moulded leather sporran?

**Joseph McLaren** · 22nd June 09, 04:44 AM

I really like moulded leather. For those of you not familiar with what I mean, here is a picture of a tiny pouch made from the stuff. Basically, wet leather is formed around a wooden mould and held firmly in place. The leather dries quite stiff and takes on the shape of the mould.

I realised the other day that I'd never seen a sporran made this way, so I got a local harnessmaker to quote me a price for one (she makes other cases and pouches this way).

Can anyone see any drawbacks with this idea? I'd be eager to hear what others think before I commit to this commission.

I suppose the stiffness is going to limit expansion a bit (no expandable gusset), but I don't put too much in my sporran anyway. Also, I thought about asking for an extra, padded layer of soft leather on the back for comfort.

What do you think? Foresee any problems?

**sathor** · 22nd June 09, 05:06 AM

I think having it be securely closed would be the main issue, sure there is a way around that though, but it is beyond my current skill.

**budd4766** · 22nd June 09, 05:21 AM

Nice pouch. Wet-molded leather looks really good when done right, and it'll be sort of stiff, as you said, but it should work well for a sporran. Just make sure to explain to her what you want before she starts. Once you cut leather, there's no going back, and you could save her a lot of trouble by being clear up front. (voice of experience speaking).

Make sure she knows how deep you want it (front to back, top to bottom), and you should be fine.

**Joseph McLaren** · 22nd June 09, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by sathor

I think having it be securely closed would be the main issue, sure there is a way around that though, but it is beyond my current skill.

Good point. She'll be using a tab and loop, secured by a round-headed pin, rather than a press stud.

**Joseph McLaren** · 22nd June 09, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by budd4766

Nice pouch. Wet-molded leather looks really good when done right, and it'll be sort of stiff, as you said, but it should work well for a sporran. Just make sure to explain to her what you want before she starts. Once you cut leather, there's no going back, and you could save her a lot of trouble by being clear up front. (voice of experience speaking).

Make sure she knows how deep you want it (front to back, top to bottom), and you should be fine.

Thanks. I'm definitely going to give her very detailed drawings, as well as a sporran for size and shape reference. I'll need to get the moulding block made as well.

There's an element of risk here, it's a bit of an experiment. She's quoted £50, which includes materials, so I reckon the risk is worth it.

Having skilled workmen make me things to my own design is becoming a bit of a hobby~ it doesn't always work, but sometimes you get something really special, beautifully made, unique, and cheaper than shop prices.

**JolyStNicholas** · 22nd June 09, 05:44 AM

I think it is an excellent project and will anxiously await the outcome. Have you decided on a color yet? The soft back also sounds like a good idea. A long day's walk around town or a highland game could cause a rubbing sensation in unwanted places

.

**Joseph McLaren** · 22nd June 09, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by JolyStNicholas

I think it is an excellent project and will anxiously await the outcome. Have you decided on a color yet? The soft back also sounds like a good idea. A long day's walk around town or a highland game could cause a rubbing sensation in unwanted places

.

my thinking exactly!

I think this would be a tan bridle-hide. Probably with a matching sporran belt and kilt belt (3 inches wide with a circular wrought iron buckle)
It may be a while before I can bring this project together, but rest assures Xmarks will see pics as soon as possible!

**Peter C.** · 22nd June 09, 06:28 AM

As she is stitching it together anyway, couldn't you have the moulded front and the expanding gusset?

Just a thought

Peter

**Peter C.** · 22nd June 09, 06:30 AM

As she is stitching it together anyway, couldn't you have the moulded front and the expanding gusset?

Just a thought

I can see you ending up with a great sporran either way.

Peter

**Joseph McLaren** · 22nd June 09, 06:33 AM

Originally Posted by Peter C.

As she is stitching it together anyway, couldn't you have the moulded front and the expanding gusset?

Just a thought

I can see you ending up with a great sporran either way.

Peter

It's a possibilty I suppose, but I feel that I'd like to keep it very simple. To be honest, I usually wear a jacket with my kilt, so the storage capacity of the sporran isn't critical.