2- messed up the edging on the inside of the inset, edger dug in to corner and got uneven cuts.
Sometimes edge creasers can be sharp on the corners - they shouldn't be. If you are feeling confident then a little rounding on a stone before polishing may be needed. A creaser should never be able to cut or scratch leather.
3- after messing up the inset I was afraid to mess up the zipper opening and left it just cut.
See above
5- I used the ball end of my burnisher to over the parameter of the bag to shape it out a little and the leather started to crack and lighten.
Looks like the leather you are using has a slight pull-up effect from the oils and waxes between the fibres.
6-used spray adhesive to glue down the liner so it didn’t soak in the fabric, not impressed with the feel inside the bag, thinking a soft leather liner would have been nicer.
Yes, a soft suede or skin would be nice.
7- stitched a pocket to the liner and its not really tight to the side, really don’t like the liner other thank the pattern and colors.
fix better material maybe.
Yes, or leather
8- the decorative corner piece is glued and stitched but I’m unsure how well the edges will hold down.
You will find out! Probably fine to be honest. As long as you beveled the edges well, it shouldn't catch on anything.
Thanks For the reply, #2 I was speaking of an edge cutting tool not a creaser, but I’m guessing the same applies. can’t seem to cut a nice bevel on the tight inside radius.
#5 does the pull up mean it’s not dyed all the way through?
#6 what would be a good recommendation for a soft suede or skin for a newbie?
I am really enjoying this whole process, if you get a chance to look at my other post your feedback is highly regarded!
Actually, I'd be really interested in a list of your own criticisms of the project, alongside a proposed solution for each problem.
A bit like your maths teacher being disinterested in your answer to a math problem, rather they want to see your working out and the evidence of how you go to the solution!
4- when I glued the zipper in I got the glue past The stitches so when the bag is full and the sides pull away I can see glue.
fix would be make sure I don’t glue past the stitch line.
5- I used the ball end of my burnisher to over the parameter of the bag to shape it out a little and the leather started to crack and lighten.
fix would maybe be to wet the leather or use your shoe polish trick?
6-used spray adhesive to glue down the liner so it didn’t soak in the fabric, not impressed with the feel inside the bag, thinking a soft leather liner would have been nicer.
fix unknown
7- stitched a pocket to the liner and its not really tight to the side, really don’t like the liner other thank the pattern and colors.
fix better material maybe.
8- the decorative corner piece is glued and stitched but I’m unsure how well the edges will hold down.
Focus on the positives. You have put in a zipper, I have never done that yet. It is lined with an inner pocket, something else i havent done. Like the corner overlay as well, seems to fit nicely over the top
Keep working on edge finishing. Did you finish the edges around the zipper? Keep working, too, on consistency in stitching. Those are routine items for any beginner.
Some people will prefer the aesthetic of a finer thread.
The inset is an interesting detail. Does it mean something in particular related to your wife?
I see it very well for being the 3rd project up to now.
Regarding the irons, if you have a set of 3.38mm I think they would be fine for this kind of project. And a thread #532 (0.57 mm or similar).
I have a question: what is the thickness of that leather ?
Besides that, I like the inset and what it represents 😊 , if you do something in the future you can try to make a « sanding bar » just using a wood brochette (or any other rounded bar) sticked to some sandpaper. I do so when sanding rounded shapes and works quite decent. 👍🏻
@waynecostanza Regarding the inset: What a great idea, and I'm impressed with the skill you brought to it! Very nice.
If you've not done so already, I recommend watching Phil's videos on edge-finishing. As part of that, I strongly recommend you start using one of the edge paints he recommends. Using good tools and materials will help you gain confidence more quickly. I switched from Fenice edge paint to Uniters, and the difference is striking. I arrive at good-looking edges much faster with Uniters.
Overall, it's a strong third project. You have much to be proud of here. I hope your wife appreciates your burgeoning skill!
Forgot to write, I used all solvent based contact adhesive, I cut the line short of the outside edges by 4mm, and I had a real hard time with the inside edging of the silver plate framing opening.
2- messed up the edging on the inside of the inset, edger dug in to corner and got uneven cuts.
Sometimes edge creasers can be sharp on the corners - they shouldn't be. If you are feeling confident then a little rounding on a stone before polishing may be needed. A creaser should never be able to cut or scratch leather.
3- after messing up the inset I was afraid to mess up the zipper opening and left it just cut.
See above
5- I used the ball end of my burnisher to over the parameter of the bag to shape it out a little and the leather started to crack and lighten.
Looks like the leather you are using has a slight pull-up effect from the oils and waxes between the fibres.
6-used spray adhesive to glue down the liner so it didn’t soak in the fabric, not impressed with the feel inside the bag, thinking a soft leather liner would have been nicer.
Yes, a soft suede or skin would be nice.
7- stitched a pocket to the liner and its not really tight to the side, really don’t like the liner other thank the pattern and colors.
fix better material maybe.
Yes, or leather
8- the decorative corner piece is glued and stitched but I’m unsure how well the edges will hold down.
You will find out! Probably fine to be honest. As long as you beveled the edges well, it shouldn't catch on anything.
@waynecostanza
Actually, I'd be really interested in a list of your own criticisms of the project, alongside a proposed solution for each problem.
A bit like your maths teacher being disinterested in your answer to a math problem, rather they want to see your working out and the evidence of how you go to the solution!
Thank you all for the kind words and the advice!
Focus on the positives. You have put in a zipper, I have never done that yet. It is lined with an inner pocket, something else i havent done. Like the corner overlay as well, seems to fit nicely over the top
For a third project, it looks solid to me.
Keep working on edge finishing. Did you finish the edges around the zipper? Keep working, too, on consistency in stitching. Those are routine items for any beginner.
Some people will prefer the aesthetic of a finer thread.
The inset is an interesting detail. Does it mean something in particular related to your wife?
Forgot to write, I used all solvent based contact adhesive, I cut the line short of the outside edges by 4mm, and I had a real hard time with the inside edging of the silver plate framing opening.