PPC24: Pretty in Pink (Tula Pink that is!)

February 16, 2021 / Kat /

So…

in our last post I told you we’d decided on the name for our new design (the Gemini FlightBag) and now we’re ready to crank out a few more show samples on the way to publishing this new pattern!

But here’s the deal, the moment I saw Tula Pink’s “LineWork” fabric collection for Free Spirit Fabrics a few months ago, I knew I HAD to have some in order to work up a sample! And as a full-on fan of ALL things black & white, this fabric collection was a no-brainer for me!

I paired Tula’s Linework fabric with our amazing black & white polka-dotted zippers for an almost monochromatic look, except of course for a few pops of color here & there. So I thought I would emphasize those little hearts by adding a strip of pink bias trim to the curved front pouch for this sample.
So as you can see in these two side views, the zippers for the front and back pocket areas are not equal at all. The back pocket is definitely the wider & roomier area affording the most storage (see bottom left). But the front pocket has a zipper that extends MUCH longer on one side of the bag than the other. This allows for it to open much wider allowing for easier access to the credit card storage area within (see bottom right).
On Left- Here’s the interior of the wider back pocket. There’s a zippered pocket in this area and as you can see, there’s plenty of room for a full-sized wallet, a makeup and much more! On Right- Here’s the interior of the thinner front pocket. There you’ll find slots for EIGHT credit or loyalty cards as well as many other items. In this case I’m also storing my reading glasses, a small can of hairspray, some hand sanitizer and a package of kleenex.
Here’s an overhead view of the zippered pockets, and a good look at the width differences in these pockets.
And of course we included a zippered pocket on the back of this bag as well!
I included this shot so you could get a decent idea of bag size, but do notice that I had to find a new location for these personal shots, as my hair is now the SAME color as the bricks on my house, and pictures taken in the old location make it look like I have NO hair!
So, as already mentioned, the main exterior fabric is from Tula Pink’s “Line Work” collection for Free Spirit. The tiny black & white dot fabric is called “Pen & Ink” by StudioRK for Robert Kaufman fabrics and the pink contrast I used for the interior and bias tape trim is from Tula Pink’s “True Colors” collection for Free Spirit.

Finally–

Several folks have inquired as to where the “Gemini” portion of our new bag’s name (Gemini FlightBag) came from, and its a good question. And here’s my reasoning:

Firstly- there’s two separate storage compartments in this bag and many have surmised that this is the reason I chose the word Gemini, but that’s only partially true. The primary reason I chose this word is that as a child of the 60’s, the Space program was fascinating to me, and the Gemini series of launches, which always consisted of two-man launches, was an obvious inspiration to me for this bag.

And now, it’s YOUR turn!

Do you think this bag could qualify as a “Man Bag” were it made up in a more masculine palette of fabrics?

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

21 Comments

  1. Dawne Brooks on February 16, 2021 at 6:54 am

    I do like the size of this one. Would it be easy to make that back area thicker (wider) ? I carry meds as well in my bags. Of course if we ever get back to traveling!! I will order this when it is available.



    • Kat on February 16, 2021 at 7:03 am

      Thanks Dawne. I’m glad you’re interested in our new pattern. I generally do not give advice about changing the dimensions because its ALWAYS dependent on the skill level of the sewist. I would caution however that changing the width of the back compartment could change the “balance” of the bag since that is where the straps attach. Hope this helps.



  2. Cherilnn on February 16, 2021 at 7:03 am

    Yes! I’m ready for this pattern. Just the right size and shape for my college grandsons.



    • Kat on February 16, 2021 at 7:06 am

      Great! I was hoping to hear that.



  3. Gail Peters on February 16, 2021 at 8:14 am

    Yet sure looks like it could be for a guy. From the looks and size given I could put my ipad in the bag. That is a plus for me when traveling.
    I liked the Cactus Flower fabric so much I ordered a yard after searching for it on line. I will be ordering the pattern when it is available. The Cactus Flower fabric is so pretty and I am not much for flowers or too bright for my handbags.



  4. Nancy Rosa on February 16, 2021 at 8:31 am

    This looks awesome, Kat! What a great job you did coordinating the various fabrics–love it!



  5. Christine Gannage on February 16, 2021 at 9:22 am

    Great pattern, I’ve been waiting for you to come up with something this size and design, Way to go!



    • Kat on February 16, 2021 at 10:25 am

      Thanks Christine. (if you are both using the same email address and he chose an avatar to associate with that email address, that could be why. But then I’m no expert on avatars! 🙂



  6. Christine Gannage on February 16, 2021 at 9:24 am

    don’t know why my husband’s pic comes up, but oh well.



  7. Don on February 16, 2021 at 11:20 am

    You know I love Tula. Great product.



    • Kat on February 16, 2021 at 8:44 pm

      I especially love this “Linework” collection!



  8. Jodie on February 16, 2021 at 9:41 pm

    I am getting excited about this pattern! It looks like a great travel bag. For one day when we can travel again…

    And yes, I think with the right fabric it would be a great man bag 🙂



    • Kat on February 17, 2021 at 6:02 am

      Thanks Jodie and I’m like you. I can’t WAIT to be able to travel again! 🙂



  9. Patty K Howe on February 17, 2021 at 7:50 am

    I think I would try to make this out of the denim and old blue jeans I hang on to. Love the size.



    • Kat on February 17, 2021 at 6:04 pm

      I’ll be excited to see what you make! 🙂



  10. Holly on February 17, 2021 at 11:37 am

    LOVE this sample!!
    I was one of the “why Gemini” folks. Thanks for the explanation. Of course, it makes perfect sense.
    Also, a definite yes to the man bag. Maybe include an alternative location for how the strap so that the bag can to cross body. Seems to be a much more common way for a man to use a shoulder bag.
    Anyway, this is a great and very practical bag.



    • Kat on February 17, 2021 at 6:08 pm

      Glad to hear you like the new pattern. I can’t wait to show you MORE! 🙂



  11. Lois on February 19, 2021 at 12:20 pm

    Would also like to be able to use this bag as a cross body bag – hadn’t realized it was shoulder only. Is that possible?
    Thanks.
    Lois



    • Kat on February 19, 2021 at 8:37 pm

      As long as you use a slide buckle on the strap it can absolutely be used as a cross body bag! 🙂



  12. Linda on February 26, 2021 at 6:23 am

    Man bag? Ok. Linda bag? YES! YES! YES!



  13. Barb Flowers on February 27, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    Love this new bag. Yes, I believe with the right fabric it could be a “man bag”. Cross body would be the way to go. Don’t know about you, but my hubby always carries my bag like it smells bad!!!!! Funny guy.