So… I started sewing up this sample in October,
b4 leaving for the Houston shows,
But here’s the deal… between the Market/Festival & all the other unexpected events that happened in Fall ’24, I literally haven’t touched my sewing machine, (or this particular sample) since Oct 11th. Long story short…
We are behind schedule!
So when I finally sat down again to pick up where I left off in October, (on Dec 27th), I found that I practically had to re-introduce myself to this design. It felt like I was literally starting all over again with this pattern!
But you know what? Even though this was VERY frustrating, the whole experience forced me to take a fresh look at the construction process I first imagined (in October), and it was then that I realized that my construction could be made easier!
Truth is, this is a good catch, & one our customers will
truly appreciate us catching & changing for their benefit… BUT…
it does mean that fixing this will require rewriting & re-illustrating an important section of the instructions, PLUS, making yet ANOTHER sample to properly re-test the re-write, BEFORE sending the Supply Kits out to our Testers! Which should most likely make us another week to 10 days more “behinder” than we already are!
So… while I get busy “re-working”,
go ahead & check out the sample that started all this!
Here’s THREE different views of the Bag Front… one with “straps-UP” and two w/one strap down. I know this print could never be conceived as being in my typical color “wheel-house”, but you know what? The more I look at this print, the more I REALLY like it… especially for this bag design. (More about this fabric later.)
I’m still “tweeking” the length & placement of the Zipper Panel for the “main entry”, and I’m still not entirely satisfied with the placement of the interior Slip Pocket, but other than that, this design is pretty-well set!
The Bag Back features a good-sized zippered pocket… the perfect place for storing your key fob, chapstick, lifesavers, or anything else you need to have quick -access to.
Here’s a trio of overhead shots that clearly show the Zipper Panel Closure and a bit of the interior w/the Slip Pocket within. I think you can see that the larger size adjustment I made on the Zipper Panel makes this closure more secure, but I still think it could be even longer, maybe about 3/4″.
And now… a few words about this fabric!
Every once in a while I like to step out of my comfort zone and choose fabrics that are out of my comfort zone… and this fabric from QT Fabrics definitely fits the bill!
If you’ve watched our work for any amount of time, then you know I really do not gravitate to browns, rusts and beiges, but for some reason, this fabric really caught my eye. As a matter of fact, I think it looks pretty fabulous on this new design of ours! It’s called “Frond Nouveau“.
And do stay tuned for our next post
in this series, which will include our newly “reworked” sample. And actually the changes We make will NOT affect the look of this design, but it will definitely make the construction a WHOLE LOT EASIER!
And by the way… it’s time to start thinking about a name for this bag, so if you have any bright ideas… I’m ALL EARS!
And now…. it’s YOUR turn!
So… Are you “feeling” this design yet? Does this bag seem like one you might enjoy carrying? And if you have comments you’d like to share, suggestions you’d like to make, 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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