PPC26: Steampunk Fish

February 10, 2022 / Kat /

So…

in our last two posts we’ve shown you our 1st and then our 2nd Gorilla sample for this our new Purse Pattern Chronicles series! But finally we’ve figured out exactly what we want to showcase in this design and how it can all work together, so we’re now ready to start making some “show samples”!

For this sample we used this panel print by Desiree’s Designs for QT Fabrics which I fell in love with from the moment I saw it! But here’s the deal… it wasn’t particularly easy to work with and the end result did not turn out quite like I planned but I’ll tell you more about that in a bit. First, the REALLY important stuff!

Let me show you
around this sample!

This bag has two very DEEP zippered pockets. You can optionally forego the wallet with this bag, but should you decide to carry one, it going to fit best to place it short side edge DOWN.

You might notice that we utilized a twist lock closure (which is a first for us) instead of a magnetic snap. I’m still working on the perfect way to install it. For me the key is to have the correct materials in between the layers. With this sample I found out that using Soft & Stable with the Flap was NOT a good choice. Not only was it a pain in the neck to cut thru for the twist lock, but it was also more rigid and got in the way a LOT during other sewing tasks. OK- we’ll eliminate that option. Next time…. I’ll experiment with fusible fleece within the flap.

I also think that I’ll shorten the Flap just a tad as I think it stands up above the bag too much.

But the interior is my favorite part of this design. There’s slots for 8 credit or loyalty cards with a nice deep slip pocket immediately behind the card area. You can easily store a passport, vaccination card, or a little notebook here.

And just so you know… I’ve gotten several questions about the security of this area since its between the two pouches, so I thought I’d use this opportunity to let you know that this area is secured in the closed position by two invisible magnets AND a twist lock on the Flap (you can optionally use an invisible magnet on the Flap instead of the twist lock if you choose).

On the opposite side is a 2nd slip pocket because there’s never enough room for all the important papers we have to carry, right?

And if you look at the floor area, it’s wide enough to easily store a lipstick, a mask, and have room leftover for a pair of reading glasses.

Here’s the bag back where you’ll ALSO find another DEEP zippered pocket. I’m still experimenting with interfacing requirements particularly in the contrast areas. I should have that figured out with the next sample.

So in summary, I have REALLY enjoyed carrying the 2nd Gorilla sample. It just may be on the way to becoming my new favorite bag! But lets talk about this fabric now.

The major problem with this fabric was the inconsistency. I’m not sure if this was a design issue or a printing issue. (I tend to blame it on the fabric printer though.) For example, my intention when I bought this fabric was to use the octopus guy on the bag front, but lo and behold, the individual squares in this panel print were different sizes… and I dont mean they were slightly different, they were a LOT different. SO that meant I couldnt use the octopus guy on the front or the bag. He was just too big. But that wasn’t the only problem. The “pipe-like” frames around each motif weren’t straight. And again, they weren’t just a little bit off! It was annoying AND disappointing. So… even though I like print, its cute and catchy, it was pretty labor intensive to fussy cut. I didnt enjoy using it at all! So buyer beware, right?

And now, it’s YOUR turn!

Have you ever encountered a fabric problem like this? If so, how did work around it? Or did you put it aside for another day when you might have more patience? Because that’s what I came close to doing! 🙂

And on a more practical note… It’s time to start seriously thinking about a name for this design, so if you have a suggestion I’m ALL ears! So if you have comments or suggestions you’d like to share about this design in general or this sample in specific, please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

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Posted in Bella BiFold, Fabric, pattern design, PPC26, purse pattern chronicles

Kat

18 Comments

Debbie on February 10, 2022 at 6:58 am

I love the simplicity of this bag, it has lots of storage options. Have you thought of using Decovil light in place of the foam or fleece? I prefer it in a lot of bags I make. Can’t wait to see completed bag and the dimensions. Way to go!
- Kat on February 10, 2022 at 6:30 pm
  
  I’ve tried Decovil light and it just doesnt suit me although I know many people do enjoy using it. I find it leaves our projects far too stiff and difficult to work with.
BARBARA BALLARD on February 10, 2022 at 7:51 am

Each post on this bag makes me like it more. I do love the fabric, but I understand the problems with the design. I might use it for an apron. I have friends really into steampunk. Cant’ wait to see how this develops. In the last post, someone mentioned Reprise, since it resembles Vervasalia (?). I like that idea.
Gail Peters on February 10, 2022 at 8:15 am

Looking for the size of this bag. Also would like to see Pictures of the side of the bag when it is closed. Have some great fabric that I plan on making a bag with.
- Kat on February 10, 2022 at 6:34 pm
  
  I try to include a picture like that in our next post! 🙂
Don on February 10, 2022 at 9:40 am

Put mine in the mail when it’s packaged. LOVE it. So many different possibilities and it has everything already…
- Kat on February 10, 2022 at 6:35 pm
  
  Thanks Don! You always say the nicest things! 🙂
Corinne Haehl on February 10, 2022 at 11:00 am

Because I love the Walkabout Wallet and the Everyday Attache I know I will make this new bag. I’ve wanted a larger bag with the built in wallet features. I would like a coin pocket. I suppose with the use of Debit cards some people don’t deal with change anymore. I’m getting so anxious I want to buy my fabric so I am ready. LOL I appreciate all of the time you put into developing your patterns.
- Kat on February 10, 2022 at 6:37 pm
  
  Yes, I find most of my customer really dont want a coin purse anymore and seem to put something in its place even if I include one in the design. I’m thinking they must carry a small change purse or maybe just dump it in the bottom of the bag?
Lynn M on February 10, 2022 at 1:04 pm

I can’t wait for this bag! I will be first on your website to order the pattern and notions. I have a piece of Charley Harper barkcloth I have been hanging on to for just the right bag to come along.
- Kat on February 10, 2022 at 6:39 pm
  
  Cant wait to SEE it! 🙂
Beth on February 10, 2022 at 1:18 pm

This is the cutest bag! I’m glad you found a way to make the fabric work for it.
- Kat on February 10, 2022 at 1:43 pm
  
  Thanks Beth! I can’t say that this fabric was fun to work with, and it wasnt what i envisioned, but I like it now that its done! 🙂
Virginia Barbaro on February 10, 2022 at 3:21 pm

This may be just what I need. I need a bag that can serve as a mini file cabinet. My husband gets a lot of medical papers and scripts that I get to carry. This might be the right bag. My Sling Along gets overwhelmed.
- Kat on February 10, 2022 at 6:43 pm
  
  Well, its a good deal smaller (in storage volume) but it does have more organization feature than the Sling Along. 🙂
Alma Lou Annab on February 12, 2022 at 12:49 am

Love the idea. Reminds me of the spacious Guardian.
For the support what about 2 layers of iron on Pelion? I like the idea of the twist lock, but prefer magnets or Velcro for the flap.
As for getting a print to fit, using freezer paper iron on then cut out the image you want. Iron onto a base fabric, as an appliqué, frame as desired.
I often add a key ring on a strip to clip my keys to so I can find them easily.
Rebecca on February 12, 2022 at 2:59 pm

How about calling it the Depot Bag? ‘Cause of the DEep POckets.
I definitely feel your pain with the fabric inconsistencies. I bought a quilt kit once with a couple of special prints – squares and rectangles. There was zero extra fabric in the kit for compensating. The rectangles on the borders had to be exactly 44” long to fit…you guessed it… Is 45”-wide fabric ever that wide any more?
- Kat on February 13, 2022 at 6:25 pm
  
  Thanks Rebecca- I so appreciate the name suggestion, and I like the logic behind it! Very clever. But stay tuned because we’re going to announce our name selection in out next post in our Purse Pattern Chronicles series. 🙂