Hello all! This is my first post on the forum so please pardon the post. I tried to do as much back research as possible by reading previous posts on the topic but I still have some lingering questions.

I have been carrying around personal items (wallet, pocketknife, notepad, etc.) in a climbers chalk bag (http://www.w-trek.com/images/chalk_bag_new.JPG) at my side with jeans (sorry for the front-wearing kilt purity clause I am sure I have broken. Hope the jeans/side wearing is okay!). I didn't even know what a Sporran was. After so research I discovered the item and found this thread. I love the concept and functionality but the chalk bag isn't taken as seriously as I would have hoped. That is how I ended up here. I wanted to buy a nice Rob Roy sporran but it is much more than I can afford so I thought I might make one. I have done some sewing in the past (fixing cloths, etc.) but never something quite like this. I don't have a pattern in mind but wanted to keep the exact dimensions of the chalk bag that I have. I simply wanted to add a flap and make it out of nice black leather. I just started winter break so I have plenty of time but limited funds. Below are my questions:

  1. Is using the chalk bag as a template a bad idea?
  2. As this is my first sporran should I not anticipate it coming out very well?
  3. How much should I expect to spend on materials? (In know I will need the leather, a punch, thread, etc.)
  4. Where can I find leather? Is using an old thrift store coat a good way to go?
  5. What do you use for thread? I'd like to use something very strong, but something I can find easily.


Any help anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all very much in advance.

Bill