Completed sleepsack: The Blackout Binder

I recently completed a commissioned piece that is totally cool. The client contacted me for a sleepsack with attached hood. He has a real passion for intense sensory deprivation bondage scenarios, and wanted the strictest and tightest possible fit with a clean look. I suggested a rear zippered panel to allow quick release in case of emergency, but also a lacing panel to provide a really adjustable and tight fit. There were to be internal sleeves and an access hole in the front, but since the lacing and zipper are in the back, the front would present a streamlined and smooth surface.

I found this really nice heavy leather - soft and supple but really thick and shiny at the leather supplier. We decided to keep some of the brand marks and scars on the leather to allow it to show on the final piece. It lends a tough, rugged feel to the sleepsack.

I also did a variation on the pattern for the hood. Usually the leather I use for hoods is flexible enough to form the contour around the chin through stretching. Since this leather is so thick and heavy, I created a seam at the point of the chin to accommodate the shape with the stiffer leather. It took a couple of prototypes to perfect the joint, but we are really happy with the way it turned out.

The fit is so tight, it really has a sculptural quality...

The foot pocket was pretty unique on this project as well, closely following the contour of the foot. It's the most shoe-like foot pocket I've done so far...
Rolling over takes quite a bit of effort.

I'm really happy with the way the lacing came out, running all the way to the bottom of the heel.

The hole is easily covered with a scrap piece, and there are no worries about getting anything caught in the zipper.

In this picture you can see some of the brand marks that were intentionally left in near the left arm. It gives the sleepsack a unique signature.
As tight as it is, you can see there is room to go even tighter!!
The client mentioned he hopes to spend the entire night in the sleepsack. I wish him good luck, and hope he makes it!