PPC28: A Stained Glass Bag

November 11, 2022 / Kat /

So…

In our last post I showed you the first two samples I created in the course of developing this pattern but unusually, they BOTH turned out to be “Gorilla samples”, which of course was pretty disappointing

So it goes without saying that this time I was determined that my next sample would qualify as being true to what would eventually be the final pattern parameters.

Ready for a little tour?

So right off the bat, here’s the BIG change I made for this incarnation! I added a mag-snapped tab closure to secure the back slot pocket and I like this look. But there’s only one thing… from my perspective, this no longer LOOKS like the bag back. Instead, it looks for all the world to be the Bag Front and once again, I can’t say that over the course of writing 46 patterns that I’ve ever switched a bag back to a bag front THIS far along in the design process. Nevertheless, that’s what I’m doing.

More about this in a bit!

And I think you’ll agree that if you compare this view to the picture above, that this definitely looks more like a Bag Back and heretofore, that’s what we’ll be calling it.

And why you might ask did I add a tab to the slot pocket? You might recall from **our Gorilla sample post** that even though this pocket looks straight & parallel to the zipper pockets, but unfortunately, as I was carrying these samples I noticed that gaping open in an insecure way when I had my phone or other items stored in there and I didn’t like that. Adding a Tab seemed to be in order and sure enough I’m MUCH more satisfied with this area now!

And speaking of pockets, here’s a few shots of what has become one of our “signature features”… a “Niche” area between the two zippered pockets. This is a full-width, full-height and completely hidden storage area that’s secured with a magnetic snap closure. As you can see it can easily accommodate most smart phones and it’s also a great place to store reading glasses, sunglasses and other items you’d like quick access to.

I included a 3-slot Card caddy in the front-most zippered pocket. It’s a real easy make… so easy that you could easily make three more and include one on each of the four interior walls of this bag if you so desired.

So there you have it!
I’ll finish this post with a side view that gives you a great look at FOUR storage areas
and a few words about this fun fabric which I picked up last year at the Mountain Quilt fest in Pigeon Forge, TN.
It’s by Cynthie Fisher for QT Fabrics but that’s all that’s written on the selvage of the fabric.

And finally, I have to say that the more I live with this sample (and its been hanging in my studio for over a week now), the more I dislike this look, for TWO reasons!

First– The “Bag Front” (which is now the tabbed pocket), has an all-too-familiar look! Even though the bag is totally different than my others, there are certain angles that are totally reminiscent of several other designs and I would prefer for it to be distinctive unto itself!
and Secondly, and perhaps more importantly– i find that this look is slightly offensive to me in that it seems to have a distinctly “homemade” look that I don’t appreciate at all.

And that means there’s a BIG change coming!

Obviously I’m disappointed in this setback, but I want this design to be the best it can be! So… do stay tuned for the next post in this series when I plan on revealing what I hope to be the FINAL incarnation of this design!!!! (That also means that this sample is in essence a THIRD gorilla sample, which is a record I hope to NOT duplicate in the future.)

And now, it’s YOUR turn!

What comments or questions would YOU like to pose this design in general or this sample in specific? Did I make the right decision on continuing to improve the look of the design? Please feel free to use the space below to let me know.

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