MEETING ACTIVITIES FOR February/March/April 2019.

DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER – THE FEBRUARY MEETING IS CANCELED!

We're into the 2nd month of the year already! Things are moving along much faster than I would like.   It's getting to the point where I haven't time to stand still and pick my nose!

MARCH:
Now just a reminder that we decided to not have a meeting in March as the Mountain Man Show will be on at the Monroe Fairgrounds on the Saturday and Sunday.   Ken will be at the Show on both days and we would encourage the members to go to the Show on either the Saturday or Sunday.   Besides being a lot of fun, it is also a good opportunity to pick up various different supplies.   There are lots of good pelts to buy, it's where I buy all my hair-on skins.  I found a vendor last year who sells the Petronas Contact Cement (EXCELLENT glue).   The vendors dress up in period costume and there is a lot of black powder supply, and all sorts of other goodies.

I could go on and on, but, then you wouldn't be having fun make the discoveries on your own.

APRIL & May:
Reminder the May meeting will be the first Sunday (5/5/2019) in consideration of Mother’s Day.

So, for the April meeting we're going to make a Sporran/Belt Bag/Possibles Bag or anything else you wish to call it.   Mainly the idea is to make something hanging from the waist, but, if desired, can be made to carry across the shoulder, safer than carrying on the shoulder.

The size of the bag will be determined what we each wish to carry in it.   On average a belt bag is from 5" to 8" tall and around 6" to 8" wide with a gusset about 2" to 3".   Depending on the individual's needs it can be larger or smaller.

Our resident Mountain Man, Ken Eriksen, who is very familiar with these types of bags will be leading the workshop.  Ken will be explaining a number of constructions, styles and types of bags, different ways to hang the bags and various types of closures.

Ken said that really this sort of project should ideally be a one day workshop, but, feel that we can do a good job making a satisfactory and well-constructed project by doing it over two months, namely April and May.

There are a variety of options for the leather to be used, again depending on the individuals’ desires.   If the bag is to be tooled it is suggested to use 7/8 oz. tooling leather.  Deer and Elk hides are also good choices and about 4/5 oz.   Deer and Elk being very soft would present a good opportunity to add a tooled panel to the flap.  For those who wish to make a Sporran it is suggested to use upholstery leather which is a little firmer and thicker than deer or elk and still being easy to shape.

Not having an exact size, it is difficult to say how much leather will be needed, but, Ken suggested about 3 sq. ft. should do the job.

For the April meeting we will work out the details of what we want and make patterns and if time permits will cut out our project.   The May meeting will cover the construction and assembly and hopefully have it finished to take it home.

Items to bring to the meeting:
Leather
Pattern paper
Pencil
Ruler
Eraser
Cutting Board
Clicking Knife
Scalpel for neatly cutting out the paper pattern.

If you see something I've missed, just bring it along.
Paula Marquis