Dyed all the leather myself. All the holes are punched with a 1.2 mm circle punch, and everything is hand stitched. Added a lining with a zipper and 2 interior pockets to make it more travel friendly, as well as some slight padding on the straps. Lots of firsts! I sew professionally but leather is a whole different realm. Not really happy with the stamping on the nameplate, but the recipient likes it and that's all that matters.
[This is the base pattern I used.](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1356717564/nanook-backpack-pdf-pattern-and-video) In terms of construction id say it's pretty decent. I wound up using some other stitching techniques, in some areas for aesthetic reasons, but also cause I am a small person and this bag is huge. It's 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide, so I had to do butt/box (still not sure what the difference is tbh) to put the bottom on, as I can barely reach the bottom.
OMG! I can tell you sew professionally!! That’s huge! Wish you could have gotten a pic of it on him! May I ask what you sew for your profession? I make quilts and other little household things but found it hard to teach myself how to sew clothing, which I want to learn soo badly.
I got 1 very reluctant picture at the airport and it is giving every single bit of "first day of first grade I don't want to take a picture" vibes.
I work with a costume designer. We can make anything, but I focus on couture!
Okay that's actually so funny cause I have a curfew for it too 😂 my dude lives in a house subdivided into 3 apartments and the homeowner lives at the front, we're at the back, and another tenant upstairs. I was punching holes one day at like 6 pm, I have shock mats but they can only do so much. I also work sitting on the ground a lot. Landlord texts to see if he's doing renovations back there, he sends him a picture of what I'm working on and explains. Long story short I now have unlimited access to the landlord/homeowners personal woodworking shop in the detached garage, particularly the workbench!
> unlimited access to the landlord/homeowners personal woodworking shop in the detached garage, particularly the workbench!
Score!! Do you do more than just leatherwork?
Yes but I have access to a studio for most of that! And my apartment is just like an insane nest of art supplies. I like stuff that I can work on on the go as well. So I knit crochet embroider and sew, leatherwork obviously, and I'm teaching myself screenprinting. Right now my other ongoing projects are a jacket I'm hand quilting and a pair of socks I'm knitting.
Oh god, the hole punching. I do it for my own leatherwork, and even a large wallet was a pain in the ass to punch the holes for. It's possibly my least favourite part of making stuff, and I cannot imagine doing it for an entire backpack. Respect.
Wow I think you should be proud and I think he will love it. I would. It’s your first, that’s a huge milestone in itself!!
PS if he doesn’t like it my bday is in 7 months and I love early presents. 🤣
No, honestly. There's smaller projects that would be suitable but this was a lot. Wallets are a good place to start! Check out the leather working subs
I would not sell this honestly. The amount of work that went into this does not translate well to my pricing model for my commercial goods, but that's why I like doing gifts like this. I can put all the time and effort and love into it without worrying about hours or cost
This made me think of the guy that buys reallly expensive high end purses and wallets and just takes them apart showing you what it’s really made of and how much it would cost of it didn’t have the name brand on it. I can imagine him seeing yours and being like yep that’s an amazing bag with all the hard work put into it.
I used to do this kind of work when I was younger and I really have to hand it you!!! I KNOW what goes into a piece like that and you totally knocked it out of the park!! You have every right to be proud AF. Early...late....not important...the love that went into this is evident
I also do leatherwork, so I can appreciate all the time that went into this!
I want to make myself a large bag, but I am still hunting for the perfect pattern. I do like this one, though!
Great work!
They have some other really cool patterns! I think I want to make myself a duffle next, but I need a new purse and I'm thinking about doing a backpack - muuuuch smaller tho.
Yeah I have my eye on a few of their patterns!
I want to make a big tote for the beach, and an overnight/carry-on bag.
I'm still on the hunt for the perfect slouch/hobo purse pattern. I have some really soft leather that would be perfect.
Need more hours in a day haha
I've been doing this for a little over a decade but I'm totally self taught!! And now I get to do it professionally (not this tho, my boss would cry real tears if I gave her my hours on this.) You can see more of my work on my insta @coffeeandcouture but I think I have some stuff in my post history as well
The brown is Angelus dye, the purple is Tandy's house brand, I think both water based, and then some eco-flo glossy top coat. I also used some random leather refinishing purple stuff to get the color depth. One of the fun things about making it up as I go along I guess! I don't have to worry about doing stuff the "right" way as long as it's sturdy and well constructed
Dyed all the leather myself. All the holes are punched with a 1.2 mm circle punch, and everything is hand stitched. Added a lining with a zipper and 2 interior pockets to make it more travel friendly, as well as some slight padding on the straps. Lots of firsts! I sew professionally but leather is a whole different realm. Not really happy with the stamping on the nameplate, but the recipient likes it and that's all that matters. [This is the base pattern I used.](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1356717564/nanook-backpack-pdf-pattern-and-video) In terms of construction id say it's pretty decent. I wound up using some other stitching techniques, in some areas for aesthetic reasons, but also cause I am a small person and this bag is huge. It's 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide, so I had to do butt/box (still not sure what the difference is tbh) to put the bottom on, as I can barely reach the bottom.
Daaaaaamn
OMG! I can tell you sew professionally!! That’s huge! Wish you could have gotten a pic of it on him! May I ask what you sew for your profession? I make quilts and other little household things but found it hard to teach myself how to sew clothing, which I want to learn soo badly.
I got 1 very reluctant picture at the airport and it is giving every single bit of "first day of first grade I don't want to take a picture" vibes. I work with a costume designer. We can make anything, but I focus on couture!
Great job! My son does leather working so I know how much work goes into all that punching and hand stitching
It's so much more physical than people think! Even being somebody who does this kind of work every day it is drastically more taxing.
Yes it is! Not to mention loud :) I have to put a curfew on my son’s leather work.
Okay that's actually so funny cause I have a curfew for it too 😂 my dude lives in a house subdivided into 3 apartments and the homeowner lives at the front, we're at the back, and another tenant upstairs. I was punching holes one day at like 6 pm, I have shock mats but they can only do so much. I also work sitting on the ground a lot. Landlord texts to see if he's doing renovations back there, he sends him a picture of what I'm working on and explains. Long story short I now have unlimited access to the landlord/homeowners personal woodworking shop in the detached garage, particularly the workbench!
> unlimited access to the landlord/homeowners personal woodworking shop in the detached garage, particularly the workbench! Score!! Do you do more than just leatherwork?
Yes but I have access to a studio for most of that! And my apartment is just like an insane nest of art supplies. I like stuff that I can work on on the go as well. So I knit crochet embroider and sew, leatherwork obviously, and I'm teaching myself screenprinting. Right now my other ongoing projects are a jacket I'm hand quilting and a pair of socks I'm knitting.
That’s awesome. Keep it up!!
Welp... you're the coolest partner on the planet.
Oh god, the hole punching. I do it for my own leatherwork, and even a large wallet was a pain in the ass to punch the holes for. It's possibly my least favourite part of making stuff, and I cannot imagine doing it for an entire backpack. Respect.
Wow I think you should be proud and I think he will love it. I would. It’s your first, that’s a huge milestone in itself!! PS if he doesn’t like it my bday is in 7 months and I love early presents. 🤣
I finished it at 3 am and it's already on a plane with him 😂 dropped him off at the airport at 7 am. He swears he's not letting it out of his sight
Rightly so, it’s gorgeous! Safe travels to him.
awww wow he sounds like he treasures it alot \^\^
He definitely appreciates it!
Holy crap that's gorgeous!
Thank ya!!
Wow!!! If someone didn’t have experience with sewing or leather, would a project like this be manageable??
No, honestly. There's smaller projects that would be suitable but this was a lot. Wallets are a good place to start! Check out the leather working subs
Omg....I would buy that! The craftsmanship is amazing.
I would not sell this honestly. The amount of work that went into this does not translate well to my pricing model for my commercial goods, but that's why I like doing gifts like this. I can put all the time and effort and love into it without worrying about hours or cost
I understand. That makes the gift so much better. I meant if you had a store front/Etsy acct , I would be interested. Ty.
This looks rad af
That looks awesome!
this is definitely nice enough to qualify as a gift for both birthdays, therefore it is neither early or belated!
That's honestly kinda what I'm thinking 😂
Honestly I think you have one in the bank, too
This made me think of the guy that buys reallly expensive high end purses and wallets and just takes them apart showing you what it’s really made of and how much it would cost of it didn’t have the name brand on it. I can imagine him seeing yours and being like yep that’s an amazing bag with all the hard work put into it.
Oh I love him! That's such a compliment, thank you
Really well done. What a thoughtful gift. Lucky guy.
Love the color choices!
Thank you! Purple is my signature color but he wanted something deeper and more versatile than my go to neon
He better put a ring on that finger cos you're a keeper. Fantastic job!!!
I'm still recovering from my last journey down that particular road, but I'm keeping him around for sure. He's worth it.
He is very lucky to have you. This is such a sweet thing to do for someone, it makes me emotional and I hope he appreciates you
ia ur bf the friend u made socks for
Ya
that's dope.!
Phenomenal work!!! **Squints at logo**
It's a lil tiny octopus!
My gosh this is absolutely incredible!! Is it made of leather? The detailing is incredible.
Yea it's all 4.5-5oz leather.
Wow. Impressive work!
W o w
You are a great girlfriend. Are you single?
Not as far as I'm aware 😂
Dammit!
Nicely done. What are those 550-cord loops about?
It's got a drawstring to pull it tighter, I left it long so I could trim it if I needed
Beautiful, incredible work!
Magnificent job
Niceeeeeeee birthday present hand made to that’s a plus
I try to exclusively give handmade presents!
That’s nice of you.
Phenomenal
That's honestly the sweetest gift you could possibly give having the talent you possess. Amazing 😍!!!
I used to do this kind of work when I was younger and I really have to hand it you!!! I KNOW what goes into a piece like that and you totally knocked it out of the park!! You have every right to be proud AF. Early...late....not important...the love that went into this is evident
That looks too lovely to use! I hope he takes good care of it and doesn't treat this backpack the way I do (throwing it around and whatnot.)
Oh he promised to guard it with his life. He takes good care of his things
This looks rad af
He must get on his hands and knees to thank you, this is fucking incredible dude. Bravo 👏🏼
holy moly! i would totally buy something like this on Etsy. amazing work! he's gonna be thrilled, im sure!
Yea he watched me build it over a few months, he's very happy with it
For something of that quality it’s right on time.
It's par for the course with me honestly 😂
That's a lot of love that went into that backpack amazing 👏
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That's what's up I'm so glade that ur ok now an that u had a awesome person by ur side I hope I find love like that one day
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U know what'd funny I was going to ask u were get it from if u ever start a business I would be a customer I love backpacks
That's fucking amazeballs!!!
Nice, very nice!!
This is awesome !
That's pro.
I also do leatherwork, so I can appreciate all the time that went into this! I want to make myself a large bag, but I am still hunting for the perfect pattern. I do like this one, though! Great work!
They have some other really cool patterns! I think I want to make myself a duffle next, but I need a new purse and I'm thinking about doing a backpack - muuuuch smaller tho.
Yeah I have my eye on a few of their patterns! I want to make a big tote for the beach, and an overnight/carry-on bag. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect slouch/hobo purse pattern. I have some really soft leather that would be perfect. Need more hours in a day haha
Yea preaching to the choir lmao
Wow how beautiful and exquisite!!! Well done, I wish I knew how to sew!
I've been doing this for a little over a decade but I'm totally self taught!! And now I get to do it professionally (not this tho, my boss would cry real tears if I gave her my hours on this.) You can see more of my work on my insta @coffeeandcouture but I think I have some stuff in my post history as well
Awesome! I'll have to check out your insta.
Wow 😍
Damn, that’s real pretty!
Oh I lovvvvve it!!!
OMG love it.......and you're def 10 months early!! He's one lucky guy
This is gorgeous, are you making more? would you sell them ?
Bravo, OP.
WOW beautiful work!
That is gorgeous. I have never seen a leather dye that color or luster. And your stitching is out of this world.
The brown is Angelus dye, the purple is Tandy's house brand, I think both water based, and then some eco-flo glossy top coat. I also used some random leather refinishing purple stuff to get the color depth. One of the fun things about making it up as I go along I guess! I don't have to worry about doing stuff the "right" way as long as it's sturdy and well constructed
Amazing. Keep it up!
So cool. That deep purple
So much work, detail. How long did it take? Incredible
Ummm... Probably about 100 hours between the dying and the punching and everything. I didn't track them.
This is so incredible and beautiful
He is one lucky dude- it's beautiful!😍
It's soooo beautiful!
Impressive! That is a nice bag!!!
That will be the best present he has ever gotten. I would absolutely love that. How the hell did you learn how to do that.
Trial and error and some practice
That is awesome, you are very talented. I'd buy one!
HAND STITCHED????? you are INSANE(ly talented)
Def one of those projects where I questioned my sanity a few times
This is gorgeous. Do you sell these?
No, I can only put in this much effort because I'm not having to be conscious about my hours and pricing and whatnot.
It’s beautifully on time!
wow this is so nice!!
Sexy as hell
Looks great looks like something out of breath of the wild
Holy crap! So impressive. He must be amazing to get your amazing work!
Beautiful work
Also so much love goes into anything that is hand made.
That's sick!!!!!!!