Misty Meadows Leatherworking
Crosby Hotspur Lea with Navy Gusset
Crosby Hotspur Lea with Navy Gusset
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This is the second saddle flap bag made from the Crosby Prix de Nations saddle. The other one has a green gusset and shoulder straps; please see my other listing to view photos of it.
A bag that invokes memories of hours in the saddle, riding your first clear round, and hand-grazing the trusted schoolmaster who taught you all the basics.
The Hotspur Lea is named after the dark bay thoroughbred gelding with whom I learned many horsemanship lessons in my youth. It maintains the saddle flap shape, and you can see all the details and wear patterns of decades of use. The blend of old and new leather with all the authentic marks of use make this a unique and handsome statement piece.
The saddle that was used to make this bag was a vintage Crosby Prix de Nations, featuring a rich reddish brown color. I used a cream waxed thread to highlight the hand stitching and shape of the bag, and a navy blue vegetable tanned gusset to give it a pop of color and contrast against the brown. The crossbody strap is made from a breast collar.
Measures 13"x12"x5.5" at all of the widest points.
Care Recommendations
Care Recommendations
Cleaning: Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. For a deeper clean, use a leather cleaner suitable for high-quality leather.
Conditioning: Apply a premium leather conditioner periodically to maintain suppleness and prevent drying or cracking. I recommend Effax Leder Balsam. *** Note! Be very careful applying conditioner to ANY gusset. The gusset leather I use is all "new" leather - it may discolor with oil or other agents. If this happens, I recommend applying the product to the entire gusset to ensure an even color when it dries.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a dust bag if available to protect it from scratches.
Moisture Caution: A small amount of water won't harm the leather, but if it becomes heavily wet, allow it to air dry naturally and condition it afterward.
NOTE: For any Nubuck leather, ONLY use special nubuck/suede cleaner!!!
Reused Leather
Reused Leather
Each leather piece tells its own story. The reclaimed materials naturally bear marks and imperfections from their storied past, which only enhance the character of this unique bag.
Please note that when you buy an item made of leather, especially reclaimed/upcycled leather, there are differences in color and texture than that of a mass produced, big box store item. This is what gives natural materials their character, and with reclaimed materials, show the love the leather received over decades of use. With new leather (some parts of this item) you may see original differences in the hide which is a reflection of the cow it came from. Colors are different from screen to screen (phones/tablets/computers/etc), and while I do my best to photograph items in natural light, there is always the possibility that your device shows the color differently. I am happy to take additional photos by request.
Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship
100% handmade - from design, cutting, punching, and hand stitching by me in my little workshop in VA. Every bag is unique due to this process, and I only use high quality materials to augment the repurposed saddle leather.
The Saddle Stitch is the stitching method that I utilize, rather than relying on machines or other quicker and more efficient methods. This time-honored method ensures robust construction; even if one stitch falters, the integrity of the seam remains intact, reflecting true artistry and personal dedication. All major luxury brands (Hermes, Gucci, Ferragamo, etc.) use this method to ensure high quality end products.
