PPC27: the Inspiration & First Look

So…

here we go again! I know it might sound funny to say this, but I always dread the actual starting on a new pattern. I put it off, and find other things I’ve just GOT to do, until I have no excuses left. But then… once I buckle down and actually force myself to start… there’s just something about getting out that tracing paper, the curved ruler, the pattern tape and the newly sharpened pencils that gets those juices flowing again! And then it just never fails… once I actually start on a new design…

I just can’t STOP!

So here’s my original sketches for this new pattern. At left is how I envision the bag front, and you know, now that I look at my sketch I realize it really doesn’t look so exciting, but here’s the deal, I’m thinking that the twist lock section will drop down to reveal an AMAZING “wallet replacement area”, complete with credit card slots, a coin purse, cash slot and a drop-in pocket deep enough for your passport.

OK- so here’s my first prototype (which I made up in JUNK fabric which is my normal practice for the first few prototypes)! I’m happy with the overall size of this bag but that’s about all I can say for it. 😀 I’d like to tweek the shape of the flip-up wallet section. I’d like for it to be closer to full width and maybe a tad taller. I’m also not thrilled with the shape of the Flap but I know how I’d like to change it. Also, in the picture at right you might note a long yellow line which is indicating that I’d like to add a zipper pocket in that area.

And here’s a peek inside this area! Obviously I have some big plans here… first off, I’m planning for 6 credit card holders (indicated in red) and a slip pocket for currency (see the orange line) along the back wall. THEN… I’d like to attach a zippered pocket for change (see the double yellow lines) to the inward facing seams of that Welt.

And finally, for this particular sample, I added nothing to the backside of this bag, but FYI I plan on adding a slip pocket to the bag back and ALSO… a grommet so that you could place your phone back there and run your ear buds thru the grommet so that you can listen to your favorite podcast or some music while keeping your phone secure within the pocket!

And now, it’s YOUR turn!

First of all I would love to know your overall impression of this bag. Does this seem like a style you’d be interested in? And if so, what comments might you have about the features we have planned? And finally, if you have other comments you’d like to share or questions you’d like to ask 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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