RIP BERTHA

Well....it finally happened.  My antique industrial sewing machine is retiring.  See that little plate on the lower left, it broke beyond repair.  It is difficult to find replacement parts for this machine for obvious reasons.  If you want it, you can have it for free.  She got me off my feet, and I wish her well.

If anyone wants to help me make a kickstarter video to raise money for another, please contact me at seek(at)pineandboon(dot)com. I can trade you a bag for your services.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

I finally finished this vegetable tanned tote sample this weekend. I started it a while back, but have been too busy to attach the handles. It is unlined and will cost less than the current tote I have in the shop because it is so much simpler to make. I attached a braided and non-braided strap because I could not decide which one. What do you think? What is nice about this leather is it is really raw and natural.  There are no synthetic finishes on this hide compared to most upholstery leathers. It darkens with exposure to light, and any scratch or knick ends up becoming a part of its character. I make my own beeswax and mink oil rub to darken it slightly and provide a natural barrier to the elements.  Have you ever looked at an old wallet after years of sitting in a mans back pocket? These same rubbings and oils will soon cover this tote over its lifetime. I look forward to seeing how it changes.

I currently have other vegetable tanned products in the shop; a card wallet and pouch.  The dot pouch was recently featured online by Canadian magazine, The Kit.