my first bag

hello, i started this between christmas and new year, but took longer than i thought - especially the edges. i have a few designs i have been working up for bags, this is the first one which i have managed to make up.

its using 2 different thicknesses of dyed through shoulder - chestnut, with black edges and yellow thread.

there are a few things i learnt while doing this, have a thorough plan and stick to it. i made a mock up of the pocket and flap to see how it would work, as i wanted to make sure i could get my hand in, so that is why the gussets on the pockets are the way they are.

the main gusset doesnt really work with the tight corners of the bag.

dont do anything important late when you are starting to get tired - case in point the panels where the strap attach are 30mm lower than planned. still not sure how it happened.

when gluing, i found that cutting the cheap small spatulas to required shape works a treat. when gluing the pockets on, i cut one of the spatulas so it was only 3mm wide.

from an aesthetic point, i think the stitching on the straps is a bit big, maybe go up a size and down a thread size.

will get on with the other bags at some point, and also the laptop envelope i have plans for, although i used the black calf skin for something else, so will need to buy some more.

let me know what you think.

thanks

i think i am going to have to brush up on my photography skills.