Restoring And Customising A Briefcase

[stevesurf]

Thanks for the suggestions here is the thread colour chart

 

RitzaTigerThread1.0Photo_1024x1024 by my0771, on Flickr​

 

it is quite expensive thread but it is the best available for hand sewing

 

Hi Michael, many congrats on your wonderful progress. There are no "rules" with bag design, but one consistently successful technique is to use the contrasting/complimentary color of the lining as the color of the case's thread.

 

Many pen cases and journal books do this very successfully, so it you are thinking about a turquoise or green liner, carry that color over to the outer trim thread.

[my63]

In order to select the correct thread I thought it would be a good idea to do some samples

 

IMG_1081 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_1078 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I like the idea that the thread gives a hint of what is inside I have to be honest I really like the yellow

 

IMG_1086 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This leather arrived yesterday 12 sq ft of yellow nappa leather.

[Biber]

I like the darker threat you show. Much more innocuous and professional looking than the yellow or red.

[Anne-Sophie]

In order to select the correct thread I thought it would be a good idea to do some samples

 

IMG_1081 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_1078 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I like the idea that the thread gives a hint of what is inside I have to be honest I really like the yellow

 

IMG_1086 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This leather arrived yesterday 12 sq ft of yellow nappa leather.

 

I am usually not fond of yellow thread but it recalls the lining color almost perfectly and will give the case a more contemporary meets traditional look that, I think, only you, can pull off.

 

Did I tell you how much of an inspiration you are?

[stevesurf]

In order to select the correct thread I thought it would be a good idea to do some samples

 

I078 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I like the idea that the thread gives a hint of what is inside I have to be honest I really like the yellow

 

IMG_1086 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This leather arrived yesterday 12 sq ft of yellow nappa leather.

 

Mike the yellow or "golden" thread will be wonderful. Again, a very common thread with some lovely accessories, so you are in good company:

 

http://www.pen-house.net/contents/html/images/pilot/somes/sls3_01_bn/top.jpg

http://www.flyingzacchinis.com/online-store/741-thickbox_default/busta-leather-portfolio-case.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2ZU1zJGrX4/TdEk2Ybov4I/AAAAAAAABxU/u8pLlCsdH3g/s1600/leather+journal+5+small.jpg

[my63]

Thank you all for the comments and support it is difficult to guess what someone might want so I think I will go with my green plan for this case as it does seem to match well with the tones of the case.

I am still waiting for the punches to arrive so can't start yet.

There may be a further delay as I am awaiting a very special project from a member in the USA I can't say much but I am hoping to share the journey with you all.

 

Thanks again

 

Michael

[Biber]

 

Did I tell you how much of an inspiration you are?

 

+ 1!!!

 

I've got some serious covet going on over that vintage Pendragon!

[my63]

My intention when I started this thread was to show people how I make things in the hope that they would have a go themselves and some people have. I am really pleased to hear that someone else is going to have a go at leather working and if I can help in any way then I will.
@ Biber the Pendragon trade name was used by Papworth industries who made travel goods for many years before being taken over by one of Londons leading case makers so they are actually still going today, and they still make that case.
My special delivery item arrived from the USA this morning once I have permission I will share the details with you.

Edited August 22, 2015 by my63

[my63]

The case that was on its way arrived this morning

 

IMG_1112 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I was a little surprised that someone had replaced the straps with these the case is in a sorry state although to be honest for what I paid I could not have bought a lock. so I have a lock handle assembly and a pair of buckles.
As I have not recovered a handle yet I will practice on this one.

[my63]

Further investigation of this case revealed my favourite manufacturers label inside Pendragon so my original plan to use it for parts needs to be reconsidered

 

IMG_1138 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Although the replacement straps appeared to be sewn to the case in fact they were only glued in place at least it saved me from unpicking the stitching.

The picture above shows all of the handle components stripped apart. if you look at a lot of old cases as I do you might notice lots of the handles have black patches this is where the paint has worn away allowing the metal to come into contact with the leather turning it black.

[my63]

Here are some pictures of the inside of the handle which I have cleaned up

 

IMG_1153 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_1156 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_1154 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I think I might splash some paint on to it before I start wrapping it in leather

[my63]

This is going to get confusing this case will be referred to as the green case as it is going to have a green suede interior with green stitching

 

IMG_1161 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Now that I know how the handle works I can go ahead with the restoration I just need the stitching punches as the upper edges do not already have holes.

[Skyppere]

Ive been away from FPN for a while and just now checking back on one of my favorite threads! Just love watching your work evolve! Keep up the good work!

cheers

skip

[my63]

It is nice to hear from you again Skip.

I was just looking through the pictures of our project this afternoon I hope it is working well for you.

Michael

[my63]

The handle assembly is a little unusual. the two pieces are fixed at the bottom where the metal curves around brass bushes

 

IMG_1193 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I stripped and painted the handle as the bare metal would have turned the leather black

 

IMG_1195 by my0771, on Flickr

 

To form the leather to the inside of the handle I soaked the leather in water and pushed it inside the handle then stuffed the void with kitchen towel and held the handle closed with a piece of leather

 

Once dry the leather pieces held the shape of the inside of the handle and were then glued in place.

 

 

IMG_1183 by my0771, on Flickr

 

 

IMG_1188 - Copy by my0771, on Flickr

 

 

More to follow

Edited August 26, 2015 by my63

[my63]

Here is the handle from the inside you can see the leather lining and the small brass bushing

 

IMG_1198 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is the leather wrap for the handle the two pieces are sewn together soaked and formed around the metal body until almost dry when I removed it and added some glue

 

IMG_1196 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Once the glue was added I used clamps to pull everything together

 

IMG_1200 by my0771, on Flickr

 

When the glue was set I applied some saddle tan dye and sewed with the same green thread I plan to use for the rest of the case and trimmed to size

 

IMG_1205 by my0771, on Flickr

 

It should lighten up as it dries fingers crossed

[Anne-Sophie]

Your work is always first class!

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie

I think the handle is the most difficult thing I have tried so far.

I am planning on gluing the suede to the inside of the case today and hope that the stitching punch arrives soon.

 

Michael

[my63]

Here is the handle with its original case ready for re fitting

 

 

IMG_1209 by my0771, on Flickr

[Skyppere]

It is nice to hear from you again Skip.

I was just looking through the pictures of our project this afternoon I hope it is working well for you.

Michael

It is indeed. In september we have our local New Mexico Pen Collectors Club meeting and I plan to take it there and make everyone envious! Including Jim Hughes whom you've worked with also and who suggested I get in touch with you.

cheers!