PPC22: The Cat’s Meow

So…

in our last post I revealed the 2nd sample of what will soon be our new pattern for Fall, or maybe even for late Summer because without Retail Shows to go to or to even prepare for, we’re moving along at quite a good clip on this new design! So let me show you my latest creation!

As a longtime admirer of all things **Laurel Burch**, you know I couldn’t resist using this panel print for this new design, especially since it features CATS! I loved the auxilliary colors and the “cat-layering” so of course I’ll give you more details about this incredible panel print at the end of this post!

For some reason I tend to not use my polkadot zippers very much when I sew (although I’m not at all sure why), but for this bag I decided that the whimsy of the polkadots matched the whimsical design of this fabric and I think the combination of the two is definitely AWESOME! I really love how the polkadots draw your attention immediately to the totally unique strap that unzips to transform this bag into a backpack.
I especially love how fantastically the polkadots accent & draw attention to the separated straps. Just imagine how amazing these straps will look across your shoulders when your carrying this bag!

And of course in our last post I showed you the new **zipper lock** we’ve added to our website! It works great, its easy to use and I think you’ll feel SO much more secure when its in place!

And I haven’t really given you a closeup sideview yet, so here ya go. The hardest part about figuring out the fussy-cutting for this fabric with this design was the tiny area just UNDER that main zipper. And since this bag measures 12″ wide X 12″ tall X 3.5″ front to back, you can reasonably expect to easily carry your iPad within!

Here’s a interior view of this bag with a good view of the zippered interior pocket and remember, you can easily opt for a second zippered pocket on the opposite interior wall of this bag.

Just for a change this time, I thought I’d show you how this bag can be carried as a “sling bag”, by simply zipping the strap closed then snapping BOTH snap hooks into ONE D-ring. It’s actually pretty comfortable to carry this way but if you prefer, it can be carried “shoulder-style” in this same configuration.

And now for MORE info about this wonderful fabric!

As you can see, there’s actually 8 panels to choose from in this fabric called “Feline Frolic” by Laurel Burch and I chose the top left panel for my Bag Front. Obviously any of these panels could have been chosen. Due to the Bag strap and Handle, the panel you choose to use for the Bag Back will for the most be obscured, but the colors are still vibrant and therefore still add to the overall “look”.

And here are the finished Bag Dimensions– 12″ wide X 12″ tall X 3.5″ front to back

And now… for some EXCITING news!

Are you ready to hear the name I’ve picked out for this new pattern? First though… let me explain a bit! 2020, has been a tough year hasn’t it? It’s been hard having all of our plans squashed and our lives seemingly overturned by this horrible virus!

I started working on this pattern in late March while North Carolina (and maybe you too) were in lockdown. We had just published the Side Slinger pattern and should’ve been gearing up for the AQS Show in Paducah, KY, one of my favorite places to go, when WHAMMO!!!! The show was cancelled, all the Quilt stores closed up & our distribution lines dried up!

The result? Whenever I think about this time of my life in general & this design in particular I’ll always remember how badly I wanted to bust out of here and get my life back and thus… I’m naming this bag…

the “OutBreaker”!

So now…. it’s YOUR turn! I’d love to know what you think of this design in general, this sample in particular and the name of this design in specific, so please feel free to leave your comments or questions in the space below.

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Posted in OutBreaker, pattern design, PPC22, purse pattern chronicles

Kat

16 Comments

Mary L on July 25, 2020 at 5:57 am

I think Laurel Burch fabrics fit the personality of this bag to a T!
- Kat on July 25, 2020 at 6:01 am
  
  I totally agree! 🙂
Gwen Walker on July 25, 2020 at 6:22 am

Love the design. Love the name. Already have fabric that would be perfect for this bag. Can’t wait to get it.
- Kat on July 25, 2020 at 6:26 am
  
  That’s music to my ears Gwen! Thanks and have a nice weekend!
Mary-Lou on July 25, 2020 at 8:28 am

My favourite part is the lockable zipper opening, on the body side. I always think that backpacks are vulnerable with the pockets facing out to the public.
The name is great! Looks like another awesome pattern.
- Kat on July 25, 2020 at 9:02 am
  
  Thank you Mary-Lou! I can’t wait to show you MORE!
Ev on July 25, 2020 at 10:17 am

Love the design. I have a leather purse that is similar(backpack idea), however, it’s wearing out so can’t wait to get this pattern to replace it.
- Kat on July 25, 2020 at 2:17 pm
  
  If you’re already a backpack wearer, then I think you’ll enjoy this design for sure! 🙂
Penelope Cooper on July 25, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Great design, love the name. And I LOVE this fabric!
- Kat on July 25, 2020 at 2:17 pm
  
  ANYthing Laurel Burch does, I LIKE! 🙂
Beth on July 25, 2020 at 5:26 pm

The bag is so cheerful looking with the happy colors of Laurel Burch and the cute kitties! Your dotted zipper is so perfect with this fabric!
- Kat on July 25, 2020 at 6:27 pm
  
  Thanks Beth! 🙂
KAY WYRICK (MARSH) on July 25, 2020 at 9:08 pm

This is a delightful design. I am in love with it. Nothing more to be said on my part other than I have some Laurel Burch fabric waiting in the wings.
- Kat on July 26, 2020 at 5:34 am
  
  And I am looking forward to see what you will do with it! 😀 Have a fun Sunday!
Gail on July 26, 2020 at 9:30 am

Love this bag design & really like the new lockable hardware. The name, not so much. For me it brings to mind unpleasant thoughts and images. My $0.02.
- Kat on July 26, 2020 at 1:44 pm
  
  It’s fine. For everything I do, I always know there will be some that would do otherwise. No problem, I’m used to it by now! 🙂 Glad you like the design!