PPC22: The Prototype

June 27, 2020 / Kat /

So…

In our last post, which was the first in this, the newest edition of Purse Pattern Chronicles, I showed you the original sketches of what will eventually become our next pattern and told you about my vision for it, which means that now its time for the rubber to hit the road… in other words… its time to draft up the first set of pattern templates and test them out by sewing up the 1st prototype. Now… prior to revealing it to you, I’m asking that you please remember!

This is just a prototype & will…

  1. NEVER be used in the traditional fashion (as a handbag)…
  2. be comprised of cast off notions & scrap fabrics…
  3. have no lining & thus NO interior features AND…
  4. absolutely NO foundation fabrics (ie; interfacing or stabilizer).

That’s because the ONLY purpose this sample will EVER serve is as an initial evaluation of the bag silhouette and to get a decent read on how the pattern pieces fit together so I can make appropriate adjustments!

So let’s take a look, shall we?

So here’s the deal… for a first prototype I was fairly pleased with this bag. Oh I know it’s hard to see beyond the mismatched fabric & ugly zipper, but if you refer once again to the 3rd paragraph above, this sample fulfilled my two objectives for a 1st prototype in that the pattern pieces matched up fairly well and I was reasonably satisfied with the basic silhouette. I’ll be tweaking it for sure. Most notably, I’d like for the sides of this bag to have a more continuous curved shape so I’ll be smoothing out that area area at the bottom of each zipper end.

So stay tuned for the next post in this series when I’ll be adding a lining complete with interior features as well as the backpack straps. If all goes as planned that will be my “gorilla sample”!

And now…. it’s YOUR turn!

So…I know its probably a bit difficult to draw any conclusions from this one picture but based on it, along with the sketches I shared in our last post, do you think a bag like this would hold some interest for you? And if so, what features would you like to see us add!

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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Kat

15 Comments

  1. Gail Peters on June 27, 2020 at 6:59 am

    I like the shape. But i am not big on back pack bags. How big is it? Anyway to add shoulder straps?



  2. Shelly on June 27, 2020 at 7:11 am

    Please add a picture of the bag next to a ruler or an object for scale. Could I fit my tablet in there? A library book? A 32 oz water bottle and a container of snacks? Or just my wallet and glasses case?



    • Kat on June 27, 2020 at 8:09 am

      Please understand that it is VERY early in the process for this design. As we progress and solidify our plans we will provide much more information. Thanks for your patience. 🙂



  3. Pam on June 27, 2020 at 8:38 am

    I’d love a zipper compartment on the back side so valuables are secure against your back when wearing. Or maybe a cell phone “pocket “ for the same reason… I like my cell phone secure but not zipped up…just a thought. I like that you’re tweaking the shape a bit. It’s looking good!!



    • Kat on June 27, 2020 at 8:59 am

      thanks! We have a long way to go yet. Just getting started , so stay tuned? 🙂



  4. Beth on June 27, 2020 at 9:51 am

    I like that it looks big enough for my enormous sunglasses case as well as my other things. I agree that curving the bag at the zipper ends would look better. It’s always so interesting to see your designs come to life! Thanks for sharing your process.



    • Kat on June 27, 2020 at 10:55 am

      Thanks Beth! I think you’ll like the changes we have in mind! 🙂



  5. Donna M. on June 27, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    Wow, I love the shape of this bag! When you said it was going to be a backpack I wasn’t too interested but now I think I may just change my mind. Cant wait to see the gorilla sample.



    • Kat on June 27, 2020 at 6:32 pm

      Thanks Donna! IAnd i can’t wait to show it to you! 🙂



  6. Deb Tabert on June 27, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    What are the dimensions? I always like an inside zipper pocket for my meds.



    • Kat on June 27, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      Thanks for commenting Deb but its way too early to publish dimensions because we arent settled on the design yet. Do stay tuned and we should release this info soon! 🙂



  7. Alma Lou on June 27, 2020 at 11:36 pm

    I like the shape. How about a zip pocket on the exterior just big enough to hold credit card sized cards. For IDs, drivers license, etc. those cards you want to access without opening the whole zipper.
    I love the detailed liners in other bags.



    • Kat on June 28, 2020 at 5:39 am

      Thanks for commenting Alma Lou! I like to have quick access to certain cards as well! 🙂



  8. Edna Drakeford on June 28, 2020 at 7:27 am

    I like the idea of it being a back pack, because that’s all I carry most of the time because it leaves my hands free to do things and this looks about the size I would carry for a run around errand bag, but I too would like a zippered pocket inside to put certain items in.



  9. Diane Cockman on June 29, 2020 at 11:58 am

    It is hard to tell right now, but I do like the shape of it. Would like a zipper pocket on the inside.