I just finished my first set of three viking shoulder bags 
CIMG6057 by HamishOdinson, on Flickr
CIMG6093 by HamishOdinson, on Flickr
These bags are based on the historical hedeby/haithabu bag finds from the viking period. I have seen one or two examples online and saw some historical notes on them, but never understood just how ingenious they are until I made one (and then some!).
The wooden frames atop each bag act as the closure system. The rope strap is fed through the frames, which open along the rope. When the bag is released, the weight of it pulls both frames together and closes the bag. Because the closure works with the weight of the bag and tension of the rope, it is incredibly difficult for anyone to get their hand in the bag without lifting it up to release the tension. Therefor, it is reasonably pick pocket proof
Without further ado here are the three bags
Oxblood
Made with an unknown but very unique leather; thick and tough, but also soft. The sides of the bag are made with cowhide, and they are laced up with high quality calf skin. The wooden frames are Oak, secured with sturdy copper rivets. The strap is natural hemp rope bag dimensions (excluding wood) measures roughly 27cm long, 25cm wide, 10cm thick
The Goat
Made with a Norwegian goat hide, with reindeer hide trim, and sealskin straps. The goat has been cut and stitched in a way that the fur runs down all the way around the bag. All seams have been saddle-stitched, with inner seams also overstitched for extra strength. Wooden frames are an unknown wood, it looks and feels like teak but is a very light colour. Secured with sturdy copper rivets with a natural rope strap. bag dimensions (excluding wood) measures roughly 26cm long, 28cm wide, 14cm thick
The Sheep
This bag is reversible. It has a sheepskin outer, with a thick woolen liner. It can be turned inside out for a woolen outer which also looks nice. Both ways have nice hidden seams. All leather is hand saddle-stitched. The wool parts were machine stitched, but hand stitched to the leather. The wood is the same strange light teak-like wood and the strap is natural rope. bag dimensions (excluding wood) measures roughly 26cm long, 28cm wide, 12cm thick
These have been a couple of weeks in the making in between other projects. Now they are finished I am immensely chuffed with them! They will be going up for sale in the makers market shortly, though I am reluctant to part ways with them.
Thanks for looking
CIMG6057 by HamishOdinson, on FlickrCIMG6093 by HamishOdinson, on FlickrThese bags are based on the historical hedeby/haithabu bag finds from the viking period. I have seen one or two examples online and saw some historical notes on them, but never understood just how ingenious they are until I made one (and then some!).
The wooden frames atop each bag act as the closure system. The rope strap is fed through the frames, which open along the rope. When the bag is released, the weight of it pulls both frames together and closes the bag. Because the closure works with the weight of the bag and tension of the rope, it is incredibly difficult for anyone to get their hand in the bag without lifting it up to release the tension. Therefor, it is reasonably pick pocket proof
Without further ado here are the three bags
Oxblood
Made with an unknown but very unique leather; thick and tough, but also soft. The sides of the bag are made with cowhide, and they are laced up with high quality calf skin. The wooden frames are Oak, secured with sturdy copper rivets. The strap is natural hemp rope
bag dimensions (excluding wood) measures roughly 27cm long, 25cm wide, 10cm thickThe Goat
Made with a Norwegian goat hide, with reindeer hide trim, and sealskin straps. The goat has been cut and stitched in a way that the fur runs down all the way around the bag. All seams have been saddle-stitched, with inner seams also overstitched for extra strength. Wooden frames are an unknown wood, it looks and feels like teak but is a very light colour. Secured with sturdy copper rivets with a natural rope strap. bag dimensions (excluding wood) measures roughly 26cm long, 28cm wide, 14cm thick
The Sheep
This bag is reversible. It has a sheepskin outer, with a thick woolen liner. It can be turned inside out for a woolen outer which also looks nice. Both ways have nice hidden seams. All leather is hand saddle-stitched. The wool parts were machine stitched, but hand stitched to the leather. The wood is the same strange light teak-like wood and the strap is natural rope. bag dimensions (excluding wood) measures roughly 26cm long, 28cm wide, 12cm thick
These have been a couple of weeks in the making in between other projects. Now they are finished I am immensely chuffed with them! They will be going up for sale in the makers market shortly, though I am reluctant to part ways with them.
Thanks for looking
