my recreation of the Shenandoah Valley double pouch

[rchas]

I posted some pictures of a period double pouch a week or two ago. I liked it so much I decided to make one for myself.
This is the original; it is about 7 1/2 inches square.

I made a pattern from memory and cut out the pieces.

I also poured a couple of button blanks using a mold made from a wood scrap and a spade bit.

I sewed on the buttons and strap first, sewing a reinforcement patch for the strap button on the inside. The strap on the original had been repaired, sewn and resewn several times with a small buckle added at some point. I couldn't tell what the original strap adjustment was, so I went with the button as I know there are other period Shenandoah Valley bags that use this type of fastening.

order of assembly.

Front and back of the finished bag

The stitching on the original is pretty rough, so I didn't worry too much about neat stiches. I put a button on the front simply because I like the look; given the construction, if I decide I prefer no button like the original it will be an easy matter to cut the flap off and sew on a new one with no button hole. So far I like it, it rides well and carries more than you might think it would.

 

[Brokennock]

Excellent.
I have a question on the original. Are there two lines of stitch? It almost looks like there is both a line like a lazy running stitch (I almost thought it was laced) and a saddle stitch.

 

[Beaverman2]

Excellent.
I have a question on the original. Are there two lines of stitch? It almost looks like there is both a line like a lazy running stitch (I almost thought it was laced) and a saddle stitch.

Looks like that running lazy stitch is an old repair inside the original saddle stitch seam.

 

[Beaverman2]

Nice job on the bag !

 

[rchas]

Looks like that running lazy stitch is an old repair inside the original saddle stitch seam.

I agree, it looks like the original saddle stitch wore out and was repaired. And thanks for the compliment!

 

[RiverRat]

I read somewhere that you can use oven cleaner to antique leather.

 

[reddogge]

Be careful with any harsh chemicals on nice leather. They can break down over time.

 

[rchas]

I read somewhere that you can use oven cleaner to antique leather.

True, but personally I don't like the look of artificial aging of guns or accoutrements. A 150 year old gun or pouch didn't look 150 years old when it was made, and I don't think it makes us look more authentic when we carry artificially aged equipment.

But that's my opinion. If you like the look, go for it. Many people do.

 

[TDM]

You did a fine job. I like it.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I posted some pictures of a period double pouch a week or two ago. I liked it so much I decided to make one for myself.
This is the original; it is about 7 1/2 inches square.

View attachment 321907
I made a pattern from memory and cut out the pieces.

View attachment 321909
I also poured a couple of button blanks using a mold made from a wood scrap and a spade bit.

View attachment 321910
I sewed on the buttons and strap first, sewing a reinforcement patch for the strap button on the inside. The strap on the original had been repaired, sewn and resewn several times with a small buckle added at some point. I couldn't tell what the original strap adjustment was, so I went with the button as I know there are other period Shenandoah Valley bags that use this type of fastening.

View attachment 321912
order of assembly.
View attachment 321915

Front and back of the finished bag
View attachment 321916

View attachment 321917
The stitching on the original is pretty rough, so I didn't worry too much about neat stiches. I put a button on the front simply because I like the look; given the construction, if I decide I prefer no button like the original it will be an easy matter to cut the flap off and sew on a new one with no button hole. So far I like it, it rides well and carries more than you might think it would.

I think that pouch you made is outstanding! It is very nicely put together and is a very good representation of a genuine original. I am also impressed by those buttons… they show very creative thinking and they look really good.

I do have a question, if you don’t mind. What type and weight of leather did you use?

Thanks!

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[Frontstuffer070]

Very Nice!

 

[rchas]

What type and weight of leather did you use?

It's 7-8 ounce, I was concerned it might be too heavy but it worked out fine. (And it was what I had on hand...)

5-6 ounce would probably be better for the pouch, with 7-8 ounce for the strap.

And thanks, I appreciate the comments!

 

[longcruise]

With that type of construction that weight of leather is fine.

 

[MSW]

great looking work