PPC22: Sketch-a-Bag

June 24, 2020 / Kat /

So…

it might seem like it’s WAY too early to be starting a new cycle of “Purse Pattern Chronicles” because it was just a few weeks ago that we released our newest pattern, the Side Slinger, but here’s the deal… we actually could’ve released the Side Slinger much earlier than we did… in early April to be exact, but since that was at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic it just didn’t seem like the right time. So I kinda put it on ice until mid-May.

At any rate, I’m ready to begin work on a new project now and since there’s no trade shows in our foreseeable future and since our vacation was cancelled due to the aforementioned pandemic, we’re looking at a very l-o-n-g expanse of uninterrupted time to work on this pattern… something that hasn’t happened for many years.

Anyway, let me show you what’s on my mind this time!

I’ve only really ever brought one bag to Market that was truly designed to be a backpack (the Odyssey)! Oh I’ve got a few others that can be worn as a backpack, most notably the Cosmo Convertible and the Sling Along, but given the fact that so many of customers ask us specifically for a dedicated backpack design I thought… maybe now is the time?!?

At any rate, I plan on installing a zipper into the Strap so that it can be zipped open for to carry this bag as a backpack, or can be zipped closed to carry this bag as a crossbody or shoulder bag.
Here’s the bag front which will feature a Grab n’ Go handle and a zippered pocket (there’s one on the bag back too as well as inside the bag). The main entry will be a zipper closure too, and WOW— that’s FIVE zippers, BUT one of the few bags I’ve designed that doesn’t feature a sew-in invisible magnet!

So my question to you is..

What do you this about this style? Does the size and functionality appeal to you in any way? And if so, are there features you like for us it include or omit from this design? So do stay tuned for the next post in this series as we continue to develop this new design… coming up in our next post, the 1st prototype!

And now…. it’s YOUR turn!

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.

Check out the best sewing pins with me on Pinterest, join our Facebook discussions, get your daily sewing fix on our Facebook Business Page or get behind the scenes scoops on Instagram, and be the 1st to know about new patterns, discount codes and sample sales by signing up for our monthly newsletter.

And now…. it’s YOUR turn!

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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Check out the best sewing pins with me on Pinterest, join in on discussions or show off your work in our FaceBook Group, or get your daily sewing fix on our Facebook Business Page or get behind the scenes scoops on Instagram, and be the 1st to know about new patterns, discount codes and sample sales by signing up for our monthly newsletter.

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Kat

17 Comments

  1. Joan O'Malley on June 24, 2020 at 7:19 am

    I think I would reserve my comments till I know the dimensions. Ive seen patterns for other back packs and the resulting bag is so small that I can get more in a purse. And often a large bag is too inviting to stuff it with more than is comfortable after a while. I do like the idea of a backpack for the convenience of two free hands especially when taking summer “field trips” with my grands. Please dont take my comments the wrong way…I love your patterns and have lots of them. Years ago I made a small back pack pattern of yours for my granddaughter (then 5 now heading to her 3rd year of college). It was chosen as bag of the month. I just would like to know the dimensions before adding suggestions.



    • Kat on June 24, 2020 at 8:14 am

      Thanks for commenting Joan- It’s no problem. It’s way to early in the process though for me to commit to a particular size dimension. Do stay tuned though! 🙂



  2. Deb Brannock on June 24, 2020 at 9:09 am

    I like the added zipper for the backpack handles. A lot of stores are not allowing backpacks in when shopping. The ‘convertible’ will remove that obstacle. Also looks like you have an added handle at the top of the bag. Very convenient for grab & go. Maybe on the sides you could add pockets to slide sun/glasses or chap stick into.



    • Kat on June 24, 2020 at 9:55 am

      Thanks for the comments Deb. We’ll add that to our list of maybe’s. 🙂



  3. Sharon McKinney on June 24, 2020 at 11:19 am

    I like the idea of a backpack. Would it be possible to some how “lock” the zipper on the front? I’m concerned about thieves who might help themselves with the zipper. I’ve read stories where when you’re standing in line, etc., some one can come behind you and help themselves. Looking forward to more information; e.g., dimensions (it’ll be the “goldilocks” … not too big, not too small, but “just right”!)



    • Kat on June 25, 2020 at 5:44 am

      And I can’t wait to show you MORE! Thanks for commenting Sharon! 🙂



  4. Linda Collins on June 24, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Hi. Love the backpack idea. Is there a way to include a side pocket for a water bottle?

    P. S. Have your assistants approved this design now?😻😻



    • Kat on June 25, 2020 at 5:46 am

      Hmmmm…. I’ll consider this, but right now it doesnt seem so, there’s will be plenty of rooom on the inside for a water bottle though. 🙂 And my assistants seem to like it so far.



  5. Sonja on June 24, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    I love backpacks! Just a thought – maybe make the back zipper vertical (placement could be left or right – maker’s choice) – I find this so convenient because it’s not right under the straps.



    • Kat on June 25, 2020 at 5:47 am

      Thanks for commenting Sonja. We’ll add this suggestion to the “maybe” column! 🙂



  6. Barbara Reeves on June 25, 2020 at 5:43 am

    Oh what a good idea!
    My biggest angst with the cross body bags (one of which i have used consistently for at least 6 years) is the way the strap crosses between and accentuates the ‘girls.’ I never ever thought about a back-pack purse! What a great idea.
    I would like it to be easily opened and small like the Walkabout Wallet so I don’t have the temptation to stuff it full of ‘stuff’ and make it heavy and/or cumbersome.
    Can’t wait to see the new design!!



    • Kat on June 25, 2020 at 5:47 am

      Terrific. I’m so glad you like the idea Barbara! You made my day!



  7. Susan H on June 25, 2020 at 6:39 am

    Curious as to how this will differ from your older backpack pattern the Odyssey? Thanks



    • Kat on June 25, 2020 at 7:19 am

      Thanks for commenting Susan
      They really wont be similar at all, but do stay tuned for further info as we continue developing this pattern. 🙂



  8. Pauline on June 25, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    Love this idea. My thought was an outside pocket for a water bottle as I always like those to be right at hand and away from the inside items in case of a leak. It is a deal breaker for me on a backpack. Can’t wait to see more.



    • Kat on June 26, 2020 at 5:39 am

      hmmm…. I’m not sure that’s a feature that I can make happen for this design, but time will tell. Do stay tuned? and thanks for commenting! 🙂



  9. Leslei J Hutchison on July 15, 2020 at 8:17 am

    I wouldn’t mind one of the outside pockets being able to be used for concealed carry. I know this may cause some controversy but you asked for opinions and this is mine.