Making A Pen Case

[Anne-Sophie]

So your workshop is still a work in progress, it is such a nice building that you set up with space limitations, meaning the building itself which took the space of an old and smaller one.

 

I wondered how you were going to manage with the Singer, which I know is big and the foil stamping machine, which looks big.

 

All that reorganization will keep you busy for the all 4 weeks of isolation, I see that you also have nice planting area and garden maintenance in autumn is never ending.

[my63]

Yes indeed Anne-Sophie a work in progress having squared off U shaped benches meant I had dead areas in the corners which were difficult to use. The depth of the bench would have been great for large pieces of leather but I dont use large hides that often. On the down side I could not reach the shelves of even the sockets. I have gained almost a metre either side and the space between the two sides will accomodate the Singer which is not actually very large but like the Marshall press is extraorinalary heavy.

 

To keep you all up to date some of my customers dont do social media or even fpn if they dont want their case shown then I respect that, sometimes I get pictures sent to me that I can share this was the last twin cigar case made a few weeks ago.

 

twin cigar by my0771, on Flickr

[my63]

I shared the start of this case some time ago and have fallen further behind.

It is almost ready for shipping now.

 

2020-09-27_09-51-34 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After applying the dye I glued the components together ready for stitching.

 

2020-09-27_09-52-27 by my0771, on Flickr

 

In an attempt to catch up a little I started the next two cases while waiting for the dye to dry.

 

2020-09-27_09-51-56 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-09-27_09-52-07 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As you can see a single and a double, the Kydex starts off as a flat sheet and is heated and molded into the desired shape.

 

2020-09-27_09-53-05 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-09-27_09-53-13 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As if by magic they are covered with suede, actually it takes glue and a couple of hours work but the results look good.

 

2020-09-27_09-53-32 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is the front cover for the two pen case

[Anne-Sophie]

Such impressive work Michael!

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie.

I am trying to catch up so I have three cases on the bench at the same time. There is a big project coming up that I think readers will enjoy.

 

This is the single pen case for a Conid King size, I have sealed the suede covered kydex pen tube with wrap. The leather outer cover is formed around this, here you can see the tube with the freshly formed cover.

 

2020-10-01_08-03-19 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The lower part of the case has to be finished trimmed and stitched before I can form the top part around it. I have protected the lower part of the case from the upper part with the same wrap from the still wet upper part which was stored in a plastic bag.

 

2020-10-01_08-04-30 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The two pen case is for a pair of Montblanc 149's this style of case is incredibily strong. In this picture I have glued the front pieces together and I am dry fitting the front and rear panels. the rear panel has a flat piece of kydex in between the leather and suede, when both parts are stitched together the front and rear kydex panels are drawn together sandwiching the suede making a super strong joint.

 

2020-10-01_08-03-32 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Stitching for this case is done with Lin Cable 532 red thread I usually start just under the point where I want the strap to sit.

 

2020-10-01_08-04-02 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Almost there.

 

2020-10-01_08-05-25 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This one is finished.

 

2020-10-01_08-03-48 by my0771, on Flickr

[N1003U]

Lovely work (as usual), my63.

[my63]

Thanks N1003U

 

I dont normally show finished cases, I had always hoped that owners would share their cases here but as I have never asked them I guess ithat might be why it has not happened.

The good news is after the next order is complete I no longer have a waiting list to worry about. The next order is for three cases so I will start them next week. Not having a waiting list will give me a chance to make some other things on my list. Although I am expecting a briefcase for restoration soon so that will be a nice change.

 

My new website is now live but as I have been very busy I have not added much yet. https://my63leather.wixsite.com/my63 I have started posts there about the new sewing and stamping machines.

 

Single pen case for a Montblanc M series fountain pen. With owners initials embossed into the strap. Black leather with grey suede and stitching.

 

2020-10-03_04-47-34 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Sticking with Montblanc this case is for a pair of Montblanc 149 fountain pens. Red suede with red stitching and black leather. Owners initials are embossed into the leather strap.

 

2020-10-03_04-47-15 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The third case finished this week is a cigar style case for a Conid King size fountain pen. Dark red outer with red suede and stitching. The pen rest /toggle is handmade from Brazilian mahogany,the little leather tag has the owners initials embossed into it.

 

2020-10-03_04-47-50 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks to everyone who reads and especially to those who take the time to comment, It is funny how things change earlier this year I remember thinking it will be cool to reach 100,000 views I did not even notice when that number passed by. While I am talking about numbers I spoke to the NHS team I helped to set up their production facility for gowns they have just passed 2.5 million gowns last week. Although I am no longer involved it is still something I am proud of.

 

Thanks

[twin63]

Kudos to you and the NHS team for what has been accomplished by the production facility! If I remember correctly, you all had that facility up and running very quickly.

 

As for your cases, the pictures speak for themselves. Simply outstanding work!

[Anne-Sophie]

Michael, the pen cases are, per usual, beautiful and classy.

 

I don't think I have ever seen one of your cases being all red suede, leather and stitching. It is very unique!

 

Thank you for sharing your new website!

[my63]

Thanks for the comments I appreciate them all.

 

I have a bit of a gap between projects, so I have started looking at my garage which is going to become a utility room/ kitchen while I rebuild the kitchen, Dont worry this is a five year project there will still be time for cases.

 

While clearing out darker corners I found a number of boxes and bags of all shapes and sizes, One of them is a domed top writing slope which I bought in 2013, I was in the middle of its restoration when I started making leather pen cases. As it happens it was October 2013. When it arrived it looked like this.

 

IMG_4983 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_4982 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_4981 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_4991 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Over the years I have done most of the structural repairs to the slope making it sound, I have also repaired the large holes in the veneer, I have left it mostly as it was to tell the story of the writing slope.

 

2020-10-11_09-44-49 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-10-11_09-45-57 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-10-11_09-45-00 by my0771, on Flickr

 

When I bought the writing slope it had a red velvet writing area but I dont believe this is the original which I believe would have been either a darker colour velvet or possibily goat skin.

This will be one of the many items which I will be offering for sale.

[my63]

I should point out that my intention is to "make good" rather than fully restore, I have fixed the big holes and secured everything else. but it will not be perfect. The inside will have some nice leather and suede.

It will be for sale when finished.

 

This type of veneer needs to be scraped with a cabinet scraper rather than sanded, small partictles generated by sanding become embedded in the light coloured veneer making them it dirty.

 

This box was originally french polished and although I am not very good at it I will be french polishing it. My method is to apply the first two coats with a brush when it has dried I will sand it smooth. It should be applied with a piece of wadding wrapped in a cloth called a "Rubber" this is essential if you are working on a large flat surface.

 

2020-10-13_06-41-54 by my0771, on Flickr

 

You can see how the french polish brings the colour of the veneer out.

 

2020-10-13_06-42-10 by my0771, on Flickr

[N1003U]

That is a very experienced and beautiful box. I suppose (or at least imagine) that it has many stories to tell. I do like the idea of just making the major repairs and letting the box do the rest of the talking...

[my63]

Thanks N1003U that is my planmake it usable then find it a new home where it will be enjoyed.

 

Some of you may remember this tim last year I had to say farewell to my beloved Diesel the rescue Springer Spaniel, we had lost his sister Keela almost 12 months before.

 

Sadly today we said farewell to Millie, she came to us from a rescue as a six month old pup early in October 2008. Millie was very friendly with the 70 odd foster dogs who we have looked after over the years. She honestly believed every human should stroke her. I did manage to teach her to wink the only problem was it was totally random people would often say did your dog just wink at me the best reply was a .

Technically Millie was my daughters dog but I have spent all bar a handfull of days with her in the last 12 years.

 

Millie 04/2008 to 10/2020

 

IMG_0340 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_0402 by my0771, on Flickr

 

millie ball by my0771, on Flickr

 

Thanks for indulging me a little. We now have only one spaniel Zoe who is 7.

[twin63]

So sorry to read this. Millie looked and sounded like a joy. Many memories to treasure, I’m sure.

[my63]

I wanted to share this with you as it made me smile, I have not done a lot of that lately.

 

2020-10-31_01-31-56 by my0771, on Flickr

 

.

[my63]

While you were away I have kept myself busy, I was asked by a Doctor if I would look at his grand fathers doctors case.

When it arrived the leather was very dry, Unfortunately at some point in its life this case was very wet something heavy had been placed in the area of the lock causing it to be pushed in. It also caused the sides to crease and as it dried out the leather held the position.   

 

The iside appeared ok in the begining, the tops of the dividers were a little worn.

 

When I started to remove the stitching there was a lot of it that was very weak, actually it just pulled apart in many places.

 

 

The front edges are badly worn, The leather on front of the case wraps around the sides of the case and in a number of places it has worn through. I am not sure how I am going to repair this.

 

 

This is the inside of the front panel, the creases are more visible from this side are the water marks. 

 

 

The bottom corners of the dividers all looked like this, the original card had delaminated and had also been wet.

 

 

The centre section of the case had a lining in the bottom and a fold down flap to push the two dividers apart, this made the compartment larger. As the dividers were soft and bent the case would not stand on its own.

 

Time to start repairs.

 

 

I started with the dividers carefully peeling them apart and gluing them back together, but flat.

 

 

The tops were not too bad but I did not have any leather paper in the correct colour, So I used leather I had inherrited from an old book binder, which he dated 1973 which matched quite well.

I think it looks OK. 

 

 

This is the lining from the inside bottom of the case it came out in 2 pieces split along the centre.

I skived down a piece of leather to make a repair panel. 

 

 

This is the front panel it has had a piece of card inserted to strenghten it and remove the creases, I cut out around the lock. I have glued a piece of leather over the back of the lock as is usual practice to protect the inner lining.

 

 

The card backing has pulled the creases out of the panel. The card will allow the shape of the case to form when the case is closed.

 

 

As you can see there is a second line of stitching around the inside of the front and rear covers this has to be stitched first. Here is the first part of the detail stitching.

 

 

There was a small tear on the gusset piece which I repaired with a patch on the inside and some glue.

 

 

Stitching the gussets to the dividers, red is the tack stitches.

 

 

 

 

 

[my63]

I seem to be having some issues with images rotating when transferred to the new software. I will try to rotate yesterdays images once I have found out what is causing the issue.

The dividers are curcial to the case being able to stand upright unsupported, as you can see here the case stands upright with the two dividers stitched in place. 

I can now start to look at attaching the front and rear panels.

 

[Anne-Sophie]

 

Mike, I am so sorry about Millie, she can be proud that her winking always made someone's day. 

 

And her great dog manners were a stellar example for your foster dogs.

 

 

Thank you again for setting up the gown making factory, so that essential workers, patients and their families can be protected.

 

 

The drawing Thank You note of the pencase is really true to life, a very nice thank you, indeed.

 

I just learned that you add kydex at the back of the flat pen cases, which explains their strength.

 

 

The writing slope is truly unique, you did a tremendous job fixing the marquetry without removing the vintage, historic sense of the piece.  Was the key there? I am always impressed that you can find or make keys for the slopes and the briefcases.

 

The doctor case looks like a major project, very impressed by the work you have already done and can't wait to see the end result!

 

 

 

 

 

[my63]

Thanks for your kind words Ann- Sophie Millie is a big miss.

The gowns project is still running, Although now in a new building. They have recently passed the 2.5 million gowns produced.

I am still working on another project with the NHS team and will say more when I can.

The writing slope has been with me for many years and it needs to find a new home, all of its joints are solid and it will last for many more years. 

 

Talking of things lasting for many years the Doctors case is now in its final stages.

The front and rear panels are attached by a second line of stitching.

 

2020-12-10_05-33-07 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2020-12-10_05-32-40 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The next and final step is to add the metal frame wrapped in leather around the top.

 

2020-12-10_05-32-29 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After more days stitching than I care to remember it is finished all hand stitched with Barbour fine linen thread.

 

2020-12-10_05-31-42 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After providing service to 3 generations of the same medical family it is now ready to serve the next 3.

 

[Anne-Sophie]

 

Mike, you are a miracle worker, I never thought this case would be able to be made whole, but, as usual you proved wrong.

 

It looks like a lot of sewing, make sure to rest you hands as much as possible. 

 

You said: "The gowns project is still running, Although now in a new building. They have recently passed the 2.5 million gowns produced.

I am still working on another project with the NHS team and will say more when I can."

 

So impressive! With the first vaccine ongoing, and Britain being an island, you guys are going to overcome that awful virus, in no time.

 

Give good thoughts, for your family and friends.

 

if I may be so bold to ask for good thoughts to my family and friends, all over the world. I'll be grateful.

 

I live in the center of the U.S, so you can imagine the anxiety, luckily, FPN is back and my fountain pens are at the ready.