Tuesday, October 9, 2012

White Sleepsack with Open Mouth Hood

I finished this all-white sleepsack a few weeks ago, but it took until now to get some decent pictures taken... This sack was made from the from Sav-Mor "Artisan - cream" upholstery hide I mentioned here, but had never used before, and it was designed to be a prototype in my size to try out some production techniques and materials. 

At first I was excited to do a sack in a leather color I had never used before. I'm always trying out new things to see how they'll work, and it's always fun to have new gear, right? In this case I was surprised at what I found: basically this hide sucks for sleepsack use. 

Why you ask? Well, first, it has a very strong smell - almost like the paint they used has solvents that are so strong they just won't go away. I tried airing it out, both before and after sewing, and weeks later it is still so strong that it can give me a headache.  It's a real problem. Usually I love the smell of leather, but this isn't that - it's more of a chemical vibe. Blech! 

Second, I initially liked the color and the smooth, even surface - I thought it might be a cool change of pace from the basic black. I was thinking the off-white color and subtle sheen could produce a clinical, otherworldly look. But in the final piece, the corrected leather surface grain almost looks like plastic. That's not a good thing...

Third, the hide has a softness that I thought would make a luxurious and sensual feel. But in reality it turned out to be spongy and clingy - in a bad way. It makes getting in and out of the sleeves a pain in the butt. Turns out a slightly stiffer leather may work better for sleepsacks.

Finally, the last straw is this leather seems to be so coated as to not breathe much - if at all. This makes a big difference that you can feel right away - compared to other sacks I've made, this one is like wearing a plastic bag. It feels like you are going to overheat right away, especially when you pull on the hood. Usually your body heat can dissipate through the leather, but this one is so sealed, it's like being in unbreathable plastic wrap. I know, some of you are thinking "Plastic wrap? Sounds great!". Well, it ain't so great IMHO, but if you want that sort of feel (and maybe live in a cool climate) - this is the hide for you... otherwise, stay away!

Well, now that I've bagged the hell out of it, please enjoy the pictures! And spare a thought for the suffering the poor model/slave (that would be me) is enduring for the purposes of his art and your edification... 


















12 comments:

  1. Too bad it such crappy material it looks cool if that's any consolation

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    1. Yeah John, it's sort of a bummer. I just don't want a bunch of people ordering one in white when I feel like there are some serious issues that could ruin their experience with the sack! It still looks pretty hot...

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    2. Are there other types of white leather that might work? For some the poor breath ability might be a plus. Still looks good.

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    3. I was thinking that some people might actually like the vacuum-sealed quality, or the strong smell... I'm looking for another white that might work instead, but many have a really flat look, almost like white primer - with no depth. This hide actually has a nice look and weight.

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  2. At the picture it seems you have got a prefect fit around the body, as tight as I should be.
    It sad to read that the leather isn't feels and smells as should. I have also once recived a hide wich had a awful smell of chemicals and it didn´t disappear, I had to return it to the shop.
    I think you are like me a perfectionist to get the right leather for making stuff.

    Anyway, I always enjoy your leather crafting, your work is going right into my heart.

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    1. Thanks, Leatherlife. It is such a weird experience that I've had more than once, when describing to a supplier why the smell has to be just right... They probably think I'm a complete weirdo! Sometimes, you can air it out and the smell goes away, but this hide really is so strong. In a bad way. And at this point, I don't think they'll take it back... =0)

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  3. this great sleeping bag
    I dream of me make one one day
    I guess you do not give the patern
    anyway congratulations for all your production

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  4. Love your work Christopher. Just wondering, what happens to this sleep sack now? Confined to the scrap heap?

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    1. kalo-ie, it's too pretty to cut up or just throw away. As with a lot of my prototypes, I keep it in case I can use it later as a fit-tester or for loan-out for photo shoots... If someone did want to buy it with all it's flaws, that is also a possiblity. Fits male size 6' tall, 180 lbs., shoe size 11.5.

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  5. Love your work Christopher. Just wondering, what happens to this sleep sack now? Confined to the scrap heap?

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  6. hello
    I am interested to buy the bag, what is the price?

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    1. Dear Philippe - send me an email directly at christopherfetish(at)gmail.com. Let's discuss.

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