PPC23: Opulence

October 9, 2020 / Kat /

So…

in our last post I showed you the “Gorilla” sample for this new design which you might recall that I was quite satisfied with how it turned out and was ready to make up a true, show-worthy sample, complete with most if not of all the features I have planned.

And here’s what I came up with!

So I’m calling this the Bag Front (but it actually can be the Bag Back depending on which shoulder you wear it on). It features a flapped pocket secured with an invisible magnet and the water bottle holder is visible on the side
Here’s the Bag Back which features a zippered pocket AND behind it is a slot pocket which is secured with an invisible magnet. I like to carry my phone in this back pocket but sometimes i even place it in the water bottle pocket. It stays in there very nicely and I can hear it ringing much better in that location
And now for the inside…. first off, this bag features a very generously sized zippered opening. In the left-hand photo you can note yet another zippered pocket with a mag-snapped slot pocket located behind it. This would be a super place to secure a key fob, a passport or other small valuables. In the photo at right you can see a little drop-in pocket and two pen holder slots.

But do you notice that additional long zippered area along the left rim of this bag opening? What could that be?

I’m especially proud of this feature! In the photo at left the zippered pocket is shown completely open. This is a very large pocket that can easily house your Kindle or many iPads. in the photo at right you can see that my iPad Air is in place and fits quite nicely. Of course many of you might be able to think of other items you might wish to “conceal” in this area.
And I included these pictures of me wearing this bag to give you an idea of the size and scope of this bag. As you can see, it’s a good deal larger than any of our more recent releases. Indeed, its a good deal larger than the bags I normally carry, but I’ve found I really enjoy carrying this bag even so. Of course I’d enjoy it ever so much more if I could carry it to a show or on a trip overseas… it would be just about perfect for that but… maybe next year, right?

So… what did I like and not like about this sample?

  1. The bulkiness issue was only slightly better. Due in part to a couple of mistakes I made in construction, I couldnt give my changes a true test.
  2. I liked the change to a 20″ closed bottom zip for the main entry instead of the double-slider purse zipper.
  3. I totally changed the design on the interior zippered pocket and I like it lot EXCEPT, now the magnet for that slot pocket interferes with some important stitching on the Bag Front, so I’ll have to make a modification next time.
  4. And while I like the look of the rectangle ring Strap Attachments, they are a royal pain-in-the-u-know-where to stitch in place, so I think I’ll go back to the attachment method I used for the Sling Along in our next incarnation.

A Few Words about Fabric

I totally enjoyed working with this fabric although I wasn’t particularly thrilled with it upon receipt. It really came together nicely! Here’s the particulars just in case you’d like to duplicate this look or use this fabric in another project.

All fabrics are from the “Metallic Rejoice” collection by Kanvas Fabrics

Exterior- “Joyous Border” in Black/Gold (at left)

Exterior/Interior Contrast- “Opulent Berries” in Black/Gold

Lining- “Opulent Berries” in Cream/Gold

And now…. it’s YOUR turn!

I would love to get some honest feedback about this design and if you feel inclined to share your thoughts, questions or suggestions please feel free to leave either or ALL in the space provided below.

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Kat

8 Comments

  1. KAY WYRICK (MARSH) on October 9, 2020 at 4:12 pm

    I like the shape of this bag. Can it be worn left or right? Any consideration for maybe two sizes. It appears to be substantial in size making a great athleisure bag (I think that’s a correct term). I would like a smaller version for like everyday bag. Thanks for staying busy. Look forward to the finished product.



    • Kat on October 9, 2020 at 5:02 pm

      Thanks Kay, but we wont be publishing this pattern with two sizes. It would be more complicated and way more costly to produce I’m afraid, but I appreciate your kind words! 🙂



  2. Beth on October 9, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    I love the variety of pockets and your fabric is lovely!



    • Kat on October 9, 2020 at 5:03 pm

      Thanks so much Beth!



  3. Sue Goodwin on October 9, 2020 at 9:46 pm

    It looks comfortable to wear. I really like the outside “water bottle” pocket and the pen pocket – that’s something I usually add to any bag I’m making. When traveling, I usually carry a dslr camera. Don’t know if the bag is quite big enough for that.



    • Kat on October 10, 2020 at 6:28 am

      not having a dslr camera myself, I really cant say for sure. 🙂



  4. Debra Poe on October 15, 2020 at 10:16 am

    My suggestion is to move the pen pocket or slots closer to the zipper opening, that way you can open the zipper just enough to grab your pen. I’m very particular about only using my own pen when I’m out in public, especially now with COVID-19! I guess my retired nurse comes out!
    I loves this bag!



    • Kat on October 15, 2020 at 11:11 am

      Thank you Debra! So glad to hear this!