On the Bench: Jan 17-23

As promised, one of the first bags I'm working on in 2021 is to go along with the Pantone Colors of the Year. First up is the "Ice Blue" (it's really a slate grey!) metallic leather. I decided to make it into the new structured satchel design I created in the end of 2020.

The benefit of making this satchel before in the black leather is that I learned a few minor issues with my pattern: I discovered I really needed where the top handle attached to the flap to be a little wider, and the portion of the flap that attached to the back of the bag also needed to be a little longer.

With a few adjustments to the pattern, we're ready to roll!

Step 1 is to print out all of the pieces, then glue them to stiffer poster board so they will function as pattern pieces. I use my steel ruler as a straight edge, and lately have preferred using an ergonomic craft knife (the Softgrip Craft Knife by Fiskars) over the other various knives I have.

I've also found it helps to print out two copies, cut out all of the pieces, and tape them together into the "final product." This helps me plan what steps I need to take to put the bag together.

Usually in the first session of leatherwork, I can only cut out the pattern and leather, and usually some of the lining material that I plan to use. I try to not cut the lining down to the final size just yet, as I don't want it to fray.

Here are my pieces, cut and ready to go! If you want to see the bag come together, be sure to follow me on Twitch to watch the process!