Bags Bags Bags

I've been making waxed canvas and leather bags for the last couple of years. For the most part they are made to be used for cycling, although there are few other types here and there.

My original inspiration came when I borrowed my cousin Elizabeth's Rivendell "Hobo" bag for a three day tour Nancy and I did around Lake Champlain. The bag proved to be quite useful. At the end of the trip I decided I wanted a Hobo bag for myself. Alas, due to manufacturing issues, they were no longer available. This being the case, I decided to make one myself. I used the borrowed bag as a model and made a crude but serviceable one for myself. In fact, I'm still using it. I keep thinking I should make myself a new one because I do a better job now that I've refined my skills a bit and am better equipped.

The cool thing about the first bag-making experience was realizing how much I enjoyed the process. It set of a little light for me and I've been plugging away ever since. Over time I've made a bunch of bags, mostly as gifts for friends.

I enjoy the ruggedness of the materials; they age well and speak to me of old-world exploration and adventure. The texture and colors are in keeping with the natural world, rather then in contrast to it.

Here are a few bags I've made. In order of appearance:

~Handlebar bag for Parker.

~Saddlebag for Randy's sister Kirsten.

~Pannier for Nancy.

~Handlebar bag for me (the infamous first bag).

~A small handlebar / saddlebag for Maia's birthday bike.

~Cape roll for myself. It holds my Carridice rain cape.

~Deceptively small saddlebag for Randy. It has an inner gusset that pulls out to double the size of the bag.

~Peterson's Field Guide bag for Nancy

~And finally, Tom's shoulder bag.