An unusual case

[MY63]

I like to make cases that are different so when I was asked if I could make a quiver for some oblique pens I said yes.

There has been a lot of communication regarding the style of case

This is the starting point a 100 mm or 4inch ventilation pipe which will act as a template

IMG_8033 by my0771, on Flickr

This is the high quality Suede for the inside

IMG_8030 by my0771, on Flickr

There will be suede on the inside then a layer of kydex and then the outer leather cover it sounds simple but we will see.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[migo984]

That's going to be a challenge, Michael. Can't wait to see the finished article.

[MY63]

Thanks I hope the owner will be along soon to show us what pens require such a fantastic case.

[tiffanyhenschel]

I'll post better pictures tomorrow when the light is good. This is my collection for now, but I foresee adding more in the future. Forum member Brian Smith (Musinkman) is the craftsman who made the holders.

I wanted something secure to take them to classes, conventions, and such. Inside the tube, the holders will be in a silk wrap to prevent them from scratching each other.

This project has been a true collaboration from from the start. Michael is great to work with, and I'm excited to see the process as well as the final product.

[MY63]

I have made a start on this project today for my first attempt at making a large cylinder in kydex I heated it until it was soft and tried to wrap it around the pipe this did not work.
So after a cup of tea I tried putting the kydex inside the pipe and heating it however it kept bubbling so I tried again using a 2litre soda bottle

IMG_8035_1 by my0771, on Flickr

Another failure

Not wanting to admit defeat I decided to use a low tech method

IMG_8037 by my0771, on Flickr

I punched holes and have sewed the cylinder together well I am half way down it is inside the pipe to keep the shape while I am sewing.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[Polyhistor]

Looking forward to seeing the finished case! What kind of leather are you using for the outside layer?

[MY63]

Hi Adam
I have bought veg tan shoulder 2 mm but I wonder if it will be thick enough I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

[MY63]

I thought about this overnight and decided that the kydex was not essential so I have inserted a 5 mm thick piece of leather which I have glued the suede

like this

IMG_8059 by my0771, on Flickr

I have dyed the outer cover

Like this

IMG_8065 by my0771, on Flickr

The joined the outer cover to the other pieces

IMG_8066 by my0771, on Flickr

The offset overlap on the right hand side is for the joint I did not like the idea of an angled joint so I have created an overlap.

The inspiration came form here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Vux9RY9Vw

The lid and body are in one piece at the moment I will separate them tomorrow when the glue is dry, Then I will mark out the stitching there is a lot of sewing in this case so it might take a few days.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[Polyhistor]

Hi Adam
I have bought veg tan shoulder 2 mm but I wonder if it will be thick enough I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Michael, in fact, I would have referred to that video by Nigel Armitage. The man's just brilliant. In addition, his voice in the other videos is so sonorous and soothing that my girlfriend calls him the Bob Ross of leatherworking.

You could also butt-stitch a round container with a curved awl like I did on this traditional (medieval) knife sheath:



When properly wet, the veg-tan is easily butt-stitched and holds its shape well after drying. The one big advantage of butt-stitching is that the thread is sunk and thus perfectly protected from friction (Which is probably neglible on a pen case, though it killed the thread on a belt I made, rather quickly).

Anyway, I'm very much interested in seeing the final case!

Cheers,
Adam

[tiffanyhenschel]

I love what you have shown so far This case has evolved quite a bit from what we started with, but I like the direction we turned. These aren't my photos but are the ones from the pen listings on Etsy. They are better than ones I can take right now.

[MY63]

Thanks Polyhistor

I am going to use a double line of saddle stitch.

I had an early start this morning so I have been thinking about the handle

IMG_8067 by my0771, on Flickr

I have used this nib shape in the past so it is a possible detail for the handle fixing points and could also be used on the securing straps for the lid.

[MY63]

Tiffany asked the other day if she could have a handle on this case, I have a book on bag and case making and chose a handle.

I started with a flat strip of leather and cut the end to a slightly larger version of the piece shown above.
The handle I chose is a round handle and requires a centre so I found a piece of cord which was not quite big enough so I wrapped it in leather.

IMG_8071 by my0771, on Flickr

The next step was to bring the two pieces together and fold the handle around the leather wrapped cord

IMG_8074 by my0771, on Flickr

Then 3.5 hours of sewing and we have something that resembles a handle

IMG_8075 by my0771, on Flickr

IMG_8078_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I did not dye the leather before making the handle as I was not expecting such a good result first time plus if tiffany does not like it I will make something else to use it on.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[tiffanyhenschel]

I love that the ends resemble nibs. No need to find another project to use it for.

[Crazyorange]

Beautiful!

[MY63]

Excellent I will use the same design on the straps that will hold the lid on my first thought was two but I am starting to think four may be best.

[Austin_Malone]

That is a nifty project you've got going, best of luck.

[MY63]

Ok so it is time for some deep breaths I have cut the top from the bottom and marked out the stitching channels the next step is to make stitching holes there will be a lot and the leather is now 8mm thick

IMG_8089 by my0771, on Flickr

I don't think we have decided on a thread colour yet.

Time to get the hammer out

[VertOlive]

Really enjoying watching this take shape!

So the hammer is to pound a pointed tool through 8mm and then stitch, right?

[tiffanyhenschel]

Really enjoying watching this take shape!

So the hammer is to pound a pointed tool through 8mm and then stitch, right?

The YouTube video that Michael posted a few posts back explains a lot. With the music in the background and watching the work, it's really kind of mesmerizing.

[tiffanyhenschel]

I don't think we have decided on a thread colour yet.

Time to get the hammer out

I think a contrasting color would be nice. What about a yellow/gold to pick up the color of the suede on the inside?