself...I have to say you are a master craftsman! I'm thoroughly impressed and can't wait to see the further progress.

[adsmguy]

Yes, it's contradictory. It's a thing of beauty, a work of art. But I WANT ONE!
If I could make one, I would, but it has been 30+ years since my leatherwork merit badge, and there's no way I could come close to Artificer's craftsmanship anyway. One can't imagine the strutting I would do with that sporran and a matching strap!

[artificer]

Artificer, you were absolutely correct in relation to exhibit 3 becoming more "alive" with the ring of stitches. I can also see why you would have thought exhibit 1 would have been too busy. Everytime you post new pics my jaw drops a little more. Congratulations on the work thus far.

Thanks Downunder Kilt, Stuff like this can be a real cr@pshoot. Leaps of faith in my own abilities certainly DON'T always work out. Luckily, there are few witnesses to my "monsters".

Wouldn't that be slightly contradictory? The beauty of this work is that it's hand made and one of a kind (though I agree...I want one too!).

Artificer....I just went through this entire thread for the first time this morning. As a novice leatherworker myself...I have to say you are a master craftsman! I'm thoroughly impressed and can't wait to see the further progress.

Thank you for the very kind words. Progress follows below.
BTW: It probably won't exactly be one of a kind, but it is handmade.

A few interesting facts from the construction so far;
I've consumed over 12yds (36' / 11m) of waxed thread so far,
I've also broken no fewer than 12 stitching needles (my prior record was 2).

Both of these numbers are due to the tremendous number of layers to stitch through (8 max), even hand punching each hole with an awl there is still such thickness and pressure from the leather that the needle can come out the other side hot to the touch. When stitching leather, the average length of thread is just over double the length of the stitch, with this sporran there are areas that require 6 times the length, again due to the multiple layers.

Now, to the progress.

As it sits right now the front gusset has just been stitched, but hasn't been 'final formed' and glued yet. I'm letting the leather stretch a bit to aid the final step.

After gluing and final shaping the front 'roll' of the gusset will be somewhat reduced in size, especially up near the top edge.

I should also note that none of the cut edges have yet been dyed or waxed... I JUST finished the testing on the custom dye colour.

I am working on the snap-closure strap right now, and will hopefully be in a position to complete the bag tomorrow.



Below, you can see the bag top-down with it's mouth open. Visible are both the inner pinked edge (yet to be dyed and glued down) and the pigskin lining.

This bag isn't going to hold the tremendous amount of stuff that a Rob Roy will.
Again, please excuse the slight asymmetry due to my camera's fish-eyeing.
EDIT: I'm not sure why the bag looks so tiny in this shot, it's 8" across the widest point, and roughly 9.5" tall.


Lastly is the plain back. This will only have two more stages until completion. First is the gusset glued and clamped to the inner side of this panel, and then stitched along with the covering trim piece. Last will be the snap closure. Then... completion.



Thanks all again for the many excellent, helpful, and inspirational comments and PMs. It's always wonderful to know that one's work is appreciated.

With luck, I'll be posting final pix tomorrow night or Tues mid-day.

[Downunder Kilt]

Lucky, lucky member of the rabble who will get this one. Thankyou for showing us the process you went through to create this piece of art. I know my eyes have been opened and when I see a handmade sporran, I will think of the hours of toil, the frustrations and effort to get it just right. You are a Top Flight Artisan.

[pdcorlis]

What is left to be said that has not already been said?

Beautiful work sir!

[ShaunMaxwell]

Amazing!

[BoldHighlander]

Scott,

what can I add except to say it's just a work of art, and such a privilege to see this piece of art coming about & taking shape.

Thank you for sharing the journey with us!

[rtc872]

If you don't mind me asking, beyond the obvious investment of time, how much will this project cost? And what is your advice to someone thinking of tackling this project. (I hate prince chuckles for wearing such an attractive sporran.)

thanks

[artificer]

Thanks guys, for sticking with me on this journey. I'll admit it's been very frustrating at times, but in the words of Col. John "Hannibal" Smith, "I love it when a plan comes together" Based on my available time today, I'm guessing I'll have the bag finished tomorrow, rather than tonite as I'd hoped.

If you don't mind me asking, beyond the obvious investment of time, how much will this project cost? And what is your advice to someone thinking of tackling this project.
thanks

If you're asking for a 'single unit' raw material cost... that's a bit hard to quantify. Leather usually can't be purchased in amounts less than a side (if you're lucky) or hide. A hide is anywhere between 40-60 sq ft (3.7 - 5.5 m2). Prices are by the square foot or by the pound (depending on the leather and vendor in question).

Nickle studs used on the face are purchased in quantities of 100.
Then there are the 'set' tools used to hammer a domed stud in place (in two sizes).

I ended up having to purchase 4-5 new tools beyond what I'd already accumulated from prior projects.

Lastly, I ended up buying several different dyes in my efforts to match the particular colour here, both for edge dying the cut edges, as well as for making straps and belts match.

Let's just say I could have easily bought any sporran from L&M several times over for what this project cost, on the whole.

My advice for someone planning to tackle this project follows below;

1) make sure you spend time developing your patterns and test them [or as a German buddy of mine jokes "I've cut this d@mned thing three times and it's STILL too short"]

2) If you don't already have the leather in-hand, and aren't planning on using a LOT of it, you won't be saving any money by doing it yourself... So it'd better be a labour of love - or something you can't get anywhere else. Also, the leather selection will make or break a simple bag.

3) take lots of pix and post them with your progress.

BTW: Whatever your personal feelings about HRH Prince Charles, you might want to be a touch more respectful.

He's not only a snappy (kilted) dresser AND the inspiration for this project, but he is part of the UK's ruling family and an icon to many board members.

Thanks again, and good luck on your project - post pix.