PPC35: A Prototype, My 2nd Try

By Kat | April 6, 2026 |
ppc35proto2

So... 

I can't remember the last time I've had to make more than one prototype for a design... but... this is truly a completely different bag design than any that have come before it! (which is kind of exciting!)

And for that reason, if no other... it's worth working EXTRA hard to straighten the "bugs" out of this design, because I feel it in my bones, that this design will be totally worth the extra effort!

 

The Bag Front features 2 pockets. The lower pocket will be a great place to store smaller items safely and securely while keeping them within easy reach. The upper pocket unzips to reveal a VERY large storage area where anything & everything can be stored.

  • Your iPad?- NO SWEAT!
  • Your everyday items?, wallet, brush, glasses case, cosmetic case- ABSOLUTELY!
  • A lightweight sweater? GO AHEAD!
ppc35proto2back2
ppc35proto2back1

Here's a closer look at the Bag Back area which includes a large circular pocket... large enough to accomodate the largest cell phone on the market today. (This would also be the perfect place for a passport... close to your body, whether wearing on your chest, or your back.)

I'm also including a Strap that can be configured as a "sling strap", OR, as backpack straps, depending on how you arrange the snap hooks.

ppc35proto2me1
ppc35proto2me2

I've included these pictures to give you some idea of the size of this bag,
and how it looks when its being worn as a Sling Bag, and also as a BackPack!

ppc35proto2pouch

And here's a closeup of the Water Bottle Pouch. For years folks have requested I add this feature to a design, but I hesitated to do so until I could think of a way to make it part of the overall exterior design and I'm actually pretty happy with this feature.

I'm planning on making this pocket a bit taller (by request from customers, but that alteration will likely appear further along in this process!)

So how do you like the channel we've added
for a cord lock to hold the bottle in place securely?

I decided to reuse some extra fabric I had leftover from a previous prototype (the Expand-o-Matic), since I enjoyed using it, and I liked the resulting finished look! I wish I had used my black/gold zippers though instead of these tan & white mini-striped ones!

This fabric is called "I Dream in Color" and its by Jason Yenter for In the Beginning Fabrics.

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? If so... please stay tuned for the next post in this series.

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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Posted in pattern design, PPC35, purse pattern chronicles and tagged , ,

8 Comments

  1. Charlene Samanich on April 6, 2026 at 9:29 am

    I like the design and I love all the pockets but for me, the fabric used for the two zippers on the front stand out too much. Maybe if they blended into the fabric colors more, especially since they are so close together. Great design, looking forward to the next iterations.



    • Kat on April 6, 2026 at 3:27 pm

      I was experimenting with this. I’m not sure this was the best vehicle for this test, but I may try it again with a less busy exterior.
      🙂



  2. MaryB on April 6, 2026 at 11:39 am

    I thought the contrasting zippers, etc were intentional, to make the new design more obvious in the prototype. And I thought that was a good idea!



    • Kat on April 6, 2026 at 3:28 pm

      I had fun with this little experimentation. This may not have been (in my estimation) the best exterior to practice on, but I did enjoy the process! 🙂



  3. Beth on April 7, 2026 at 11:37 pm

    Checking to see if this message goes through,



    • Kat on April 8, 2026 at 10:04 am

      yes it did! 🙂



  4. Wendy Knight on April 15, 2026 at 9:06 am

    I’m shocked to see this bag, because I have been working on one so similar it’s creepy! Have you been sneaking into my studio? I think I’ll wait “impatiently” for the pattern, and let you work out the kinks! Great job.



    • Kat on April 15, 2026 at 9:24 am

      Thanks for commenting Wendy. I too have seen other sling type bags with two zips on the front, but I’m confident that’s where the similarity ends! 😀