white clay workshop

Sewn creations from the mind of Eric Wilkins. [with a love for backpacks and repurposed materials]

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I made another camera sling bag for my friend, Eesh, who shoots on a medium format film camera. I had to change the dimensions some, but the bag is otherwise the same as version one. This color combo is killer too! 

After completing this bag, I had the thought that it would be cool as promo for my in-the-works brand, WHITE CLAY, to have the people I make bags for model them in a shoot. So, that is how this series came about. Not long before this my good friend, J Wood (a stellar budding photographer), had told me how he wanted to do more product photography, so it only made sense to hit him up for this one. 

I really love how these shots came out, and it was a really fun time wandering around International District in Seattle with these two buds finding locations. Eesh looked really natural with her bag (which she had for about a month before the shoot and used almost everyday that’s why there is some wear) and the day turned out to be beautiful and sunny. 

As I move forward with this little idea of WHITE CLAY I want it to continue to be like this as much as possible: friends creating art and memories together. 

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JJ was the first person I made the original sling bag for. This first version was slightly narrower and shorter than the final dimensions, which limited his use of the bag. He is amateur photographer so generally carries a camera of some kind with him. He suggested I make a camera bag version of the sling, so for his next birthday I put this one together. The dimensions of the sling bag stay relatively the same, but I added foam in the inside front panel and in the bottom panel. Since the bag would be carrying cameras I wanted the it to be fairly water resistant, so I use waxed canvas of two different weights as the outer and the lining is 1000D nylon. I also added double velcro strips on both the inside front and back panels and included removable dividers to make the bag more customizable to whatever camera and other goods were packed into it. I like this one a lot. 

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Sling bag commission for another friend. This is my most made bag at this point. Original idea inspired by an older REI fanny pack. Again, sticking to my usual simple aesthetic. Learned that the trick for making the bag fit one’s back well is the triangular strap anchors, which are the same pattern I use on my backpack straps. Took me a minute to figure that one out. Really great low-profile everyday carry bag. 

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Final roll-top duffle bag commissioned by my friend, Alex, for his lady. The heavier canvas and liner really gave the bag a good shape. Turned out super clean and sturdy feeling. A very versatile bag with modern lines and some outdoor/heritage details. Loving this color way, too. And how bout that liner?! (Remnant IKEA fabric found at Goodwill) 

Seriously pro photos by the one and only Jenny Lynquist. 

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Prototype roll top duffle design commissioned by a friend. This version is made from scrap Cordura with seat belt webbing for the handles with no lining just to get a feel for the size and how the bag would go together. A few snags here and there but worked out most of the kinks before the final bag. I wanted the design to be as clean and simple as possible yet still have a number of pocket options. The side zipper is connected to a pocket that expands into the bag for storing a pair of shoes or dirty laundry. This keeps your clothes inside the main section cleaner and allows easy access to your shoes or whatever you put in the side pocket. A fun project for sure. 

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Some process shots of the last pack design. 

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The next iteration of the last pack I posted. This was a commission from a friend. I made improvements and changes to the original design. 
This pack is made of a 10 oz duck canvas that is tested for water resistance. I also added darts to the bottom corners of the larger front pocket, because I found when the pocket gets packed out it causes the bottom, front edge of the pack to pull up even with the pleated front. I also added storm flaps to the zippers for practical reasons and I like how it cleaned up the look of the pack a bit.

Thanks for modeling, JJ.

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The most recent back pack I made. 

This is a the first prototype of a design I have been sketching up for a few weeks. I generally make smaller packs as it causes me to be more intentional with what I carry. I do like a number of options for pockets though to keep things organized. I really like how the front panel pockets turned out. The bag has nice shape to it when the larger front pocket is packed out and expanded as well. As you can tell I am still into the side zip entry into the main compartment. Some of the stitching is less than perfect, but it is a prototype. 

One thing I need to rethink is the side slip pocket on the one side of the bag. The bag is too slim for the pocket to hold a typical water bottle and is too tall to be useful for most other things. Back to the drawing board on that one. 

I think this is my favorite of my packs so far. 

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This was an idea I developed for a packable day pack that isn’t made from a more technical material. I came upon this old military tent material at a Goodwill outlet. It is lightweight and strong and has just enough stretch within the weave. The goal, per usual, was to make this pack very simple and straightforward, but lightweight enough to roll up and pack into a larger bag. 

One of my favorite parts of the bag are the webbing shoulder straps. A very simple solution that is actually decently comfortable. Also, the eyelet and fabric around it where the drawstring come through the top of the bag was taken directly off the tent. It was cool to be able to reuse a feature of the tent. 

The bag does not have much structure to it so it can sit a little funny when not packed too well. 

Overall, I like the idea of this one. Some slight tweaks could be made. Maybe I can work on a pack that isn’t so boxy next....

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A small organizational pouch. As you may be able to tell I am a fan of simple, versatile design. 

The company I work for makes coasters that are 4 inches in diameter, so we have a dye for cutting them out. I saw some scrap coaster pieces lying around and thought it would be cool to make a cylindrical pouch with these pieces. Shown is a later version without the leather ends. This is a fun one to put together each time. 

Made from repurposed military duffel canvas, liner fabric from a local thrift store, YKK zipper and leather details. 

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A cleaner, refined version of my pencil pouch with a notebook pocket. I improved the construction making the zipper and lining cleaner. I also added a little leather detail at the back end of the zipper. 

I like how simple and versatile this little guy is. It has been referred to as a man clutch. It’s a great everyday carry and holds the bare essentials. 

Made of 10.10 oz waxed canvas, liner material found at a local thrift store, YKK zipper and leather details. 

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I have seen a number of companies making canvas lunch bags, and I decided to create a version of my own with a more fun shape and possibly more versatility as a bag. 

In later iterations I flat seamed the side seams and covered the excess material on the inside of the seam with some cotton tape. It leaves a nice stitch detail along the outside of the seam. 

Made of a repurposed military bag, leather and nylon webbing. 

Another gift for my little brother. 

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Another variation on the theme. I really dig the color way of this one. I like how sleek it looks. Very clean lines. 

I made some slight adjustments to the construction of this style. Before I was sewing through the foam on the back to attach the strap connection leather panel. On the other two the stitches seemed somewhat loose because of the foam, not as tight as I would like. For this I had the foam stop below this section of leather where the straps attach to the bag. Foam isn’t needed above this section anyway, so I saved on a bit of materials as well. One thing I did notice in doing this was that the back panel above the leather panel wanted to hinge backwards along the top of the leather panel. I don’t think it was an issue when the bag was packed though. Also, the thinned leather loops for holding when working the zippers are a favorite detail of mine on this pack. 

Clean. 

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Process shots from my little brother’s backpack construction. 

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A pack I made for my little brother. He had his eye on a certain backpack (I can’t recall what specific bag it was), and instead of buying it for him I decided it would be cooler to make him one that was more custom and had better features. 

Though the pack has a fairly simple shape, the construction was a challenge. Many hours went into this one. My brother walks to school, so I wanted it to be decently water resistant/proof. The top pocket was the trickiest. Attempting to create a storm flap over the zipper without stitching through the Cordura layer. 

The body and straps are made of old military duffels with a leather base and accents. The body and pockets are lined with 1000D Cordura with climbing rope as the drawstring. 

This pack was a big challenge but was so fulfilling to complete, and my brother loves it. It has broken in very nicely from daily use and held up well. 

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Another iteration of my small, cross- body bag. This one is made of an old, salvaged military duffel. I like to incorporate the original stamps and markings on the military bags when I can. 

I need to use that leather, adjustable closure more...

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A simple wallet design.

I wanted something slim and simple while having more than just one pocket. I like the security of the flap over and strap. I am a fan of the way the wallet folds open as well. It’s like opening a little package every time you open the wallet. 

The stitching is not the best on this one. The versions I have made of this wallet more recently are made of natural veg tan leather and are hand-stitched.