PPC35: A Prototype, My 1st Try
So....
it's that time again...
I'm starting over once again with a brand new design!
And if you've been following our process for any length of time, then you know that I always start with a basic sketch. (Emphasis on the "basic", because as you can see, I'm really no sketch artist, but in my case that's OK, because I'm just looking for a basic shape and a few key design details.)
Above left: Here's the Bag Front. It's my intention that this be a new convertible bag. As you can see, there are two zippered compartments. The smaller compartment is for smaller items.I intend to place some pen holders in there and maybe a credit card holder. The larger zipper leads to a very large main compartment. And on the left side of the bag there's a very roomy bottle holder (I intend to secure the bottle in place w/a cord lock. It'll be effective AND it'll add a fun design element.)
Above right: Here's the Bag Back. There's a pretty good sized zippered pocket back here as well. It's plenty large enough for a cell phone & anything else you might kept secured & close to your body.
The photos above demonstrate the two ways this bag can be carried. You might remember that I've utilized this zippered Strap idea before, first in the addendum we wrote for the Sling Along pattern, and more recently for the OutBreaker pattern.
When both strap snaphooks are clipped into ONE of the two side D-links, then this bag can be carried as a one-armed sling bag and can be worn as a chest bag or as a back pack.
But when the strap snaphooks are clipped into separate side D-links, then the zipper can be unzipped, providing two individual straps and can be worn as a back pack.
So what was the verdict on this prototype?
First of all-- this design is unlike anything I've done before, so it's no surprise that I was very conservative with this prototype. There's no lining inside for example and there are definitely things that need to be changed, or worked out. so here goes...
- I want to add a cord lock to the bottle Pouch. It could be tightened or loosened depending on the size of the bottle, AND... it would add an interesting touch to the final look of the bag!
- I thought I'd like to go with 1" wide snaphook straps, but this will force the Zip Panels to be too wide, so I think I'll drop back to the 5/8" wide straps.
- And the big thing is... the Bag bottom area needs some serious change. The base needs to be smaller to allow the side and front edges to be rounded.
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.
So I hope you'll stick around to see what our next sample looks like. It'll actually be a 2nd prototype, due to the amount of changes that need to be made to this design! And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.
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Hi. I have used the convertible strap and confess- I made little tube covers that slid up and down the zipper because the zipper – when open as two straps- was scratchy by my neck. The little tubes resided at the bottom of the zipper – over the hook hardware if I wasn’t using the two straps.
That’s an interesting idea Donna! 🙂
I like the appearance of this design. It’s different and appealing.
Thanks so much Beth. There’s a long list of things to improve though! 😀
Great design! Your design changes make sense. This will definitely be on my to make list.
I love hearing this Cynthia! So glad you like it but please stay tuned for the next post in this series when we get some changes accomplished. 🙂
Love the start of this bag! I’m thinking the water bottle pocket could be taller. I’m good at having my water glass in an outside pocket and it slips out when I bend to reach for things on the floor. The cord lock on this pocket will be a clever addition!
Hi Deb! I absolutely can make this pocket taller, and that’s a good point! See ya in Paducah! 🙂
So if using only one strap, how does this hang on the body? Im having trouble visualizing this. If one knew they wouldn’t be using as a backpack could one make one strap? Would the bag be balanced? Reading this from my phone, and so am having trouble putting the correct picture with description. Is the clam shell shaped zippered pocket the one described for the phone?
Thanks for commenting Chris- If one is using the bag with both snaphooks clipped into the same side D-ring, then it would operate as a one-armed sling bag which can be worn as a chestbag or across the back. and the clam shell pcoket is definitely big enough to contain any cell phone currently on the Market.
🙂
I love this bag and I cant wait to see and use the pattern.
This is using to my ears! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
I would be interested in making this bag!!!
I have quite a few little changes I want to make, but please do stay tuned for the next post in this series.
🙂
My thing is always wanting some snap hooks or D-rings inside to clip on keys, etc…. That way, especially with a large bag, you don’t have to go digging for them. I even have little zip id pouches that have clips on them. I usually keep some cash in them, which is why I like to clip them into the bag.
Good to hear from you Charlene! I’ll keep this in mind
🙂
I think it will be a good unisex bag. I can see my son using it in “man” type fabrics.
Thats true. Glad you thought of that~
🙂
That is true! Thanks for mentioning that!
Love the bag but also looking for the changes.
I can’t wait to show you MORE! 🙂
I really like the idea of adding a water bottle carrier. I hate carrying the water bottle in the bag itself or in my hand. Nice lookin bag anxious to see the finished product. Your ideas are always wonderful. Hope to see you at your next event.
I agree with you about the water bottle. And I have something cool in mind for the top of that area. Can’t wait to show you! 🙂
I have made a few of your bags. I like the style of this, and that two zips in front aren’t close together. But my favorite feature is the back with the zipper and pocket. I have one with that and love it. My only question is that although I love the strap, (I’m a cross body kind of gal). But will I be able to easily “grab and go” and not have to stop and adjust it cross body or as a backpack. I have one now that cleverly has the ability to grab it on top, and actually slip my arm through . Looking forward to seeing the final.
I like the idea you are going with. I would like to see a somewhat wide bottom to fit a wallet. I like the
several pockets on the outside. I recently made the Side Hustle, but I love it, but i would like to see a
wider bottom. I also like the idea that it can be a sling, shoulder or back pack option. Thanks for sharing. Chris
Thanks for commenting Christine and actually, this bag is VERY wide at the bottom, and can easily hold way more items than our other sling/backpack type bags. I think you’ll be pleased!
Love the design & versatility of those straps! One change I might suggest is to consider installing the zipper on the back horizontally or at least more at an angle. I have a small backpack purse with vertical zippers. They do create longer openings for easy access. However, I find if you are in a rush & forget to close them, stuff can easily fall out. That back pocket will be used for wallet, phone, keys and other important items. You really do not want to lose those.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Linda, but this is a pretty large bag and when you’re wearing it as a sling bag, these zippers pretty much ARE horizontal. I understand your concern though, but when wearing this bag as a backpack, I would definitely recommend taking the time to ALWAYS zip ANY zipper all the way to the top simply because of the easy access to those with ill intent. 🙂