PPC35: the 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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