Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[Esquared72]

When I bought the Madison, she didn’t have her strap. Rather than buying one, trying to repurpose one from an MbMJ mini groovee that I never use anymore. I think the color match is pretty darn close though the leather grain is different. What do you think? This strap is long enough that the bag rests at waist level.

 

[squeakyrose]

When I bought the Madison, she didn’t have her strap. Rather than buying one, trying to repurpose one from an MbMJ mini groovee that I never use anymore. I think the color match is pretty darn close though the leather grain is different. What do you think? This strap is long enough that the bag rests at waist level.

View attachment 6105786

Color match is great! Even the hardware blends well.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

When I bought the Madison, she didn’t have her strap. Rather than buying one, trying to repurpose one from an MbMJ mini groovee that I never use anymore. I think the color match is pretty darn close though the leather grain is different. What do you think? This strap is long enough that the bag rests at waist level.

View attachment 6105786

I think it looks great!! I have a black madison I rehabbed that I'm super fond of. I think I like yours better!

 

[whateve]

When I bought the Madison, she didn’t have her strap. Rather than buying one, trying to repurpose one from an MbMJ mini groovee that I never use anymore. I think the color match is pretty darn close though the leather grain is different. What do you think? This strap is long enough that the bag rests at waist level.

View attachment 6105786

It's so pretty!

 

[Esquared72]

I think it looks great!! I have a black madison I rehabbed that I'm super fond of. I think I like yours better!

It's so pretty!

Thank you! Took it out today for some errands and I’m really digging this one. It’s roomy but not heavy and the color felt kinda perfect for this time of year.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Done working on this Court bag. Not super pleased with the patched ripped handle, but there's a point of diminishing returns.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Another rehab! There were two ripped corners on this one. Vintage cutie trimmed with bridle leather.

it

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

One more rehab. Another vintage, from 2004.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

I love this product! Filling in a scratch on my basic bag from the bin store.

 

[maevari]

I hope you've all had wonderful holidays. Here's the update on the Disaster Bag.
It's a Disaster Bag no more! I'd be lying if I said it was smooth sailing to get here even from when I decided that dye was my best option. I managed to learn another valuable lesson in that oil based dyes and oil based conditioners can and will lead to the dye coming off the leather, which is exactly what happened to me as I thought I was about to dot the i with some conditioner/protector.
So in the evening of the 23rd I was having a bit of a meltdown as I was once again stripping the bag of the dye and conditioner only to have to dye it again (we celebrate on the 24th).
I had originally hoped to get Fiebing's dye but with the time left I had to use what was available and got the Leather Penetrating Dye from TRG the One (this is a Spanish brand, but I'm not sure if it's the same Tarrago that's been referred to in this forum). The reviews online gave me some confidence as others had also used it on bags with good results. I tested it out on a leather strip first and was pleasantly surprised especially hearing so many comment on how dyes can leave a very shiny finish. This one has a satin finish that looks natural to this type of leather and the result is uniform with the rest of the bag which didn't have nearly as much mystery product on originally. I found it easy to work with overall. I also got the leather preparer for prep. I'm not sure if it has any major differences from the pure acetone, aside from not smelling as intensely, but at least it gave me a bit of confidence that it definitely had to work well with their dye.
But as I said, the dye (or as I learned, just about any oil based dye) just won't work together with products like the Saphir Renovateur or the other liquid conditioners I had. Saddle soap is absolutely fine to use with it, though, so that's what I did after the final dyeing process.
Something I was glad I did was that I got a box of assorted leather pieces with different finishes from a local bag brand who was selling the scraps from their studio. I've been using the smaller pieces I can't use for projects to try out products before I use them on a bag. It doesn't guarantee that there will be no hiccups along the way, but it's an added safety measure and for less than the price of a slice of cake. So I think it's well worth it.

I also wanted to say how much I appreciate everyone's advice on here throughout this. It gave me the courage I needed and I'm pretty pleased with how this bag turned out. I finished the rehab just in time. Mom absolutely loves the bag.

 

[Tilis]

I hope you've all had wonderful holidays. Here's the update on the Disaster Bag.
It's a Disaster Bag no more! I'd be lying if I said it was smooth sailing to get here even from when I decided that dye was my best option. I managed to learn another valuable lesson in that oil based dyes and oil based conditioners can and will lead to the dye coming off the leather, which is exactly what happened to me as I thought I was about to dot the i with some conditioner/protector.
So in the evening of the 23rd I was having a bit of a meltdown as I was once again stripping the bag of the dye and conditioner only to have to dye it again (we celebrate on the 24th).
I had originally hoped to get Fiebing's dye but with the time left I had to use what was available and got the Leather Penetrating Dye from TRG the One (this is a Spanish brand, but I'm not sure if it's the same Tarrago that's been referred to in this forum). The reviews online gave me some confidence as others had also used it on bags with good results. I tested it out on a leather strip first and was pleasantly surprised especially hearing so many comment on how dyes can leave a very shiny finish. This one has a satin finish that looks natural to this type of leather and the result is uniform with the rest of the bag which didn't have nearly as much mystery product on originally. I found it easy to work with overall. I also got the leather preparer for prep. I'm not sure if it has any major differences from the pure acetone, aside from not smelling as intensely, but at least it gave me a bit of confidence that it definitely had to work well with their dye.
But as I said, the dye (or as I learned, just about any oil based dye) just won't work together with products like the Saphir Renovateur or the other liquid conditioners I had. Saddle soap is absolutely fine to use with it, though, so that's what I did after the final dyeing process.
Something I was glad I did was that I got a box of assorted leather pieces with different finishes from a local bag brand who was selling the scraps from their studio. I've been using the smaller pieces I can't use for projects to try out products before I use them on a bag. It doesn't guarantee that there will be no hiccups along the way, but it's an added safety measure and for less than the price of a slice of cake. So I think it's well worth it.

I also wanted to say how much I appreciate everyone's advice on here throughout this. It gave me the courage I needed and I'm pretty pleased with how this bag turned out. I finished the rehab just in time. Mom absolutely loves the bag.
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Truly a beauty to be proud of !!!! This bag is not only elegant, but she can be a workhorse, in that she can hold a lot more than what it looks like. I believe your mom will appreciate this present more and more as she carries her.

 

[maevari]

Truly a beauty to be proud of !!!! This bag is not only elegant, but she can be a workhorse, in that she can hold a lot more than what it looks like. I believe your mom will appreciate this present more and more as she carries her.

Thank you! I truly feel this is one of The Great Bags. It is timeless, it is elegant, it is versatile, it is practical. I've gifted my mom bags before, but this time she even admitted feeling a bit jealous when she first saw me carry my trail bag, so I knew she would love this model in particular. And I now feel like as nice as the vintage Coach leather feels to begin with, you can't fully appreciate its quality until you see what it can come back from.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

I hope you've all had wonderful holidays. Here's the update on the Disaster Bag.
It's a Disaster Bag no more! I'd be lying if I said it was smooth sailing to get here even from when I decided that dye was my best option. I managed to learn another valuable lesson in that oil based dyes and oil based conditioners can and will lead to the dye coming off the leather, which is exactly what happened to me as I thought I was about to dot the i with some conditioner/protector.
So in the evening of the 23rd I was having a bit of a meltdown as I was once again stripping the bag of the dye and conditioner only to have to dye it again (we celebrate on the 24th).
I had originally hoped to get Fiebing's dye but with the time left I had to use what was available and got the Leather Penetrating Dye from TRG the One (this is a Spanish brand, but I'm not sure if it's the same Tarrago that's been referred to in this forum). The reviews online gave me some confidence as others had also used it on bags with good results. I tested it out on a leather strip first and was pleasantly surprised especially hearing so many comment on how dyes can leave a very shiny finish. This one has a satin finish that looks natural to this type of leather and the result is uniform with the rest of the bag which didn't have nearly as much mystery product on originally. I found it easy to work with overall. I also got the leather preparer for prep. I'm not sure if it has any major differences from the pure acetone, aside from not smelling as intensely, but at least it gave me a bit of confidence that it definitely had to work well with their dye.
But as I said, the dye (or as I learned, just about any oil based dye) just won't work together with products like the Saphir Renovateur or the other liquid conditioners I had. Saddle soap is absolutely fine to use with it, though, so that's what I did after the final dyeing process.
Something I was glad I did was that I got a box of assorted leather pieces with different finishes from a local bag brand who was selling the scraps from their studio. I've been using the smaller pieces I can't use for projects to try out products before I use them on a bag. It doesn't guarantee that there will be no hiccups along the way, but it's an added safety measure and for less than the price of a slice of cake. So I think it's well worth it.

I also wanted to say how much I appreciate everyone's advice on here throughout this. It gave me the courage I needed and I'm pretty pleased with how this bag turned out. I finished the rehab just in time. Mom absolutely loves the bag.
View attachment 6107361View attachment 6107362View attachment 6107363

You did so much work. And now, you (and mom) have something beautiful to enjoy. Yay!

 

[squeakyrose]

I hope you've all had wonderful holidays. Here's the update on the Disaster Bag.
It's a Disaster Bag no more! I'd be lying if I said it was smooth sailing to get here even from when I decided that dye was my best option. I managed to learn another valuable lesson in that oil based dyes and oil based conditioners can and will lead to the dye coming off the leather, which is exactly what happened to me as I thought I was about to dot the i with some conditioner/protector.
So in the evening of the 23rd I was having a bit of a meltdown as I was once again stripping the bag of the dye and conditioner only to have to dye it again (we celebrate on the 24th).
I had originally hoped to get Fiebing's dye but with the time left I had to use what was available and got the Leather Penetrating Dye from TRG the One (this is a Spanish brand, but I'm not sure if it's the same Tarrago that's been referred to in this forum). The reviews online gave me some confidence as others had also used it on bags with good results. I tested it out on a leather strip first and was pleasantly surprised especially hearing so many comment on how dyes can leave a very shiny finish. This one has a satin finish that looks natural to this type of leather and the result is uniform with the rest of the bag which didn't have nearly as much mystery product on originally. I found it easy to work with overall. I also got the leather preparer for prep. I'm not sure if it has any major differences from the pure acetone, aside from not smelling as intensely, but at least it gave me a bit of confidence that it definitely had to work well with their dye.
But as I said, the dye (or as I learned, just about any oil based dye) just won't work together with products like the Saphir Renovateur or the other liquid conditioners I had. Saddle soap is absolutely fine to use with it, though, so that's what I did after the final dyeing process.
Something I was glad I did was that I got a box of assorted leather pieces with different finishes from a local bag brand who was selling the scraps from their studio. I've been using the smaller pieces I can't use for projects to try out products before I use them on a bag. It doesn't guarantee that there will be no hiccups along the way, but it's an added safety measure and for less than the price of a slice of cake. So I think it's well worth it.

I also wanted to say how much I appreciate everyone's advice on here throughout this. It gave me the courage I needed and I'm pretty pleased with how this bag turned out. I finished the rehab just in time. Mom absolutely loves the bag.
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What a Christmas story! She is stunning. Well done!! 👏👏

 

[squeakyrose]

Hi all! Looking for advice…I’m working on a black 2002 US 9059 Legacy Small Hobo. She was misshapen with fading when rescued. I’m really pleased with how it’s going after dunking, multiple CPRs during drying, touchups, and buffing.

I was just about to Blackrock. But I’d love for this thinner leather to be just a little more hydrated. Not absorbing more CPR now that she’s fully dry (gets tacky). Will Blackrock or Renapur also give a last boost of moisture with the finishing? Or other suggestions before I apply the wax…..TIA!