I appreciate all the kind words and thoughts here. It is much more than expected. Thank you everyone.
Originally Posted by
auchencrow
I love those tools and how they show age without being worn out. I have a small amount of tools (not bike tools) that show age and use but are of such quality that they can be used with confidence. For me it is a link to the past. It sounds kind of crazy but they inspire me. Holding them and using them, I have the sense that the skill, experience and craft of the tool lends those things to me when I use the.
Originally Posted by
djkashuba
bici_mania-
Terrific work!
This is an Etsy find ("Morpha Tool Roll") that works very well. This tool roll is the only thing I could find that looked right to me on a 60's bike.
The bag is a bit of a mess in this photo. The pump can be tucked in better and the roll can mount further back.
I would only add a loop to hold the toe strap if I were to design it.
-D
Vodka Persimmon/ Brooks by
djk762, on Flickr
I love this photo. Very nice work.
Originally Posted by
vqstaphbeard
Looks good and good luck with the paniers! As rootboy mentioned most machines can't handle sewing excessive thickness or leather. If you don't want to hand stitch one can often "hand stitch" with the machine by turning the wheel. Usually faster and more consistent than hand stitching.
I've posted some of these before, but here are a few bags I've made:
Higher res and progress shots:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/6496674...7638588198245/
Those are great looking bags, I hope to one day be able to have the same level of skill. I have begun pushing the limits of my machine and have bent or broke a few needles.
Originally Posted by
rootboy
Is that outside piece leather? Tell us about your sewing machine.
Are you using the toe strap to cinch it to the saddle rails?
Nice job.
Yes, the outside piece is leather. My wife's grandmother sewed everything and we have several boxes of material and scraps. A lot of it is stuff only an elderly woman can appreciate but I have found a few gems like the leather. For future pieces I plan to go to Goodwill and buy old leather coats to get the leather.
The sewing machine is a Brother CS6000i, it has some nice features but does not like heavy fabrics at all. My wife has taken up making curtains and it works very well for that. I have tried sewing split tubes but sewing 'stretchy stuff' requires skill I do not yet have.
The toe strap came off my daughters bike when she decided she didn't like them. The intent was to strap to the saddle rails but have wound up carrying it in my jersey pocket. I put my cell, ID/bank card and key in the wrap when I ride and have worried about it working loose and falling without me realizing. I am probably going to sew the strap to the wrap so that I can carry it on the seat rails.
Originally Posted by
Oldpeddaller
I like this - neat, cheap and practical. Also helps to check you've not left any tools on the ground following an impromptu roadside repair. Any objection if I copy this idea to make a tool roll to fit in my touring saddlebag?
Leaving my fancy and expensive multi-tool behind was part of what started me down this path. My original idea was a wrap the would remain strapped to the rails and look like a seat bag but with a single pull of velcro, the weight of the contents would unroll the wrap revealing a pocket for each tool. An empty pocket would be an immediate alert me that I was leaving something behind. When done, roll it up pull the one velcro strap tight and be on my way. A lack of sewing skill and a few kinks in design has kept that idea from materializing so far. Aesthetically, the wrap is superior any way.
I adapted some one else's idea when I made this. I would love to see what you create.