So… in our last post in this new Purse Pattern Chronicles series I shared with you my inspiration for this new design as well as the original sketchwork & once again I went straight from the working sketch to the 1st prototype, and overall I was pretty happy with how this 1st sample came out. Let me tell you what I liked and what I feel could be improved in the next round!
This is the front pouch area which is definitely wide & deep enough to not only hold any of todays larger cell phones, but also several of the newer Kindle models. I do not like however that little snippet of white lining fabric that’s peeking out from behind that pouch area! That was a miscalculation & you can bet it’ll be fixed in the next round!Here’s a quick look at the larger of the two interiors which features a couple of mesh pockets as well as a few penholders. There’s also a generous coin purse and paper money area, but I’m not particularly pleased with how the coin purse refuses to lie flat against the bag wall… that’ll be fixed in the next round, that is for SURE!This is the thinner front zippered section and it’s a drop-down double credit/loyalty card section. There’s 8 cards slots on EACH side but I know this is difficult to discern in this photo since the lining fabric I used here is black AND very busy. I’m happy with how this section turned out except for two things. First, I realized after carrying this bag for a day or two that the orientation of this card section needs to change based on whether the user carries their bag on their right or left shoulder. This isnt a big problem but I do need to make a small change on the pattern pieces AND also include some verbiage within the pattern so that our customers can get these units facing in the correct direction as they make their bag. 🙂This photo shows a good look at the back of this little bag which right now is sized at 8″ X 5.5″ X 2.5″. So overall, I’m pleased with this sample as a 1st prototype. The proportions may change slightly, but not by much. Right now it can easily accommodate any smart phone on the Market today as well as the newer Kindle’s. I carried this sample for less than a week and found that even though it was on the small side, it easily held everything I normally carry on a daily basis. The only problem was… (see below)…Oh NO!!!!!! I noticed that the zipper was pulling away from the seam. The only way this can happen is if I accidentally nicked or clipped into the zipper edge because this is a woven zipper, and just like a woven fabric it’ll unravel like CRAZY once that sealed edge is compromised. I sure dont remember doing this but obviously it happened at some point. This is worth remembering if you ever use woven zipper sold by us or others because there’s really no fixing this. Once the unraveling starts its virtually impossible to stop. 🙁 **PLEASE NOTE:** Here’s an important clarification: You CAN cut COMPLETELY ACROSS a woven zipper without causing this unraveling issue, (to shorten it for example), but you should never nick or clip into the sealed side edge of a woven zipper because that is what will initiate the unraveling sequence.
So… even though my initial thoughts were that this sample might actually be able to double as BOTH my 1st prototype AND my “Gorilla Sample“, this idea was derailed by this mishap. RATS!! As a result, I’ll in fact be making a “Gorilla sample” next because the process of actually carrying a prototype for an extended period of time to evaluate its merits & flaws is vital to my process of pattern development. So please stay tuned for that!
And now, it’s YOUR turn!
What comments might you have about this first sample made up in actual fabric? Do you like what you see so far? And do stay tuned as we continue to make adjustments and improvements to this new design. And don’t forget, 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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I like this sample very much. The fabric you chose highlights the features of the bag, aside from the lining not showing the credit card slots in photos. That’s not a problem for the person carrying it, in my opinion. I like the proportion of the bag and I especially like the shape of the front flap.
I nicked the zipper in the first bag I ever made of yours, so I know the dismay! It’s a shame that this happened to such a gorgeous bag. As I look at the fraying zipper, I’m wondering if it would be possible to use a lot of Fray Check or some kind of fabric glue to stop the fraying, and then reinforce the inside of the zipper with a bit of iron on interfacing. Remove a few stitches on the bag, gently slide the zipper back in place, and top stitch. Just something that I might try, since I love this sample so much.
Katon May 18, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Unfortunately Ive seen this movie before. If one could get the zipper ripped out without making it worse, that might work, but its the getting it out part that is next to impossible. This was just a prototype anyway, but I did enjoy carrying it, for a day or two. 🙁 I think I mustve nicked the zipper when I clipped off the fabric notch in that location. 🙁
Brenda Smithon May 18, 2021 at 12:44 pm
I’ve been carrying the everyday attaché for several years – exclusively! It holds everything I need and doesn’t get in the way. However, I have modified it to add extra card slots. So this new bag looks to fit that need. I would definitely want to orient the card slots vertically rather than horizontally. Id worry about losing a card when I was accessing the area. Cant wait to see how this one develops!
Brenda
Katon May 18, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Thanks Brenda- I’m glad you find this design interesting and I cant wait to show you MORE!
Lynnon May 18, 2021 at 6:41 pm
Love this type of bag, can’t wait for the pattern. A lanyard for keys is the only addition I would make.
Katon May 19, 2021 at 6:30 am
Thanks for commenting Lynn! This is music to my ears! 🙂
Cheryl Suitton May 19, 2021 at 6:15 am
Kat, this bag looks very promising! Dimensions perfect – a Goldilocks kinda purse….not too big and not too small, just right!
Katon May 19, 2021 at 6:30 am
Thanks Cheryl. Stay tuned for more SOON! 🙂
Pattie Fietzon May 19, 2021 at 8:14 am
This looks good. Very good! I’m already mentally picking my fabric to make it.
P.S. Is it cat approved?
Katon May 19, 2021 at 6:35 pm
Indeed it is! 😀
Kimon May 19, 2021 at 8:23 am
I am thinking that orientating the credit card slots the other way would work better, Maybe 2 columns. This would then work no matter which side you carried the bag on.
Sharon Belisleon May 19, 2021 at 7:49 pm
Looks good to me!
I like to use a 31 bag that is similar to this design for everyday usage. My usual trips out of the house are to places like the grocery store. I like this style of bag because it’s small, compact, and organized. A shoulder strap allows for cross body carrying in a store so my bag isn’t stolen. Coupons or other paper fit into this style bag neatly.
Also, an organized bag means I don’t carry too much “stuff” with me.
Katon May 20, 2021 at 6:30 am
Thanks for commenting Sharon & those are my thoughts exactly. I prefer a small bag for the same reason. 🙂
patti lealon May 19, 2021 at 8:16 pm
i really like this bag and think i might be able to make it. i haven’t done bags before. i think i would want the interior lining to be lighter to make it easier to see cards, etc. at night or in the dark. i also like the idea of the card slots oriented up, seems like it would be easier to get them in/out. i’ll be following this one. thanks for sharing and offering us an opportunity to make remarks. patti in florida
Katon May 20, 2021 at 6:34 am
Thanks for commenting Patti. I too prefer a lighter colored interior, however this was a prototype and I never waste good fabrics on a junk sample that can’t be used for a show. And actually, if the cards are oriented UP, there will be very few slots due to the size and shape of the compartment. I always carry a prototype for a few weeks to make sure the feature work as they should, but time will tell. Nothing is etched in stone yet…. after all, thats why its called a prototype! 🙂
Karolon May 20, 2021 at 3:16 pm
I haven’t made the last one yet, but I’m liking this one and may do it first.
I’m not liking the card slot orientation either. That would be a deal breaker for me I think. I’ve had several with the slot opening up and much prefer that. Could you make more slots if you oriented them the opposite way with narrow end of card up so the slot would be narrower. I would think most people would know what their cards were by color or organization. Maybe a tad more exposed at t he top if that was necessary to recognize them.
Also the flap is bugging me. Not sure why. Shape or proportion maybe. But I don’t usually love flaps anyway so maybe it’s just me.
Can’t wait to see the end results!
Katon May 20, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Thanks for commenting Karol! I’ll be carrying the gorilla sample of this design and running thru the paces but I really dont anticipate a problem with the cards falling out when they are oriented this way. The cards can be oriented so they face to the right OR to the left and as long as you load the slots with cars and THEN stitch close to them, then they will be very snug but relatively easy to pull out. Gravity is really not going to cause them to fall out from the side. Additionally there is not enough room in this bag to stack two rows of cards that load in from the top.
Time will tell, I’ll let you know how my gorilla test runs go.
🙂
Karolon May 22, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Anxiously waiting to see the end result. This type of bag is one of my favorite types. It wasn’t me that thought the cards would fall out. I just like my card slots to be open at the top because it is much easier to reach in and get a card out. Not having to turn or fuss with getting them out sideways. I might be a bit paranoid, but in this day and age, I don’t like having to open my bag wide, or take it out of a larger bag to get a card if I don’t have to. 🙂
I like this sample very much. The fabric you chose highlights the features of the bag, aside from the lining not showing the credit card slots in photos. That’s not a problem for the person carrying it, in my opinion. I like the proportion of the bag and I especially like the shape of the front flap.
I nicked the zipper in the first bag I ever made of yours, so I know the dismay! It’s a shame that this happened to such a gorgeous bag. As I look at the fraying zipper, I’m wondering if it would be possible to use a lot of Fray Check or some kind of fabric glue to stop the fraying, and then reinforce the inside of the zipper with a bit of iron on interfacing. Remove a few stitches on the bag, gently slide the zipper back in place, and top stitch. Just something that I might try, since I love this sample so much.
Unfortunately Ive seen this movie before. If one could get the zipper ripped out without making it worse, that might work, but its the getting it out part that is next to impossible. This was just a prototype anyway, but I did enjoy carrying it, for a day or two. 🙁 I think I mustve nicked the zipper when I clipped off the fabric notch in that location. 🙁
I’ve been carrying the everyday attaché for several years – exclusively! It holds everything I need and doesn’t get in the way. However, I have modified it to add extra card slots. So this new bag looks to fit that need. I would definitely want to orient the card slots vertically rather than horizontally. Id worry about losing a card when I was accessing the area. Cant wait to see how this one develops!
Brenda
Thanks Brenda- I’m glad you find this design interesting and I cant wait to show you MORE!
Love this type of bag, can’t wait for the pattern. A lanyard for keys is the only addition I would make.
Thanks for commenting Lynn! This is music to my ears! 🙂
Kat, this bag looks very promising! Dimensions perfect – a Goldilocks kinda purse….not too big and not too small, just right!
Thanks Cheryl. Stay tuned for more SOON! 🙂
This looks good. Very good! I’m already mentally picking my fabric to make it.
P.S. Is it cat approved?
Indeed it is! 😀
I am thinking that orientating the credit card slots the other way would work better, Maybe 2 columns. This would then work no matter which side you carried the bag on.
Looks good to me!
I like to use a 31 bag that is similar to this design for everyday usage. My usual trips out of the house are to places like the grocery store. I like this style of bag because it’s small, compact, and organized. A shoulder strap allows for cross body carrying in a store so my bag isn’t stolen. Coupons or other paper fit into this style bag neatly.
Also, an organized bag means I don’t carry too much “stuff” with me.
Thanks for commenting Sharon & those are my thoughts exactly. I prefer a small bag for the same reason. 🙂
i really like this bag and think i might be able to make it. i haven’t done bags before. i think i would want the interior lining to be lighter to make it easier to see cards, etc. at night or in the dark. i also like the idea of the card slots oriented up, seems like it would be easier to get them in/out. i’ll be following this one. thanks for sharing and offering us an opportunity to make remarks. patti in florida
Thanks for commenting Patti. I too prefer a lighter colored interior, however this was a prototype and I never waste good fabrics on a junk sample that can’t be used for a show. And actually, if the cards are oriented UP, there will be very few slots due to the size and shape of the compartment. I always carry a prototype for a few weeks to make sure the feature work as they should, but time will tell. Nothing is etched in stone yet…. after all, thats why its called a prototype! 🙂
I haven’t made the last one yet, but I’m liking this one and may do it first.
I’m not liking the card slot orientation either. That would be a deal breaker for me I think. I’ve had several with the slot opening up and much prefer that. Could you make more slots if you oriented them the opposite way with narrow end of card up so the slot would be narrower. I would think most people would know what their cards were by color or organization. Maybe a tad more exposed at t he top if that was necessary to recognize them.
Also the flap is bugging me. Not sure why. Shape or proportion maybe. But I don’t usually love flaps anyway so maybe it’s just me.
Can’t wait to see the end results!
Thanks for commenting Karol! I’ll be carrying the gorilla sample of this design and running thru the paces but I really dont anticipate a problem with the cards falling out when they are oriented this way. The cards can be oriented so they face to the right OR to the left and as long as you load the slots with cars and THEN stitch close to them, then they will be very snug but relatively easy to pull out. Gravity is really not going to cause them to fall out from the side. Additionally there is not enough room in this bag to stack two rows of cards that load in from the top.
Time will tell, I’ll let you know how my gorilla test runs go.
🙂
Anxiously waiting to see the end result. This type of bag is one of my favorite types. It wasn’t me that thought the cards would fall out. I just like my card slots to be open at the top because it is much easier to reach in and get a card out. Not having to turn or fuss with getting them out sideways. I might be a bit paranoid, but in this day and age, I don’t like having to open my bag wide, or take it out of a larger bag to get a card if I don’t have to. 🙂