So…
in our last post we showed you the “Gorilla” sample for this round of Purse Pattern Chronicles but, for what I do believe is the 1st time in 25 other Purse pattern Chronicle rounds, we were so dissatisfied with our Gorilla sample that we actually opted to make another!
You see I got totally fooled by this design! I just had it in my head that it would function well without the typical foam stabilizer that we normally use. (And truthfully, some bags really do!)
And I actually was relatively certain that this bag was one of those unusual bags but from the moment I turned it right-side-out I knew I was WRONG!
So this time, I didn’t pass GO, I didnt collect $200, I went straight for the Soft & Stable!
So let’s talk about THIS, our 2nd Gorilla sample!
First of all— let me say that I am tickled PINK that I get to carry this bag for a few weeks (or a few years)! While I like all the bags I design, there’s understandably been a few of them that really fit my lifestyle, and this bag hits all the right notes with me! Hopefully it will for you as well!
First of all, this designs borrows heavily from one of my very first designs released WAY back in 2004, the Vervalise! Funny thing is, I didn’t even realize it until I had carried this bag for several weeks because this design is so much more user friendly that the Vervalise was!
OK- I’ll cut myself some slack since I was just a “baby designer” back then, but here’s the features I like most about this design!
- The twist lock closure- when I show you the cool interior you’ll understand why this is important for this design. I have to say that I found this particular twist lock tough to install, but believe me when I say I WILL find a better way. Additionally, our invisible sew-in magnet closures can always be substituted for folks who really would prefer it to a twist lock!
- There’s two completely separate & zippered pouch pockets which makes it really easy to keep your items sequestered and easy to find!
But here’s the fun part!
- Open the twist lock and the front pouch drops down revealing eight card slots for either credit cards or loyalty cards… your choice.
- opposite the card caddy area is a slip pocket that perfect for safely storing a passport, vaccination card, special receipts or boarding passes.
- and in between? there’s room for a pen, a mask, and maybe some reading glasses…. basically anything you want to make sure you have quick access to!
So that’s the quick tour!
But do stay tuned for future posts as we continue to add a few surprises to this design AND, fine-tune some of the features you see here as we work toward our final pattern design! I’m so happy with where this design is at this stage, that I’m ready to commit to using some of my favorite fabrics in order to start making some show samples that will best demonstrate the versatility of this design.
And now its YOUR turn!
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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26 Comments
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I’m really excited to get back on the machine. This looks like a winner.
I cant wait for you to get back in the saddle! I miss your creations! 🙂
This is so pretty! I can’t wait to see the show samples!!!
Thank you Beth! And I can’t wait to show them to you! 🙂
Wow! This one is gorgeous, can’t wait for the show samples. I really like the two separate zippered pockets but then the easy access area for cards. That’s what I need to quickly/easily access most of the time. Look forward to seeing more details of this “re-design?” Not sure where Vervalise came from but it sounds like a musical term. IF that is the case and this is kind of a ‘re-design’ it could be called the Ostinato or the Reprise.
Hmmm… Reprise is an interesting term and I’m noting that as a possibility. Thank you!
This one looks like a winner 🏆 in all categories. Waiting to see what Don Distler will come up with for fabric. Love the fabrics on this gorilla. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Bobbie! I can’t wait to show you even MORE! 🙂
Kat where do you get these ideas for your bags? This one is a keeper ready for the final project
Thank you Pattie! I can’t wait to show you the others I’ve been working on!
🙂
Ive been a follower for years and I am a huge fan of yours but this design is not for me. I don’t feel the center area is secure enough for credit cards or a passport. I do like the zipper areas. Sorry. Just my honest opinion.
Its no problem for me at all Christy! I never start a new design thinking that it will appeal to ALL customers because that is never the case. On the other hand, with two magnets holding the area closed, plus side welts AND a twist lock flap this area is totally secure. I’ve carried this very bag for 3 weeks now and it may just be one of my favorites to date! Maybe next time my friend.
🙂
The design and style of this bag really appeals to me. Bag compartments appear to be easily accessible. Will the back pocket accommodate size of i-pad pro? Asking for a friend 😉 lol.
Well…. I really dont know what the size of an Ipad Pro is? Might you know? 🙂
This looks really interesting. When I go on a day trip or a shopping trip to a larger city, an easy to carry bag like this is what I look for.
This is music to my ears Barbara
I like the design, waiting to make it!
I love hearing this! Thank you! 🙂
Mary Lou Rounds
I love, love, love this design!! When will pattern be available?
We’re aiming for a late March release! But I’m like you, I can’t wait! 😀
Yes, I can use this bag year around. Love the wallet insert in center of the zipper parts. Cannot wait for your finished design.
Thanks for your kind words Lori! I’m excited for this release as well!
🙂
I really like this bag design and am looking forward to seeing all of the creations that will come. I would like to make this myself. It looks very usable. It is very beautiful!
Thank you SO much Jeri! I have enjoyed carrying this bag myself! 🙂
I like the design and want to try it too.
But I love the fabric. Can you share where I can get this fabric?
Thanks, Mickey
well… since this was a “gorilla sample” I used old fabric from my stash. I first used this fabric for the Flaptastic design way back in 2017, so I doubt this fabric can be located now. So sorry, but I’m thrilled to hear you like the design. Thanks so much! 🙂