-
Amazing, thank you so much - I'm not averse to doing it myself at all, just didn't think I'd be able to do it properly without an old singer or something so this is good news. Next question - where would you recommend for webbing/straps? Tried looking a bit before but couldn't find anything that suited hugely.
-
I'm not in London any more and can't remember how many army surplus shops are left, but there used to be one in Southwark either on or near The Cut. The guy in there was really friendly and he should have webbing and buckles, but they may be £££ or only military olive green.
Alternative is to buy off ebay. I bought a bulk of 5 or 10 meters of cheap webbing in a narrow size from ebay, and had bought loads of buckles from Planet X when they sold off their POD stuff. Places like Timpsons should have a small stock of bits out back if you ask nicely if they are doing the job for you.
Otherwise it's hardware stores and haberdasheries, so somewhere like the big one called Atlantis on Tabernacle St.
Don't forget to check the charity shops, you may be able to buy a rubbish old backpack/bag of some kind to use as a donor for buckles and parts.
You could also ask about supplies from Arthur Beale (the rope shop) on Shaftesbury Ave. If they don't have it they will know where to get it.
If you're handy you could do this yourself, buying some webbing and a side release buckle of your choice, or ghetto it using a belt and buckle.
Any cobbler should have a 'patcher' (strong sewing machine, old school Singer, mostly hand operated) and could do a quick job, especially if you bring in the materials pre-cut and ready to stitch on.
The best technique would be to buy yourself the materials and do it yourself, using a 'Sewing Awl' if you don't have access to a good machine.
I have one like this. Pretty sure mine is this one, but there are others like this. Grab some contact adhesive and glue the strap in place before sewing it, and then learn how to use the awl. You may need some seam sealant if your bag was supposed to be waterproof.
Or go absolute ghetto and use stick-on velcro.