New Item: Large Tool Rolls

Like the chef knife bags that I create but looking for something a little more basic and pared down?  Look no further, Large Tool Rolls are (finally) here!  They are similar in style to the Stage Roll-Style Bag but with a few tweaks.

The first is that there is no strap or handle, this is something that you just carry in your hand. Perfect for those who carry their favorite knife to work rolled up in their jacket.  You know who you are. 

The large tool roll has a single flap that folds over the tools to make sure they don't touch when rolled up.  It secures in place with collar buttons, which are simple, clean and easy to use.  The whole thing rolls up from each side and secures with two buckles.

These bags are faster for me to make and use less materials, making them a more economical alternative to a bag.  The Large Tool Roll in the shop right now is in Milk Chocolate Calf Leather.  (I also added a Stage Bag in the same leather today.)  Remember that I also make the Small Tool Roll which is great for holding shorter items.  I will have both sizes in more leather and wool felt options in the shop soon.

The Envelopes

I've had a pretty productive past couple of days/weeks and have lots of new things added to my growing list of designs.  Today I've added several new wallet designs to the shop as well as added some existing designs in new material options.    Each is a different version of an envelope style created simply by folding continuous pieces of leather and closing them with an easy to use collar button.  I love this style for is classic looks and its simplicity to use.  It really is a pleasure to have the experience of using your hands to fold, press and carry these styles.  

Here we have five different designs, each in a Pebbled Reddish-Brown Leather and in a Dark Golden Brown Leather.  From top to bottom and left to right, we have the new Business Writing Portfolios, more versions of the Document Portfolios, my new women's wallet - a Clutch Envelope, my new unisex wallet - a Small Envelope, and my new Coin Purse.  Each of these items is now available in the shop and ready to ship.  Unfortunately, I made a huge mistake in sewing the Business Writing Portfolios and those are not available yet.  Hey, I am human.  They will look exactly like the ones in the pictures except without the short horizontal lines of sewing and should be up in the shop in a few short days. 

I am really digging each of these new leathers too.  They will both be a part of my regular leather offering.  Both are oiled leathers, which makes them waterproof and long-wearing.  Perfect for hard-wearing utilitarian items.  Both are also pull-up leathers which change character when you manipulate them but return to their original look with a little time or some buffing.  Pretty cool stuff.  The Pebbled Leather is a classic richly textured reddish brown that turns smooth and golden red when bent.  The Dark Brown Leather is super smooth, slick and has that classic oiled leather feel to it.  I can't help but think of seals when I am working with it.  When it bends, it lightens and takes on a lovely golden hue.  Check out the listings in my shop for more pictures and descriptions of each of these new items! 

Also on my plate, I have been working on designs for classic tool rolls (think the Stage bag without a strap and in different sizes)  and two different designs for laptop bags right now. I've also got some exciting news to report soon on being able to personalize items.  New designs, more new designs, new leathers, new techniques.  Whew.  So check back soon.  Exciting times, I tell ya.

Cyclists Chefs

Two of my favorite things.  I think this sling solves a lot of issues those cycling to work and carrying chef knives face.  This sling backpack style bag has just enough space for three knives or tools and maybe some clothes to change into. 

 Like the rest of my bags, it opens up flat for ease of use.  There are three 3" wide knife/tool slots that get covered by a piece of felt, then rolled up and tied for security.

The bag zips up the sides and buckles over the top.  A single adjustable strap spans across the front of the chest.  The whole bag measures about 12" wide at the base, 6" wide at the top and is about 18" long (which spans the diagonal of your back).  Lightweight and small, it fits snugly on your back.  My idea of cycling perfection. But more importantly, what do YOU think?

Style Preview: 'Traveler' Chef Knife Messenger Bag

The 'Traveler' Chef Knife Bag is a large cross-body messenger style bag that is designed to accommodate those who need to carry around lots of knives.

The Traveler is similar to the backpack in style on the exterior, but utilizes a shoulder strap rather than backpack straps.  When its opens up flat, it  features both sides of the bag with four knife slots each and elastic straps again for your extras.  Each side is stiffened with an additional layer of felt and an adjustable strap to hold your knives in place.  The two sides fold on top of each other, so the knife pouches have been placed on opposite ends.  Don't worry your precious babies will not touch each other.  Think of this as a large knife binder.  If you are one of those people that carry around a special knife for every kind of job imaginable, I call you prepared for anything.  You are proud to be addicted to your knives and this is the bag for you.

Style Preview: 'Commuter' Chef Knife Backpack

The 'Commuter' Chef Knife Backpack is another style of bag that will be offered in both leather and wool felt.  Perfect for those of us who commute to work by bike, bus, subway, etc and who have extra things to carry like clothing items.  It is also a good option for pastry chefs and students who have lots of odds and ends to carry around that don't fit into standard pouches.

This is a large pack that on the exterior is a similar design to a standard backpack. it has two adjustable straps and zips down the sides, opening up to lay flat.  There are four divisions in the flat pouch for your main tools and taut elastic across the front of the pouch to carry extras, just like the Stage roll-style bag.  A flat adjustable strap near the top of the bag holds everything securely.  An additional layer of felt stiffens the back side of the pack.  What makes this one different is that the opposite side of the bag features a large zippered pocket (12" x 17") with a 10" opening to hold any of the things you might need that don't fit into the standard knife slots: clothing items for work or street clothes, keys, wallets, phones, measuring cups, small scales, piping tools, cutters, pastry scrapers...if you need it for work,  it will probably fit.

Style Preview: 'Stage' Chef Knife Roll

Initially, I will be offering three different styles of bags, all offered in either leather or wool felt.  The most basic version is my take on the classic knife roll, what I call the 'Stage'.  (French pronunciation, meaning.)

Small and lightweight, it is an over the shoulder style bag with a carrying handle.  It features a flat pouch made of the same material as the body of the bag with five divisions for storing your main tools.  Over the top of the pouch are taut elastic straps to securely hold all the other essentials.  The bag folds over itself, zips up and then rolls up and buckles to hold all of your items right where you put them.  I have been using one out of the Saddle Tan leather and couldn't be more pleased with it.  I can't wait to make one for you!