No, it isn't hard to find domestic production from small shops.From a couple of bike shows in cities, I have the impression that the roll of older rural crafting in canvas for cycling and camping, has been augmented by a number of younger artisans working in cities, some associated with fixie and messenger bikes, culture and sensibilities.
Methinks I became aware of them from blogs and listservs for messengers and those inclined to mount racks for service, touring, and randonneuring. The bags and panniers follow the racks, as the messenger bags and saddlebags follow for those who ride neked......or without additional loops of chro-moly.
With several years of experience there are a number who know their materials and how the perform i vivo as much as framebuilders know their tubes..
Your favorite search engine should help.
Harry Travis Is there a Juki industrial sewing machine in my future? Pine Barrens of NJ USA
On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 6:05 PM, Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net> wrote:
> The issue with making panniers has been finding the right materials. About
> 1970, Beloved Spouse actually drew up plans that we distributed through the
> local bike club - narragansett bay wheelmen. Even with the internet, I
> suspect it's challenging to find the relatively small quantities of
> specialized fabric and fittings. In fact, we eventually turned to
> customizing the dot-it-yourself sewing kits that were available for lots of
> outdoor equipment back then, instead of starting from scratch.
>
> harvey - not a bad seamster still - sachs
> mcLean va
> and goin' to Westminster bright and early Sunday.
>
> ++++++++++++++
> Michael Thompson wrote:
>
> I'm looking for some old school panniers like these:
>
> http://www.flickr.com/
> ?
> Or if you may know of someone that could make me up a pair, possibly two
> pair, please send me his/her name.
>
> _______________________________________________
>
--
Harry Travis