Entries Tagged 'Unfinished Work' ↓

LARGE VERSION - link

I’ve been trying to draw up a pattern for a while now based on my most recent findings. This isn’t necessarily the best version, but it includes the features I’m looking for in my next run. It looks like a big project.

Maybe the pattern can help out any other would-be bag makers as well.

Love, peace, and pizza.

Piece(s):

Notes:
This bag is not yet completed. I didn’t have the correct web strapping handy, so it will have to wait until tomorrow. The features on this bag definatley surpass any of my previous creations. And although some of the bag I am not happy with, it is a step onto a whole new realm. More to come when I am completed with it.

Bag Beta….SUCCESS!
This bag was a huge step for me. But first, things first. Photo dump….then see detail below.

-bag itself-

-bag on hot model-

As I said, the production of this big was a big step for me. I did it in about the same time as the first bag, but with planning and being less rusty on my machine, I made a superior product.

As you can see I added the following features:
• Padded shoulder strap (words were a nice touch too)
• Shorter top-flap
• Inside pocket (has proved very useful)
• Sternum strap (for stabilizing when riding)
• Much taller

With all of these additions and a big growth in the pattern, I feel I am on the road to building the best bag. The bag rides pretty well, but the strap could use improvement in placement. As you will also notice, there were two beers missing from the six-pack in my demonstration, so I’m off to rest now and think more about the pattern.

Goals for the next bag version:
• Better top-flap
• More pockets and/or large pocket on outside, under top-flap
• Fabric trim to take off the sharp edges
• Better strap placement

That’s about all for now. Tune in later.

UPDATED PICS - Jan 27th

-bag itself-

-bag on hot model-

This is the progress as of 8:30pm PST tonight. Although the bag is a success for testing the general pattern and materials, there are many changes in order for the next run.

1. It need to be much taller. I made this model on the short side to conserve vinyl. This bag only required one of the 5 vinyl posters I was given.
2. The edges and corners are razor sharp. I need to devise either a method of preventing this or come up with a “edging” material.
3. I’ve forgotten how to finish off stitches. I need to google that and relearn. Otherwise this thing is gonna fall apart fast.
4. Pockets and any “intricate” strap attachments will need to be made before the main bag seams are stitched. I had a hell of a time trying to manipulate the vinyl once the main seams were in place.
5. Need to determine most comfortable strap settings.

All of this noted, I will sort it out tomorrow. Time for a beer and a cigarette. Celebrate a job well done.

My messenger bag is about to give way finally. It’s been with me for a solid two years, and is long overdue for a replacement. Not to mention that this current bag has hardly enough room for a city rider like myself. My first intuition was to go out and buy a Chrome bag. However I quickly found that I didn’t like the way they wore, so I opted away from Chrome bags. Next, I heard about a great made-to-order messenger bag company called R.E.Load, and really liked the way their bags looked. I happen to see one of their “not-so-custom” version at the local bike shop and tried it on. It fit great and felt like a bag that would ride easy.

The problem I found, after contacting R.E.Load, was that I would have to wait 6-8 weeks to actually get my bag. Not sure of how much longer my decrepit current bag might last, I looked for a quicker solve. That’s when I found Federico’s messenger bag pattern and blog about the evolution of this pattern. I quickly started a new, customized version for myself, drawing the pattern in illustrator and noting all the measurements needed.

As you can see above, I have not yet taken into account the straps. But I think those can be done after the main body construction. I’ve also changed the dimensions of the original pattern somewhat to make a larger bag. Seeing as how I am probably 1.5x the size of Frederico, it seems appropriate.

Now to find a sign shop dumpster tomorrow and get this going of the sewing machine….