Making A Pen Case

[fuchsiaprincess]

White thread! Is the case for anyone btw? Otherwise, I so WANT it

[alc3261]

White thread! Is the case for anyone btw? Otherwise, I so WANT it

Actually I agree White would be best.

[my63]

White thread! Is the case for anyone btw? Otherwise, I so WANT it

 

Ok white it is.

If you want it, of course you can have it.

 

Michael

[fuchsiaprincess]

 

Ok white it is.

If you want it, of course you can have it.

 

Michael

 

Yes please Thank you very much, Michael!

[dragonaura]

That red circular case is gorgeous! I think it would look just as nice with the cross stitching. I will have to save some money up each week so I can buy one one day. I do a fair bit of cross stitching myself so it's really cool to see it in a completely unexpected place

[my63]

That red circular case is gorgeous! I think it would look just as nice with the cross stitching. I will have to save some money up each week so I can buy one one day. I do a fair bit of cross stitching myself so it's really cool to see it in a completely unexpected place

Thanks

I have been trying to get the round cases to a point where I am happy with them but I am not sure I have reached that point the red one above is supposed to be orange it is the camera that makes it look more red than orange I was asked to make it so I did.

I found the round end very difficult to get right I have had a number of tries but I am not 100 per cent happy.

 

Those who pop in regularly will be aware that I have some problems with my right hand which was damaged in a life changing accident almost 10 years ago I also have a condition in my left elbow which cause me significant pain.

I have steroid injections into the tendons on a regular basis to help with pain yesterday I had all three together for the first time so I am feeling a little sorry for myself today.

 

Michael

[alc3261]

No wonder!! You give it a rest for a while.

[mhguda]

Wasn't this hobby supposed to be therapeutic for you?

I second alc3261's suggestion: give it a rest, until the energy comes back up. You really work so hard on all of this...

[my63]

Thank you both for your concern my work on these projects is indeed therapy the pain is there regardless of what I do. I have been having the injections for many years now they used to be alternate quarters but yesterday the consultant offered to do all three at the same time.

It has taken me a long time to be able to discuss this on the open forum I have only discussed it with two or three members via pm in the past but as my recovery progresses I feel I am able to share( it has only taken me 10 years) .

The specialist nurse who helps to manage my pain looks in from time to time to make sure I am not pushing my luck (thanks Sara).

I do have days when I am unable to do the things that I want to do but I focus on what I can do if I can't work with tools I will post pictures of things I have done but not shared. When I can cut leather I cut extra for the days when I can't.

I find moulding and forming leather very relaxing so I do that when I need to relax.

Thanks for taking the time to read and especially to those who have helped and supported me

 

Michael

[David_W]

Michael,

 

Chronic pain is, indeed, a constant balancing act between making the most of your life and trying not to aggravate the symptoms. I have been living with a disabling neuromuscular condition for the past twenty years, which causes global chronic pain amongst other symptoms, so I can relate.

 

Your workmanship and attention to detail are a credit to you. I have enjoyed lurking and now posting in this thread, and hope you will soon feel able to make further progress with your projects.

 

 

With all best wishes,

 

 

 

David

[kiavonne]

Thank you, Michael. I appreciate your sharing, art and life.

 

I understand these things well, so along with the others, I advise rest. When you apply your talents, we'll all be here to enjoy it, and we'll be here to support, too.

 

[Sblakers]

Thanks the pieces are sized to fit the cartridge base and take about an hour each to fit so it will take some time before it is ready to go to auction,

 

I am taking a few days from the larger projects this allows me to revisit the round pen case I have just finished a case which is in the style of the Nakaya case.

 

 

These cases are not as easy to make as they look I prefer the look of the cross stitch style but find cutting the right shape on the end very difficult but I am working on that

 

 

Thanks for looking

 

Michael

Hi Michael,

 

Sorry to hear about the pain you are going through.

 

Are these round cases made with the kydex or zydex or what ever that hard material is called? This case look fantastic

Edited April 13, 2014 by Sblakers

[my63]

Thanks to everyone

 

Yes the round cases are lined with Kydex I am not too happy with the end I need to do more test pieces

 

IMG_6863_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

They are based on the Nakaya cases which are sewn along one edge as in the orange one above, although I have not taken any inspiration from their prices.

The thing I am unsure of is the end of the kydex can be seen as ye I have not been able to form the end of the kydex if that makes sense.

 

I think I could make the cylinder in two halves and join them together however I feel it might make the cylinder weaker as it would have two joints rather than the single joint it has with the rolled method.

 

There will be a solution I just have not found it as yet I have found a number of ways that don't work

 

Michael

[Sblakers]

Thanks to everyone

 

Yes the round cases are lined with Kydex I am not too happy with the end I need to do more test pieces

 

IMG_6863_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

They are based on the Nakaya cases which are sewn along one edge as in the orange one above, although I have not taken any inspiration from their prices.

The thing I am unsure of is the end of the kydex can be seen as ye I have not been able to form the end of the kydex if that makes sense.

 

I think I could make the cylinder in two halves and join them together however I feel it might make the cylinder weaker as it would have two joints rather than the single joint it has with the rolled method.

 

There will be a solution I just have not found it as yet I have found a number of ways that don't work

 

Michael

maybe the ends don't so much matter? If you made it so the pen does not go below the kydex and the two butt pieces would be decoration? You would probably have to make it a tad longer. But at least the pent would still be just as protected. Just a thought. Edited April 13, 2014 by Sblakers

[my63]

A simple and elegant solution thanks, although the transition issue still remains the line where the kydex ends really irritates me as it spoils the line of the case.

I have tried making a case in a thicker leather but as I sew the case in place around the kydex the leather takes the shape.

There are four cylinders that |I made when I made the orange one that I may try to make a separate cap for the next ones I will try again to form in one piece.

 

Thanks

 

Michael

[Sblakers]

A simple and elegant solution thanks, although the transition issue still remains the line where the kydex ends really irritates me as it spoils the line of the case.

I have tried making a case in a thicker leather but as I sew the case in place around the kydex the leather takes the shape.

There are four cylinders that |I made when I made the orange one that I may try to make a separate cap for the next ones I will try again to form in one piece.

 

Thanks

 

Michael

Hi Michael.

 

When you feel up to working on these guys some more Imwould be interested in buying one of the Nakaya type cases.

[Sblakers]

Hi Michael,

 

This was my idea. Please excuse my horribly amateur illustration. If I'm over stepping my bounds by throwing this out there please tell me. For all I know you've already considered this design and found some fault but here it is anyway

 

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/a516/Sblakers/imagejpg1_zps4015a9cd.jpg

Edited April 14, 2014 by Sblakers

[my63]

Hi Sblakers

There is no line to cross I am happy to accept help (or steal ideas from anyone)

What you have drawn there is pretty much what I have done, there is only one piece of kydex which is long enough to cover most pens the orange case the only one I have sent out the inner suede lining was sealed at the boot on of the kydex as you suggested.

The top was a single thickness of leather without kydex but slid over the inner piece and did not allow the pen to move.

 

IMG_6895_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The line shown in the picture above clearly shows where the kydex ends and that is my main issue I can live with straight stitching up the side although I am not too keen on the lugs for the leather closure I think the do that for ease of manufacture.

 

Thanks for the help it is good to talk through some of the issues

 

Michael

[wikeh2004]

Wow, just stumbled on this thread and have to say that your work and craftsmanship are very impressive. Fantastic, Michael. Those cases look they could withstand a truck rolling over them (well, maybe not that much). The pens in there will certainly be well protected. Great job and thanks for the great step-by-step posts.

[Sblakers]

Hi Michael,

 

I also wanted to add- I have been using the case you made me every day. I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to take my pen everywhere with me without worry that it will be damaged. Not to mention the case just looks plain cool. I wouldn't trust any of my pens in any of the other offerings I have seen.

 

 

Back to your new cases: how do you think a flat top design would look ?

Edited April 14, 2014 by Sblakers