
So…
in our last post in this series, I detailed how I finally got to sit down in front of my sewing machine and finish the sample that I left half-done in October.
But… you might recall that finishing that sample raised some serious questions for me about the construction process for this design.
I’m much happier with this new procedure, (even though the results of these changes are not visibly apparent).
So… with all of this in mind… let me show you around this new sample!
I’m really happy with the frontal view of this new design! I love the graceful top edges, and I’ve very much enjoyed carrying the “Gorilla sample” for over 3 months now (which is possibly a new record).



Here’s a couple of overhead views of the bag entry area & I must say that I very much wish that I had not chosen to use our nylon chain translucent zippers. While I think they “work well” with this exterior fabric, they were VERY difficult to fit to a curve, which was HARD to handle in the bag entry area. That was my oversight. I should’ve stuck with a zipper w/a fabric-type zipper tape. Also for this sample, I also added a panel of foam in the side Wall area, to add more stability which I felt it needed, but this also added a higher degree of firmness, which now means that the Zip Panels need to be lengthened… again!


And I thought it might be high time I showed how ROOMY the interior of this bag is! At left: is the bag interior empty! At right: is the interior with a single Porta-Pockets Purse Insert in place… PLUS a wallet, and with room to spare!

So with the completion of this sample and the changes it called for, I think I am FINALLY ready to send the test kits out to our magnificent panel of Testers.
But now I need a NAME for this design!
ANY IDEAS???
Oh… I still have more samples to make, as well as fabric I want to show off with this design… so please do stay tuned for the next post in this series, when we’ll start to show you how fantastic some of favorite new fabrics look on this new pattern design!

And now, a little info about this fantastic fabric from the ‘Twilight‘ collection by Dan Morris for Quilting Treasures.
This cool swirly fabric is now available
via a 1/2 yard cut by clicking HERE!

Here’s a quick look back at my studio assistant overseeing my work on this sample. Yep… she’s a little judgey… & has some definite opinions of her own but she loyally keeps me company all day!
And now…. it’s YOUR turn!
I’d love to know what you think of this design thus far. 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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