Sporran #14 WIP - Snakeskin Hunting Sporran

[artificer]

Thanks, all.

Beautiful job.
Being a Western gal, the snakeskin interests me very much.
Artificer, what was the pro's and con's to using the snake skin on this compared to something with hair?

Snakeskin is much like other skin leathers. This one had the scales on, some snake actually has the scales removed, as the coloured pattern is on the skin itself. This skin was VERY thin and flexible (nearly transparent) so I actually dyed the structural backing material the skin was glued to for a consistent colour tone.

About fur:
Fur can hide sloppy stitching (which is a pet peeve of mine) unless you're looking closely, but fur also presents some unique issues, like the directional nature of the hair growth.

Fur also gets EVERYWHERE. It's so easy to end up with a seam line FULL of stray hairs. It's not a big deal to clear up, just irritating, ESPECIALLY when using waxed thread. The hair and wax just love each other.

Being greatly concerned with proportions, my 'personal' big thing with fur is 'volume control'. Certain furs are just bushy. Unless someone wants a particularly HUGE sporran, you have to design the bag starting with the finished size you want it to appear (including the fluff of hair), and then work backward with the underlying structure to make sure you don't end up with a 14"w sporran

[Downunder Kilt]

Although snakeskin is not on of my preferred choices for a sporran, once again Scott you have created a piece of artwork of exceptional high quality. Your handstiching, design work and finishing are something to behold. Congratulations on another superb creation and congratulations to Drac on his acquistion.


p.s. Thought I saw your skunk sporran in another thread, love the use of your grandfathers cabinet for display


In the interests of full disclosure, I own Artificer sporran No 8

[tyger]

I love it. I have a 'skin, and might use it some day. But then I might ship it to you with the experience to boot.

[artificer]

p.s. Thought I saw your skunk sporran in another thread, love the use of your grandfathers cabinet for display

Thanks! it really is a wonderful cabinet for delicate storage. The cedar keeps the pests away, and the REALLY tight seal keeps dust and such out.

It's also a nice reminder of both my great grandfather and my grandparents.

I love it. I have a 'skin, and might use it some day. But then I might ship it to you with the experience to boot.

let me know, maybe we can work something out.

ith:

[Ryan Ross]

Ooo, now THAT is a cool sporran. Never seen another quite like it, and the closest I've seen was a Ferguson Britt in Python, so you're in good company.

Another masterpiece, Scott! Truly excelent, very clean work.

let me know, maybe we can work something out.

ith:

Mark makes the best buckles I've seen, Scott, and I do believe he could probably put almost any design on one; even a ginkgo leaf, I bet.

...just saying...

[artificer]

Ooo, now THAT is a cool sporran. Never seen another quite like it, and the closest I've seen was a Ferguson Britt in Python, so you're in good company.

Another masterpiece, Scott! Truly excelent, very clean work.

Thanks Ryan. That IS good company to keep.

Mark makes the best buckles I've seen, Scott, and I do believe he could probably put almost any design on one; even a ginkgo leaf, I bet.

...just saying...

Ohhh. Now that's an idea that hadn't occurred.

[English Bloke]

That is very impressive and I love that British Tan colour. For me I could swap the snakeskin and green trim for smooth black leather. Not that the sporran isn't lovely I'm just not partial to snakeskin. I'm not keen on crocodile either. I imagine if you used a green middle section too you'd generate some interest. Especially around St Patrick's Day. Nice work Scott. I really enjoy these WIP threads you put up. Cheers mate, thanks for bringing them to us...

[davidlpope]

Scott,

This is really great. I very rarely see this high degree of thought and care go into sporrans. It's the little things that stand out- the way you have "hidden" the end of the top strap rather than ending in the regular three-lobed design, the pinked trim that barely peeks out, etc. Really great work.

My hesitant criticism is this- is it possible to use a finer gauge waxed cord to sew the seams that are visible? Your stitching is very precise, but I think the "thread" itself is just a little too beefy and draws unneeded attention to those seams.

David

[artificer]

That is very impressive and I love that British Tan colour. For me I could swap the snakeskin and green trim for smooth black leather. Not that the sporran isn't lovely I'm just not partial to snakeskin. I'm not keen on crocodile either. I imagine if you used a green middle section too you'd generate some interest. Especially around St Patrick's Day. Nice work Scott. I really enjoy these WIP threads you put up. Cheers mate, thanks for bringing them to us...

Thanks John!

Sadly, I'm just about out of the tan, and cannot get any more from my supplier. Re: the inset, I've been pondering other uses for this style of bag. You've given me a few more things to think about.

Scott,

This is really great. I very rarely see this high degree of thought and care go into sporrans. It's the little things that stand out- the way you have "hidden" the end of the top strap rather than ending in the regular three-lobed design, the pinked trim that barely peeks out, etc. Really great work.

My hesitant criticism is this- is it possible to use a finer gauge waxed cord to sew the seams that are visible? Your stitching is very precise, but I think the "thread" itself is just a little too beefy and draws unneeded attention to those seams.

David

And thank you David. I really appreciate the critique from one who's style I admire as much as I do yours.

I will say that the thread IS less prominent in person- there is an issue photographing this leather in particular. The colour is quite chameleonic, and to get a picture with even get a reasonable approximation of the actual colour, I must tweak the levels quite a bit. This makes the thread appear to stand out more in the pictures... It's quite frustrating.

That said, I do know what you are saying about the heft of the thread. Thus far I've really only seen two gauges of leather thread, very thin (for machine) and this heavier gauge. I will spend some time today shopping online for a middle gauge (if my internet connection holds out).

Regarding the strap, it's the same style I used on the #5 hunting sporran. The #5 was already fairly intricate, with the brouging across the cantle, and this one just didn't need it. The 'club' strap attachment was in my original drawing, but when I got to building the cantle, the visible strap attachment just seemed to big and clumsy.

Thanks again, guys, for the feedback!
ith:

[AKScott]

A few times I have untwisted five ply white linen thread and pulled out a thread or two, and then twisted back together a new thinner thread with 3 or 4 strands.

Kind of a pain in the neck, but as long as I cut each piece the same length I can use the off strands from the first couple pieces to make up a third one. Uses lots of beeswax too.

All five plies is right stout, I have assembled a couple tool belts for tradesmen, it is the leather that wears out first on those.

Crutch bands too. My brother in law gets around on crutches that come halfway up his forearms, with a leather strap in a loop at the top; he is pretty well paralyzed from the waist down. I used about 14 ounce vegetable tanned leather and five ply linen thread for those, everytime I inquire about them he or my sister insist the bands are finally broken in and better than new. I made them in 1995.