Hi There, parts of this have been kicking around on my bench for over a year now (the end caps), so here is a bit of a prototype, just the interior left to do, although undecided at the moment. maybe lambskin, maybe material, will probably be light grey. when i do get it finished, will probably give it to someone to see what they think, and if the straps are too long, is it big enough/ not big enough etc. been fun making so far with only the inside to do which will have 60mm calf leather around the rim, and hopefully do the rest in 1 piece to save stitching. not sure about a pocket although leaning towards not having one.
the bits on each side will stick over the interior, and i will stitch in. the stitches on the sides end 60mm from the top.
the black stuff you can see on the inside is dacron - used for sail repairs in yachting, but also the black numbers you see on sails. very strong and stretch resistant, but about 0.1mm thick. i also glued canvas to the interior as well. the handles have non stretch tape in the middle.
🤓 I find that personal preferences and tastes vary so much across individuals. Since this is a prototype and you are open to suggestions, a pocket would be nice. I have MANY designer bags myself (and shoes…much to my husband’s bewilderment) and, before I focus on the actual aesthetics of any bag, I look at 1) quality of assembly/materials, 2) functionality, 3) something that makes it pop. Take a look at some Alexander McQueen or Ghurka bags. Every stitch and every design element have purpose and seam connected. Anyway, bottom line, you know what you are doing. There is also a line between creating something that could be easily assembled again and something that is almost like a piece of art. I have been doing leather less than a year. I have much to learn but…I know bags!
Looks nice! I agree that a nice contrast in the lining will make the bag pop more. Personally, I like a heavy cotton lining especially the chevron weave. I love when designers choose bold colors like orange, crimson, mustard especially to contrast with black. I saw a nice emerald green once but can’t seem to find it. Also, your corners/bottom look nice. However, if I were the client, I would have kindly asked for bottom rivets/supports. As far as handles length, they should be long enough to easily go over the shoulder but not so long as the purse touches the ground if I choose to hold it in my hands. Ask someone who is 5’5-5’7 height to test it out. Well done!
here are some pics of the finished item. a few things to improve, but overall very happy with my first tote bag.
The bag is looking good, very sturdy design. I think a bright lining would really set it off.
@paul p Really liking this design, especially the one piece corners you've made.
As for interior, since you've gone for all black, I can really see a colourful vintage scarf working as a lining, something that resonates with the end user perhaps?