Leather Kelly style bag

Phew!  That was a project!  I made the bag that was so beautifully done on www.iammomma-hearmeroar.  It was a big job.  The hard part was that essentially you have to make your own pattern with your own measurements.  Then there's punching all those dadgum holes.  Then there's all that lacing!  And then there is the biggest problem, my inability to follow closely the directions.  If only I could slow down and pay attention but alas I cannot.

A few things I did in addition to the instructions:

     I made the bag 11 x 13 1/2 (tapered).
     The gusset was 6 x 37 tapered.
     The flap is 3 x 7.
     Straps 18" long with thick rope inserted in the middle 13".
     I measured and marked all the holes on the wrong side of the leather before punching.
     I did attach handles and flap before lacing the bag up.
     I neglected to keep the extra gusset inches that fold down.  Instead I sewed the lining all the way
     around and left the lining stick out the top. (This whole step was improvised because I effed it up).
     I also added a pocket to the inside lining.

Overall I'm pleased with the look of the bag.  I used pink lacing to give it a more Anthropolgie look.  I was afraid it might end up looking to western.   I will make this again but lower and wider. I have some natural color leather that is just beautiful I want to make  a bag out of that I have been searching for the right pattern for.

FYI.  I got the leather at Tandy. You can get some awesome deals there.  I got a huge hide that will easily make 6 handbags for $60.  I used a good quality hole punch also purchased at Tandy.  The lacing I got at Joann Fabrics.  I used less than one package, about 75" to go around each sides and around 25" for the flap. 

I also used some rivets to hold the bag together while I punched the holes.  I put these in randomly just to keep it from slipping (I did not hammer them, just inserted and removed when ready). 

I  put rope in the middle of the handles.  To do this I cut the strap to about 18" x 3" wide.  I use Wonder double sided tape anytime I sew leather.  It is the best way.  I put a strip the middle 13" and on the edge.  I folded it over and used my zipper foot.  Best to try it out first before you do it.

That brings me to sewing leather.  I use a leather needle and a fairly long stitch.  As I said before the Wonder tape is key to keeping the leather from slipping and sliding as you sew. Always make sure your bobbin is full too.  You could be sewing along just making holes if your bobbin runs out and the holes don't go away.  Your leather will be ruined.

Here's a pic of the finished product.  I like the lining sticking out a bit.  The key here is to use snappy colors.  It's a happy bag!  Have fun!