fur sporran advice...cantle advice etc.

[rondo]

Thanks Padre Bill and AKScott, the last link is one i hadn't seen before, nice examples of older sporrans. I would assume that connecting the bag to a modern metal cantle will be obvious [when i have the cantle in hand]. I am wondering about things like stitching: i guess i'm going to need an overstitch wheel and something to punch holes in the hide/leather with as a minimum and needles or is that what an awl is for? My idea at the present is to cut out a patern, measure and punch the holes then build the bag inside out and turn it when finished. Any other crafters feel like chiming in? Thanks.
Rondo

[Ryan Ross]

Thanks Padre Bill and AKScott, the last link is one i hadn't seen before, nice examples of older sporrans. I would assume that connecting the bag to a modern metal cantle will be obvious [when i have the cantle in hand]. I am wondering about things like stitching: i guess i'm going to need an overstitch wheel and something to punch holes in the hide/leather with as a minimum and needles or is that what an awl is for? My idea at the present is to cut out a patern, measure and punch the holes then build the bag inside out and turn it when finished. Any other crafters feel like chiming in? Thanks.
Rondo

That sounds pretty standard to me.

As far as tools go, you're spot on; a wheel for keeping the holes evenly spaced, an awl for poking the holes, and a couple of harness needles (with waxed thread) for getting the sewing material through the awl holes. You'll also want some kind of leather adhesive or small clamps to hold the pieces of leather together while stitching.

Folks like Artificer and turpin might hopefully chime in, as they are wonderful hand stitchers and sporran makers. Also, for further ideas, you might want to take a look at the Scottish Tartans Museum's gift shop page; under the sporran category, you'll find Ferguson Britt Sporrans- you might get some ideas about construction and bag shape from them.