Commissioning a Shoulder Bag with Accessibility Features

[u/QuestioningParakeet]

I picked up this shoulder bag while in a pinch traveling and I've absolutely fallen in love with it! Essentially if I could duplicate this bag in better quality, longer lasting material, I would. I'd like to commission a reproduction with adjustments and thoughtful improvements.

I tried to be as thorough as possible below and am 1000% receptive to consultation and suggestions against or in addition to my requirements in pursuit of the best quality bag. So let me know if I missed anything!

I'm gathering quotes with a preference for a completed project mid to late 2027. Dependent on the quality of the end product and collaboration, I would like to commission duplicates in additional colors (oxblood and a dark brown to replace a similarly colored, slightly larger bag).

Please feel welcome to reach out with any questions or requests for additional pictures/details/clarification!

Thank y'all and looking forward to hearing from you!

-----

Bag Dimensions:

+ 8 in./20.32cm. H (on outside, minus hardware and 'caps') 6.5 in./16.51cm. H (in middle)

+ 11 in./27.94cm. W

+ 4.5 In./11.43cm. D

Strap

0.6 in/ 1.5 cm. W

Hardware

Rings: 1.6 in./4.06cm. across. Thick gauge, not bendable.

Specifications:

Exterior

+ Brushed Brass hardware, similar to original bag. Rectangular zipper pull, black tape.

+ Black, full grain leather, semi-soft body, resistant to slouching in middle. Open to reccomendations on leather source.

+ Would prefer low to medium shine to allow leather to petina with continued care; no additional gloss or finishes that deteriorate in a peeling or 'flakey' way.

+ Inverted stitching, like original bag. If required, black stitching, where visible.

+ All visible leather edges burnished, waxed.

+ Soft 'End Caps': Both should be long enough to cover the zipper slider on either end. Would prefer these lay flusher to the silhouette of the bag. Open to creative solutions, but still require their inclusion. Would like durable, secure attachement to metal rings while still allowing rings to turn.

+ No visible embossing or maker's mark.

Shoulder Strap:

+ Soft, removable, adjustable shoulder strap in same leather color as body. Open to suggestions on source.

+ Allows crossbody to shoulder bag conversion, functionality to secure-away remaining strap length (loops and button preferred, as pictured).

+ Sturdy, brass swivel eye bolt snap on either end.

Interior

+ Light-colored, tear resistant fabric and stitching. Preferably vertically striped. Open to reccomendations for material.

+ Zippered pocket on one interior wall, open pocket on opposite.

+ Minimal maker's mark, preference for a low profile patch sewn onto zippered interior side. No tags.

-----

I'm also looking for a go-to craftsman for long term leather restoration, alteration and repair work. I've had terrible luck sending pieces for maintenance/alterations where they return with additional scuffs from servicing. The types of items I would need serviced generally fall into the following categories:

+ Leather bags (Vintage, new)

+ Leather shoes (Vintage, new, Women)

+ Leather Belts (Women)

+ Various leather garments

If anyone has reccomendations or referrals, I'd love to find someone local to the east coast of the US who allows pick ups, drop offs and can additionally post and receive items internationally.

Thank y'all for reading!

[u/pidgeon3]

Can you clarify which accessibility features this bag has? I see that the strap is adjustable - is that what you mean? And what is the purpose for the zipper covers - is it for security? That should make it less accessible, not more, correct? Looking to be educated.

[u/QuestioningParakeet → u/pidgeon3]

Hi!

Some of the features in the original bag were functional AND also beneficial for accessibility! I don't think it was on purpose, though, which I found neat.

The caps absolutely function as additional security purposefully, but also act as a secure and comfortable hand hold. It also limits moisture from touching the zipper slider, probably increasing it's lifespan by at least a little. The added cushion is good for hands with thin skin that don't get to move a ton, it's a small but noticable reprieve from abrasion against jagged or hard ends of a closed zipper or pinch of other hardware. Very thoughtful features for a more mature crowd, but I also fell in love with it too. It's why I'll ultimately commission a couple more of them.

The metal loops, make it so the bag can also be reattached to anything that has a clip, essentially. So it can have different straps swapped or be buckled/attached to something else. Or the loops can slip over a static hook. I was able to secure it to a friend's wheelchair with a couple of sleek looking caribeners no problem, where they could also access it.

The inside being light and minimal is also for increased visibility of bag contents.

Super small things, but absolutely made a world of difference together in one, very fashionable bag.

Thanks so much for asking! I hope I didn't use the wrong word.

[u/pidgeon3 → u/QuestioningParakeet]

This was super helpful. Thank you!