m9: London Tan and Red
A bag looks different hanging from a tree. I found that out with m9.
The colors
London tan English bridle leather, from a UK tannery, outside. Red Italian calf suede inside. The tan is the color of a saddle that has been ridden a few years, and the red is the surprise when the flap lifts. A brass lock with a turn key closes the front.
The strap
The shoulder strap is lined in red as well, with a brass buckle, so even coiled on a table it flashes the inside color. It is 1 inch wide with a 20 inch drop. The case measures 10 x 7 x 4 inches, with two 2 inch gussets and hand saddle stitching.
Inside
Open, the flap shows red suede and the body shows divided compartments.
On a patio table
I set m9 on a black metal patio table by a pond, with the strap coiled next to it.
In the trees
Then I hung it from branches by the strap, over grass and water, with autumn color behind.
In the workshop
The last picture puts m9 on the mannequin in the workshop, in front of the Briefcase Maker flag.
How it is made
The suede is real: see the suede lining page for why I use it instead of microsuede, and the care page for how to look after it.
The bridle leather is described on my leather page, and the journal explains it in What English Bridle Leather Actually Is, and Why Briefcases Are Cut From It.
The seams are hand stitched; see The Saddle Stitch Explained: Hand-Sewing Leather Step by Step for the method.
