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

**thescot** · 28th June 10, 05:04 PM

Well, I guess we'll just have to wait another day, won't we?

The photos and narration is sublime. I would have written more often, but I've about said all there is to say. It's fantastic.

**rtc872** · 29th June 10, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by artificer

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.

I will begin by saying that I am a royalist and do respect the heir apparent to the throne of Australia. I am sorry if you thought I was disrespecting him.

It might be an Australian thing but we give nicknames to all our elite leaders. the former PM Mr John Howard was "Johnny boy" and former PM Mr Kevin Rudd was "Kev" in my circles. I am intrigued what we will do about the current PM Ms Julia Gillard... but that is besides the point.

Finally, thank you for giving me an idea of cost. If I would need to buy that much hide, I guess I could then practice on a couple more simple designes before tackling this one.

Once again thanks.

**artificer** · 29th June 10, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by rtc872

I will begin by saying that I am a royalist and do respect the heir apparent to the throne of Australia. I am sorry if you thought I was disrespecting him.

It might be an Australian thing but we give nicknames to all our elite leaders. the former PM Mr John Howard was "Johnny boy" and former PM Mr Kevin Rudd was "Kev" in my circles. I am intrigued what we will do about the current PM Ms Julia Gillard... but that is besides the point.

No worries here. Just a heads up that some board members are a bit sensitive and the tone could be considered a touch disrespectful... the old 'curse of the internet' with it's lack of inflection, hence the smileys.

Originally Posted by rtc872

Finally, thank you for giving me an idea of cost. If I would need to buy that much hide, I guess I could then practice on a couple more simple designes before tackling this one.

Once again thanks.

If you could go in with a few mates, or see if a local leather supplier will do a cut (partial side) you might be able to ease costs a bit. I definitely recommend starting with a more easily constructed pattern. A 'Rob Roy' style is pretty easy and there are a few good patterns to use as a starting point. The 'day' sporran would be the next step up the ladder in difficulty, IMO (depending on how you finish the edges).

Best 'o luck, shoot pix and keep us all posted on progress.

**artificer** · 29th June 10, 07:55 PM

Sorry to post over myself, gang... but I'm going to anyway.

I got SOooooooo close, but the fates have conspired against me. I cracked the eye on my last needle just a few short minutes ago, so 'ol #5 won't be finished until tomorrow.

Here it sits right now, incomplete, for want of a needle.
Front - sans the snap strap and final saddle stitch (which isn't visible in this shot)

I've made a few small revisions to the pattern and construction to use on the next version of this bag that I think will aid the overall fit and finish.

Back

You can see the 1/2 completed saddle stitch here on the edge trim (which has yet to be dyed, as I want to finish the stitching first and dye ALL the edges at once.

Top Edges

I'm not sure just WHAT happened to the colour in this shot, but it's pretty good for showing the rows upon rows of stitches (along with the unfinished rear stitch).

One thing that drives me round the twist is crooked seams, so I spent roughly 3 hours doing my level best to make sure that not only are the stitches all on line, but that they are in balance with the edge trim, both front and back. Luckily, setting the second thread of the saddle stitch should be less of a task.

Ah well, I guess it's time to put down the tools and pick up a tumbler of Laphroaig. Maybe watch a bit of World Cup.

**Downunder Kilt** · 29th June 10, 08:39 PM

Artificer, I have several handmade sporrans and from your photos I cannot see a flaw in any of your stitching. In fact I'll go out a limb and say that it is the best stitching I have seen. I am sure that HRH Prince Charles would be proud to wear this sporran. (blast about your last needle going) Thanks again for the pics.

**thescot** · 30th June 10, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

. . . One thing that drives me round the twist is crooked seams, so I spent roughly 3 hours doing my level best to make sure that not only are the stitches all on line, but that they are in balance with the edge trim, both front and back. Luckily, setting the second thread of the saddle stitch should be less of a task.
. . .

Good Lord, me too. I've seen top of the line, 200+ sporrans with crooked, uneven stitches that detracted from an otherwise beautiful sporran.

Thanks again for your good work.

**artificer** · 30th June 10, 11:54 AM

Thanks guys, for the very kind words.

At Loooong last #5 is completed.

This morning I picked up a new batch of needles, finished edge dyeing, and attached the snap strap.

Without further ado, #5 (hunting) - Front

If you look back at the last series of pix, you can see what a big difference such a small thing like redyeing the cut edges makes.

Rear

On

I wish I had a nice tweed day jacket and waistcoat to show this off without the belt (which btw ISN'T the dyed to match for this sporran, it goes to my #3 Rob Roy. These belts and straps are too rusty orange for this bag. I have a darker, more brownish set that matches the bag colour starting soon).

That is all.