PATTERNS
Reliable, accurate, and traditional.  Cardboard patterns and tailors chalk are used to mark-out the shapes on the fabric.  Each pattern has been developed over many months of prototyping and hands-on testing.

CUTTING
Fabric cutting is by hand shears, the same method used by tailors for hundreds of years.  Matched with accurate marking from the pattern, hand cutting is precise and allows me to offer a bespoke service, cutting each bag individually.

Leather is initially cut with a wooden strap-cutter, as used by traditional bridle-makers.  The strap ends are curved by hand with a small 'clicking' knife, and all  edges are bevelled to give a comfortable shape.

STITCHING
A two-needle technique used by bridle-makers has been borrowed and adapted for hand-stitching.  The top hem on the Canvas Tote Bag for example, has this type of stitching.

A tribute to the much loved chain-stitch hem seen on many good quality jeans, the Backyard Denim Tote bag has a hand-stitched chain down the front pocket.  It takes time and patience to get it right, but I think it's worth the effort. 

The majority of machine stitching is done on a very simple industrial machine.  I don't see the need for dozens of complicated machines that only perform one function each.   

STENCILS
I think the hand-cut Backyard Denim stencils are interesting objects in their own right.  Layers of ink being added over time just add to their character. The stencils, and a simple paintbrush are used to 'print' each Backyard Denim logo.  As there is variation in the amount of ink applied, each one is unique.

The Kite shape outline represents a sense of freedom and our passion to soar above the average, and to do things differently.  The Umbrella is a symbol of protection from the elements, and a place for people to gather.

The original "Backyard" image is from around 1978.  My older sister and I, sitting under an umbrella in our parents backyard.  I love this image for its simplicity, and as a reminder of a wonderful time when the backyard was a place for the whole family to relax and enjoy some time together.

RIVET SETTING
The process of 'setting' the rivets is very labour intensive.  Firstly, the reinforcing washers are punched out of leather.  Next, a hole is  made in the fabric and leather handle, for the nail section of the rivet to be pushed through.  A copper washer is then placed over the nail, and hammered down. The nail is cut to length, slightly above the washer.  Finally, the cut end is then carefully burred over with a hammer and a punch.