WIP Sporran #3 & #4 Rob Roys

[artificer]

Hi all,
I again promised myself that I'd shoot a few pix during the making of sporrans #3 and 4. I'm somewhat reluctant to log this process, as I'm trying to finish at least one of these for our local Highland games on Saturday.

Both are Rob Roy styles again. Both are using the same leather as #1, which can be seen HERE.

I did make some pattern alterations for this series. I changed slightly the shape of the lid (although I didn't throw the original out, as I do like it).

The location of the cabochon is altered slightly for this set (downward toward the bag) and I'm planning a different shape as well for at least one of the two.
The gusset will be a little deeper on the newer one and slight increase in the overall bag size has been made as well.

Here are the cutting for the new pieces. Reinforcing panels have been cut, dyed and are glued to their facings.


You can see that the top flaps are formed already. I do the shaping right after edging while the leather is still very wet and pliable. When the facings are glued on, they are glued with most of this shape maintained. They are then stretched on and clamped. This is important because if they were glued onto a flat flap it could cause extra stretching to the face panel in use.

Also of note, on the upper of the two flaps you'll see there is no leather to fully wrap the edge. Once the glue has fully set I will be lacing this edge. I really liked the effect on #2 - seen HERE, and will be doing a similar treatment with a slightly smaller braid (and obviously in a complimentary brown rather than black )

Last night in the shop while I was waiting for the glues to fully set I broke out the table saw and lathe again. After some wood selection and a bit of work we have the toggles for one of the new lot, as well as a slab cut for the cabochon. The wood is Ebony Macassar.




This set of toggles is a slightly different shape than on #1 and are a bit smaller.
They are just waiting to be cut from their mates, have their edges finished and be drilled for the thong.

As always, constructive critique and general commentary are welcome.
Thanks for looking - hopefully I'll have some updates this evening.


***BTW I'm hoping to fully document #5 (jacobite) from pattern design through completion. But that won't begin until these are finished (and hopefully out the door)

[norfair86]

Looking good so far! Can't wait to see the outcome!

[xman]

I haven't been commenting, but I've been watching and I love your work, artificer. Looks like another fine project in the making.

[artificer]

Thank you both. Here are a few updates from yesterday early evening.

The bag that has officially been designated #3 - panels attached to faces and awaiting the gusset.


You can see that the top flap for #3 IS the one with the laced edge. Here's a detail shot.


I really like the laced edge. It does add a lot of time over the sewn leather edge, but I think the effect is quite nice. This has been laced in the same way as #2, with the flap in halves so the lace travels down toward the center from both sides. This also adds a bit of time, but I think it's time well spent.

Anybody have any thoughts on the laced edge? Too structured for a 'casual' bag?

I love the feel of the laced edge, and #4 may end up with the same treatment.

[tinksdad]

Anybody have any thoughts on the laced edge? Too structured for a 'casual' bag?

I'm a relatively new initiate to kilts and accessories; but IMHO, the laced edge takes it that step above the "mass produced" look. The little details are what give it that true hand made one of a kind appeal. I only wish I had the skills (and confidence) to do that kind of workmanship. And a hint of #5 yet to come has me waiting impatiently to see more of your work.

[wildrover]

the laced edge takes it that step above the "mass produced" look. The little details are what give it that true hand made one of a kind appeal.

I agree, beautiful work.

[artificer]

I'm a relatively new initiate to kilts and accessories; but IMHO, the laced edge takes it that step above the "mass produced" look. The little details are what give it that true hand made one of a kind appeal. I only wish I had the skills (and confidence) to do that kind of workmanship. And a hint of #5 yet to come has me waiting impatiently to see more of your work.

I agree, beautiful work.

Thanks, both for the kind words. I'm always a little nervous with embellishments beyond what is needed- I'm a pretty minimal guy. When laying out the design I was worried that it would have too 'artsy-crafty' a feel. I think it came out pretty well in execution though, and am glad others like it as well (and that it doesn't read 'wild west' either )

I'm nearly finished, just squaring up some details and need to get out to the shop to cut the cabochon for the lid.

The new bag... it's big. People joke about getting their head in theirs... well, I gave #3 a test early this AM and here's the result.


I AM BAGMAN!

This thing even fits over my gigantic, rectangular 7 5/8 noggin! When cinched up it's not too big, but it seems HUGE with the mouth open.

(I'm actually thinking of shrinking #4 slightly .

As to #5, I may push the Jacobite bag to #6 and go with a hunting sporran for #5... I'm torn right now. I'd like to try my hand at the leather 'petals' on the hunting bag.

[BoldHighlander]

For some reason when viewing these photos, I just feel like shouting:

"Let's all win one for the Gipper!"



(couldn't resist )

[artificer]

For some reason when viewing these photos, I just feel like shouting:

"Let's all win one for the Gipper!"



(couldn't resist )

Good Call! Certainly beats "Bring Out The Gimp" (ala Pulp Fiction)

[Downunder Kilt]

I have followed your previous sporran making threads and am enjoying this one also. I really like the idea of the braiding and as I said in a previous post it adds that little je ne sais quoi to your work. I don't think it is overbearing or ostentatious. From your comments you enjoy doing it and after all they are your creations. All the best with your endeavours