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@Black_Rainbow_Project
OK....
The workshop, for various reasons has taken nearly 7 months to get sorted, and it's still not finished. BUT...I am at least able to sew again now.
I haven't earned a penny in those seven months, so my position is currently tricky as I have a backlog of a few messenger bags and a few saddlebags to make...none of which will bring any money in as the VERY patient customers paid in full months, and in some cases over a year ago!
The priority is to clear this backlog, but I also have a couple of sponsorship obligations to sort too, and a desperate need to start earning some money.
After using my own messenger bag prototype for over 2 years now I decided I wanted to make some slight tweaks to the design...and I wanted to do it before making any for customers as once I decide something can be improved I prefer to give people the improved version...especially when they have waited so long.
I've spent the past month going over every tiny detail on the messenger bag and have gone through three new prototypes to get the changes exactly how I wanted them.
Most of the changes are small tweaks, but I had a few important changes I wanted to make.
There is now a new front pocket layout, which in my opinion is much better and gives more storage, a change to the internal pockets, which also gives more storage, completely different mid layer fabric which replaces the tarp layer, main flap straps are now replaceable, base compression straps are also now replaceable, a change involving the closure velcro, changes to main strap/pad fabrics, and a few changes to construction methods on the front pockets which look much more slick.
I had hoped that the slight material changes here and there might knock a bit of weight off, but the other changes have kind of cancelled that out, so it is still pretty much the second heaviest messenger bag on the market. :]
But...it has now gained suppleness and is a better bag all round in my opinion. Light weight was never a goal with this bag.
I will be tweaking the pouches slightly too when I get a chance. But once the backlog is cleared the priority will definitely be the backpack design as this will take time to figure out.
I will be making messenger bags, pouches, belts, key clips etc inbetween doing other stuff, to keep money coming in...but they will be sold once they are made...not before, as I don't want anymore lists and backlogs hanging over my head.
The rest of this year is going to be pretty messy as I try and get the whole range designed, with the intention of a proper launch in 2O13.
I have even postponed my idea of doing the tour divide so that I can spend time getting things sorted properly.
Once I have anything to sell I will let people know.
Thanks again for your patience. Being the mental mess that I am and doing everything on my own has taken it's toll on me, both mentally and physically...but I am doing my best to try and sort everything out, so hang in there.
PS....I will be coming back to London next weekend for London's calling and to drop off a couple of things, so If you see me around and want to check out the new messenger bag and the belt/key clip just gimme a shout...especially Puiyin, Steff, D generate, and Jaryder.