REVIEW: Oh Susanna's pouch sporran

[Fit2BKilted]

It arrived today! I've been looking for a decent everyday sporran for a while now; and I wanted the best value for the money. This particular product, by Oh Sussana's Leather popped up in one of my searches, and stuck in my mind because of it's simple/classic design that was more elegant than ostentatious: somewhat reminiscent of sporrans that typically list for nearly twice the price (in this case, it was $60USD+shipping to Canada---continental USA shipping may be included in the base price, I'm not 100% sure) I'm also fond of it because of it's lack of superfluous dangly bits, and hence it's a "quiet" design.


The light does not do this real justice... The leathers are actually well-matched in colour, the difference being in the texture. The whole sporran is more the colour of the front lace panel as it appears in this picture. This is the "Dark Brown" model with the Stag Horn button [a selection of silver-coloured pewter(?) buttons are also available---which I discovered by asking for detail pictures]


Here's what it looks like 'under-the-hood': Nice drawstring closure, works smoothly, not too stiff. The gusseting is generous, well balanced in proportion to the rest of the bag (3" depth according to Susanna), and reliably resumes its neat form without coaxing.


Another angle showing the gusset. I know many of us will appreciate the fact that she lists the dimensions of her sporrans on the product page of her site!


That's a BIG BAG! And it opens generously to permit rummaging. I did ask Susanna what 'features' were available on her sporrans, and she responded that she would happily entertain custom work, e.g., pen loop, cell pouch, change purse, etc.; however, she was raising her prices the same day I inquired, and I was really enthusiastic about having this sporran ASAP, so I pressed-the-button on this one and saved an extra $5USD that day. Apparently she does a lot of Ren-Faires and other event-vending; and so, Custom Work has to wait for the low-season (autumn/winter) for completion. Perhaps I will order another one with the extra-features I crave down-the-road.


N.B. just how big this is when fully opened... Also, there's an oversize (3.5") belt-slot on the back. I might have preferred a pair of small D-rings in addition to a somewhat narrower slot; but, a simple leather sporran belt should slide well enough through there. Nonetheless I think I'm going to get a lot of wear out of this sporran! The quality of the leather is amazing... I have no doubt that it will stand up to the task it was born to serve.

Thanks for the great product Susanna!

[greenman11]

It looks grand. Nice photo layout.

Now, if I could just find a belt to match the brown one.

[Fit2BKilted]

It looks grand. Nice photo layout.

Thanks. I'm a bit of a photographer, myself, in addition to doing freelance graphic design.

Now, if I could just find a belt to match the brown one.

A-HA! Funny you should say that... In a spirit that would make my Scot-forebears proud, I tracked down a sweet deal at the local tack-shop: I got a pair of children's (48") pony-saddle stirrup-straps, on sale, for $30, and they make great sporran straps! The only possible detraction is the light number stamping by each eyelet (for sizing). I wouldn't wear it formally; but, since this is a casual day-sporran anyway (and they're barely noticeable) it's a perfect match of quality and frugality IMHO!

[JRB]

Very nice and at an awesome price as well. Thanks for sharing. I've bookmarked the link for future reference.

[SFCRick]

looks nice

[Galician]

It does like look a nice product. FYI, I did a test order, and there was an $8.50 shipping charge for within the U.S.A.

[Fit2BKilted]

It does like look a nice product. FYI, I did a test order, and there was an $8.50 shipping charge for within the U.S.A.

She's getting net-savvy... Best to buy sooner (before she realizes what the market might bear) IMHO.

[pdcorlis]

The quality & price seem very tempting. Actually, I wish they sold a two tone black & brown sporran...

[Fit2BKilted]

The quality & price seem very tempting. Actually, I wish they sold a two tone black & brown sporran...

Mention you heard about her products here, and I'm sure that Susanna would be more than happy to accommodate! Very easy to work with her... I really should post the selection of pewter and white metal buttons she offers as well (but I think I will finally have to avail myself of Photobucket or some such facility rather than sacrificing my personal server's bandwidth)

[Freelancer]

That is a real nice sporran, and the price is fantastic!