So I finally succumbed to the lure of the French way!
I made a leather glass slip case in Alligator lined with chevre using 2.7mm pricking irons, an awl, 632 Lin Cable thread and black Uniter's edge paint. My first time using edge paint!
Needless to say, it was a challenge! One that I immensely enjoyed because I usually like a challenge, and because the person I made this for is worth the effort :D
Also, design wise, it is based on a case my father had since the 80s (also i think i forgot to mention that back in the 80s and early 90s, my dad used be the GM of a shoes/leather accessories manufactury!). This case is one produced by the company he used to run.
What I Think i could improve:
1- A Little edge paint spillover on the side.
2- I used a 1.2mm lining, i think i should have went with a 0.8 one. Although in retrospect, i live the "cushiony" effect the thicker lining is giving.
3- I did a binding over stitch on the beginning and ends. Seeing how the ends are curved, I shouldn't have.
4- No idea what else, that is why I am posting here so that you can tell me if where else I could improve.
Great joob 👍
Really like your work Fadi! You are so pro! love the leather also!
Fadiiii beautiful job my friend!!!
Agree with Philip about the creasing. It will give it a special touch. Then, I see it great!
The silly part of this comment: as I have never used exotic skins (and that is a struggle I have in my mind since long, maybe I will write about that later), would you comment how it was to work with alligator? For example: characteristics, or if it is so difficult to handle, what main differences of working with it you experimented compared with vegtan or any other leathers you used... I don’t know, whatever you would like to say 😝
Very nice, @Fadi! As someone just starting to work with gator, croc and caiman, this is inspiring to see. I've made a few glasses cases and, like you, did not sew the opening. However, I sometimes wondered whether that was strictly correct. This part does flex a good deal and get plenty of manipulation, though all that should be fairly gentle. How do we decide whether to sew such locations??
@Fadi Well done! you did a fantastic job, especially edge painting the most difficult skin you can find for your first time!
Yes, the binding over stitch would be better on the outside, or not at all. Two or three back stitches would be fine, especially on alligator as it is very strong, as is goat.
I would recommend edge painting the opening on each piece before you glue them together and stitch. Edge paint loves to migrate into corners, literally pulling itself in and staining the inside.
A decorative crease before you edge paint (especially with an FN tip or Wuta manual creasers) will dome the edges and create a more uniform platform to edge paint giving more consistent results.
A crease inside the mouth of the case on the goat lining would really set of the luxury aspect of the case too.
Congrats! Thickness wise I think it's fine with 1.2mm goat, especially considering the contents.