PPC21- All Dressed Up in Cork!

So…

in our last post I showed you the first “real” sample we created in the preliminary runup to what will eventually become our new pattern design for Spring 2020. And by “real” we mean that this sample was true to what our final design will be, in that it included ALL of the features that will be detailed within the pattern. And just so you know, I have been VERY encouraged by the thoughtful comments that many of you have taken the time to write both here on this blog, by email and on our other Social Media sites. So against that backdrop, it’s time to start showing you the first in what will probably be at least six samples that could wind up being the cover model for our finished pattern!

But first- we’re finally ready to reveal the name we’ve chosen for this new design!

the Side Slinger

And now, with that formality out of the way, let’s proceed

So this is the very first bag I’ve ever designed that will actually have cork as a recommended material (in addition to quilters cottons, of course). And this little bag made up beautifully in cork. I used it in ALL the exterior areas and the fun part is that when cork is used, you can avoid adding interfacing (you still have to use foam stabilizer though).

Here’s the Bag Back which is pretty much plain because the zippered entry takes you to a full-height, full-width pocket. And what do you think about these zippers with this cork? I was torn between these (tan & white ministripe) and the back zippers with the good teeth and pull. I’m pretty happy with this look, but then i wonder…..

Here’s the Phone Slot Pocket which is actually bigger than it looks. My phone is a Samsung Galaxy 7, which is pretty old and the battery on it is so lousy that i keep in a battery case now which adds a LOT of heft and depth. Note to self: Take some pictures with a different phone in the Slot. 🙂

And I recently conducted a poll in my **FaceBook Group** to see if women tended to wear their bags more on their right side or their left and was kinda surprised to find out that women overwhelmingly wore their bags on their left, (because they said, they are right-handed). But here’s the thing… I am right-handed but carry my bag on the right, so I sure am glad i asked! But back to the point… I created this sample to be carried on the left and before you ask… there will be templates included in this pattern so that you can choose to make YOUR bag left or right-sided! But- which ever way you wear it, it conceals beautifully and almost imperceptibly under a jacket or coat!

So in conclusion, I’m SO glad I decided to try making this bag totally in cork (except for the lining areas). I’m really pleased with the result… so pleased in fact that now I’m feeling emboldened to try my hand with a faux leather. YIKES! I might be sorry but do stay tuned for a future post where i detail how it went!

So…

now let’s talk about this amazing cork! In all honesty, this cork is a little different than other corks on the market. It WAY thinner and substantially more flexible and you might remember that I also used this brand of cork in the Gateway with equal success. (You can see those samples here and here!)

So… does this mean that we’re recommending cork as a fabric choice for this design?

The answer is yes, BUT, with stipulations! Stay tuned for our next post in this series to find out more before choosing cork for YOUR project.

But in the meantime, if you’re interested in duplicating this fabulous look, I have a limited quantity of this awesome zebra-print cork available now on my website NOW! You’ll need one package for the front of the bag itself, AND if you want to also make the backside of the bag and the Strap Pad in cork (as shown in this post), you’ll need a 2nd package. It’s your choice, just click HERE !

And now…. it’s YOUR turn!

Have you tried cork yet? And what do you think of this sample made up in cork? And perhaps more importantly, what do you think of the name we’ve chosen? The Side Slinger! And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

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