WIP Sporran #5 (hunting)- from the very start

**artificer** · 29th June 10, 07:55 PM

Sorry to post over myself, gang... but I'm going to anyway.

I got SOooooooo close, but the fates have conspired against me. I cracked the eye on my last needle just a few short minutes ago, so 'ol #5 won't be finished until tomorrow.

Here it sits right now, incomplete, for want of a needle.
Front - sans the snap strap and final saddle stitch (which isn't visible in this shot)

I've made a few small revisions to the pattern and construction to use on the next version of this bag that I think will aid the overall fit and finish.

Back

You can see the 1/2 completed saddle stitch here on the edge trim (which has yet to be dyed, as I want to finish the stitching first and dye ALL the edges at once.

Top Edges

I'm not sure just WHAT happened to the colour in this shot, but it's pretty good for showing the rows upon rows of stitches (along with the unfinished rear stitch).

One thing that drives me round the twist is crooked seams, so I spent roughly 3 hours doing my level best to make sure that not only are the stitches all on line, but that they are in balance with the edge trim, both front and back. Luckily, setting the second thread of the saddle stitch should be less of a task.

Ah well, I guess it's time to put down the tools and pick up a tumbler of Laphroaig. Maybe watch a bit of World Cup.

**Downunder Kilt** · 29th June 10, 08:39 PM

Artificer, I have several handmade sporrans and from your photos I cannot see a flaw in any of your stitching. In fact I'll go out a limb and say that it is the best stitching I have seen. I am sure that HRH Prince Charles would be proud to wear this sporran. (blast about your last needle going) Thanks again for the pics.

**thescot** · 30th June 10, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

. . . One thing that drives me round the twist is crooked seams, so I spent roughly 3 hours doing my level best to make sure that not only are the stitches all on line, but that they are in balance with the edge trim, both front and back. Luckily, setting the second thread of the saddle stitch should be less of a task.
. . .

Good Lord, me too. I've seen top of the line, 200+ sporrans with crooked, uneven stitches that detracted from an otherwise beautiful sporran.

Thanks again for your good work.

**artificer** · 30th June 10, 11:54 AM

Thanks guys, for the very kind words.

At Loooong last #5 is completed.

This morning I picked up a new batch of needles, finished edge dyeing, and attached the snap strap.

Without further ado, #5 (hunting) - Front

If you look back at the last series of pix, you can see what a big difference such a small thing like redyeing the cut edges makes.

Rear

On

I wish I had a nice tweed day jacket and waistcoat to show this off without the belt (which btw ISN'T the dyed to match for this sporran, it goes to my #3 Rob Roy. These belts and straps are too rusty orange for this bag. I have a darker, more brownish set that matches the bag colour starting soon).

That is all.