I have been tinkering with sewing. I have made a few cycling caps, and now I have made a tool wrap. I am in the process of making a pannier. Everything is made from other things that are either scraps or what was something else and discarded.

I would like to hear the thoughts of others on this tool wrap that I have made.



The larger tan piece is from a scrap I found in my partner's grandmother's attic. The darker, smaller pieces are Naugahyde from an old skirt.

Looks like you got the tool burrito all wrapped up. Time to move onto panniers.

I myself have dug out an old sewing machine and am about to embark on making some front rack bags with waxed canvas. I'm thinking of a line of très haute randonneur luggage, at a slightly lower price. Perhaps I'll name my line B-corn, or something like that.

I'll bookmark this thread and post up when I have something to show.

I'm always amazed when people can build up cool stuff like that.

Your tool wrap has all the compartments you'd need for the stuff you'd want to make sure you have- perfectly sized and everything is held secure- and it looks great!

I'm not so good with a sewing machine. I can sew buttons on, or really roughly stitch a torn seam.

I used to look at stuff like the Acorn bags and wonder how on earth a little bag could be so expensive- Realizing the amount of work that goes into each one, the quality of materials- not to mention the design and everything else... they're a bargain.

Looks great! I've made a couple and I learned from both. #3 should be better! Having the "compartments" like you have for each tool slot is perfect. Can't wait to see your panniers!

I made my own rando style handlebar bag and agree with the Golden boy, Acorn bags are a bargain. A lot of work goes into these. The big advantage is that I can say that I made it myself.

Hey bicu_m --- Your tool wrap is dynamic - and very authentic looking. Just like the one that came with my '51 Armstrong and I'm sure just as (or even more) capable of holding a bunch of stuff.





^ as found.

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

Looking great, Bici Mania. Nice job. The only addition I can see which might make it easier to use is attaching the buckle and strap directly to the exterior, so it's not loose and a separate piece. Easier to keep everything together. But you probably couldn't sew it on with your machine. Have to hand stitch it. But of course, this modification isn't a necessity.

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:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/6496674...7638588198245/

Looks very nice. Reminds me of when I was in high school, sewing a tool rollup out of the leg of an old pair of jeans for my motorcycle.

If you are strapping this to the loops on a Brooks saddle, you might consider adding a small leather patch for a blinkie attachment. That's harder to do if you're mounting under the saddle as djkashuba shows.

Nice work!

Your bag was the first thing I thought of.

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.

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?

I appreciate all the kind words and thoughts here. It is much more than expected. Thank you everyone.

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.

I love this photo. Very nice work.

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.

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.

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.

Another option that perhaps would make for an easier installation under the seat would be to sew the ends of a 1" strip of leather on the outside of the roll. Then just run the toe strap through that when you fix it to the rails.