Project description
I play violin semi-professionally and travel to rehearsals and small gigs several times a week, and the factory case I currently use is bulky, ugly, and frankly falling apart at the seams. I want to commission a proper hand-stitched leather case, something that looks like it was made by an actual craftsman rather than stamped out in a factory. The violin is a 4/4 full-size instrument, and I will send exact measurements, photos of the instrument and bow, and the shape of my current case as a rough reference once we agree on the project.
What I am picturing is a fitted, semi-rigid cover case (not a rock-hard box, more like a structured leather shell over a lightweight form) that hugs the shape of the violin body and neck closely, with a separate padded slot or a soft sling for the bow so it does not knock against the instrument in transit. The interior needs real padding, either a soft napped fabric or suede lining over foam, because scratches and humidity swings worry me a lot with this particular instrument. On the outside I would like full-grain vegetable-tanned leather in a deep chestnut or dark brown, saddle stitched by hand, not machine sewn, since I have seen how much more durable and elegant a hand stitch looks over time.
One detail that matters to me is personalization: I would like my initials embossed or hand-tooled somewhere discreet, maybe near the strap attachment or the latch, along with a small floral or scroll motif if that is something you can do without making it look busy. I also need a shoulder strap with a comfortable width and a secure buckle, plus maybe one small exterior pocket for rosin, a cloth, and spare strings.
Budget-wise I am working with a few hundred dollars for the full commission including materials, so please tell me honestly what is realistic within that range and where corners could be cut without hurting durability. I am flexible on the exact timeline within reason, ideally two to three weeks, but I would rather wait a bit longer for good stitching than get something rushed. If you have done instrument cases before I would love to see photos, and if not I am still open as long as your other hand-stitched leatherwork looks solid. Happy to discuss the pattern and get a mockup or sketch approved before you cut any leather.
What I am picturing is a fitted, semi-rigid cover case (not a rock-hard box, more like a structured leather shell over a lightweight form) that hugs the shape of the violin body and neck closely, with a separate padded slot or a soft sling for the bow so it does not knock against the instrument in transit. The interior needs real padding, either a soft napped fabric or suede lining over foam, because scratches and humidity swings worry me a lot with this particular instrument. On the outside I would like full-grain vegetable-tanned leather in a deep chestnut or dark brown, saddle stitched by hand, not machine sewn, since I have seen how much more durable and elegant a hand stitch looks over time.
One detail that matters to me is personalization: I would like my initials embossed or hand-tooled somewhere discreet, maybe near the strap attachment or the latch, along with a small floral or scroll motif if that is something you can do without making it look busy. I also need a shoulder strap with a comfortable width and a secure buckle, plus maybe one small exterior pocket for rosin, a cloth, and spare strings.
Budget-wise I am working with a few hundred dollars for the full commission including materials, so please tell me honestly what is realistic within that range and where corners could be cut without hurting durability. I am flexible on the exact timeline within reason, ideally two to three weeks, but I would rather wait a bit longer for good stitching than get something rushed. If you have done instrument cases before I would love to see photos, and if not I am still open as long as your other hand-stitched leatherwork looks solid. Happy to discuss the pattern and get a mockup or sketch approved before you cut any leather.
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