Worn and tried!

[bearbeast]

Four years ago I made my shoulder bag strap and almost four years ago I made my Indy bag, using 10 ounce cotton duck, and some design alterations after my own taste.

Since then I have used and abused both the strap and the bag. I have overloaded them with stuff, carried them through sun, wind, snow and rain. The strap especially received the grunt of my sweat and the sometimes heavy loads I put in (and ON) the bag itself.

I really love this bag, it has served me really well over the years. I have not had another bag to serve me for so long, without me getting bored with it, or being encumbered by it. I am really happy I made it, just the way I wanted it.

I took some pics today to see the naturally aged bag and strap so I could share with you guys and gals:







And a somewhat '"artsy" pic, with my trusty LC hat.



Hope you enjoy!

Cheers,
Bear

[IndianaJustin]

Looks great as always. I wish I could do stuff like that

[bearbeast]

Thanks, Indiana Justin, appreciate it!

It's not too hard, and never too late to start! But some free time and patience is needed.

[Charybdis]

I like the color of the bag!

[bearbeast]

Thanks, Charybdis! I like it too now, a lot, but initially I was disappointed it wasn't screen accurate. It was the only material I could find at the time. (My first version of the bag was white. ) )

[Michaelson]

That’s the thing that makes one deeply proud when you have gear turn into old friends after years of use, be it a jacket, hat, or in this case a trusted bag.
Who really needs screen accuracy when it comes to real world use?

Well done!

Regards! Michaelson

[Illinois_Jones]

Great work. Been awhile since I've been behind my sewing machine; not sure I still have it in me for a project like that. Out of curiosity, how did you reinforce the strap ring holds to the canvas? Just X stitches or did you also sandwich some leather in there to keep it from tearing?

[bearbeast]

Great work. Been awhile since I've been behind my sewing machine; not sure I still have it in me for a project like that. Out of curiosity, how did you reinforce the strap ring holds to the canvas? Just X stitches or did you also sandwich some leather in there to keep it from tearing?

Thank you, Illinois_Jones! I only made X stitches for reinforcement, but I did go back and forth a few times. The canvas itself is quite thick and this seems to have been enough.

[bearbeast]

That’s the thing that makes one deeply proud when you have gear turn into old friends after years of use, be it a jacket, hat, or in this case a trusted bag.
Who really needs screen accuracy when it comes to real world use?

Well done!

Regards! Michaelson

Thank you very much, Michaelson! It is a very nice feeling of comfort having gear as "every day carry" for a few years. Wherever you go, the gear is there, serving its purpose. Over the years you learn all its uses, all its limits... Ok, I think I'm turning a bit philosophical, so I'll stop here!