So…
it seems like a long, LONG time since we were working on a new design. That’s because within a week of getting back home from Houston and the Quilt Market & Festival, I was in the hospital undergoing total knee replacement surgery. And even though this surgery has been planned on for quite some time, what I didn’t plan on and what came as a total surprise was how long it would take to regain my strength and energy post-surgery.
At any rate, I’m finally ready to begin work now that the New Year is upon us, and I’m also ready to reveal my sketch and initial ideas for our next pattern!
So here’s basically what I have in mind this time.
The success of our Sling Along pattern has been unanticipated and quite amazing… but I often get requests for a smaller, less obvious version… one that could be worn under outer wear if desired.
It was originally my intention that our GateWay pattern address this goal, but as that pattern was developed, it quite naturally morphed into a small shoulder bag, rather than a sling-type bag.
So let’s take a quick look at this sketch.
I’m envisioning a basically flat-ish bag that can be worn across one shoulder, close to the body and potentially under one’s outer garments so as to be pretty much undetectable. For this reason, it would be interest to both women AND men.
I’m seeing three storage areas on the front side of the bag, two with zippered entries and one with a magnetic flap/tab that would be perfect for a smart phone (of any size currently on the Market). The back side of the bag would include one full-width/full-length pocket capable of storing an moderately sized iPad.
So my question to you is..
What do you this about this style? Does the size and functionality appeal to you in a way? And if so, are there features you like for us it include or omit from this design?
And now…. it’s YOUR turn!
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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Will the strap be adjustable?. I am a short person and I would not want it to show underneath my outer garment.
Good question Edna. I am a strong advocate for an adjustable strap for all of my bags since women (and men) come in all shapes and sizes and its unlikely that the strap NEEDS to be adjustable to address these different shapes and sizes! so yes! the strap will definitely adjust!
I am interested.
I LOVE the Sling Along, but was thinking that it sometimes hold too much. I moved on to the Gateway, but I have to carry my Kindle seperately, so this sounds enticing to me.
Looking at the Phone Flap, will the concealed pocket there be too big?
Thanks for commenting Mandy! I’m planning for this bag to be able to accommodate a kindle in the back pocket siince SO many folks carry this these days. I doubt it will be big enough to hold a full-sized iPad, since this would seem to be uncomfortable on the side of a body and would also require the bag to be so large that it would “show” below a jacket. 🙂
Very interesting…do you have a planned size yet? Thinking this will be good for summer.
still working on that! but I definitely want it to fit UNDER a jacket. (womens or mens)
I have a phone pocket with a magnet on a strap so it can be worn on a waist band. The problem is that the magnet drains the battery.
It could be that this magnet is really a strong magnet and maybe the magnetic snaps would work fine but it’s something you may want to check into.
I love your designs.
thanks we’ll do that!
🙂
I like the idea and would hope that one of the smaller Front pockets could fit a passport or two – something i need to carry constantly, especially when traveling. The Best would be if the smaller pocket fits a passport and the larger Front pocket a wallet. I love my sling along for school, but in mny Phased it could be smaller for its basic every day uaage.
I think you’ll be pleased then! 🙂
Something in between the Sling-along and the Go-Go (which you know is my favorite) would be perfect. I use my Sling-Along when I travel AMTRAK and the matching Go-Go rides inside for when I get to my destination. But an everyday ‘hybrid’ would be ideal for my lifestyle.
Oh, and to answer the magnet and battery issue…. incorporate snaps…. check out KAMSNAPS.
Thanks Cheryl. It was good seeing you at MAQF!
I love this. My friends and I like to meet up at different places and I ‘ll e the idea of having something like this. Can’t wait till it comes out. Not sure I will carry my phone, do size isn’t important
When zippers open from the bottom don’t things tend to fall out?
In looking at my drawing, I see I did in fact draw the pulls at the bottom. Duh! That was never my intention. The zippers will definitely open from the top!
Good thing I’m not trying to make a living as an artist, right?
😀
Interesting….I like the idea of an inbetween the SlingAlong and Gateway as both are great and both have drawbacks, maybe this inbetween size will be the best of both. Next up, to see if my fabulous sister will agree to make it 🙂
How lucky you are to have a fabulous sister who ALSO sews! 🙂
I love it! Sounds like exactly the kind of purse i would like to make, abd use! I have had both knees replaced and love the results. However, i am looking at a shoulder replacement (due to arthritis as well) and the typical shoulder strap may not be a good choice for me. I love outside pockets for phone and keys. This design looks fantastic!
Thanks Diane. Stay tuned for our next post when I show you the first prototype. 🙂
Too bad for me! I am traveling at the beginning of next month. This looks like something I could really use. Love it! Since you said your zipper pulls are at the wrong end, will the bag still be wider at the top as it appears in the pic? I like the shape the way it is.
Good question. The BASIC shape will probably stay the same. 🙂
Also, is this designed to hang on the left hip? That is my preference.
I should have waited before sending. Will this have any card/money pockets? I think I am done now! See you in Paducah!
We are not planning on including any card or money pockets at this time. 🙂
We are planning to have templates included so it could be worn either way.
I really like this. Flat enough to be comfy, with nice pockets. YES! Eagerly awaiting the next step. I think this would be fun in denim, or old jeans.
Thanks Patty. Glad to hear that this project is of interest to you!
🙂
I like this style. For travel, fitting close to the body under a jacket- I like the position of the pockets too!
OMG I love it, especially the “hide-ability”! Can’t wait to see the progress!
do stay tuned then! Our next post in this series will show you the first prototype! 🙂
Hi, I like utility of all the features and proposed size … however, the asymmetrical side bothers me … probably my OCD kicking in that likes symmetry! Hope it’s a success!
Almost ALL of the pieces for this bag are asymetrical! Uh oh! 🙂
I saw something similar to this a while back and liked the idea. I don’t know where or anything but I am interested. It will be great when shopping or visiting so not to take your whole purse. I have made a few of your bags. Great idea following with interest.