So….
As I’m writing this post, it’s mid-December and for the first time since 2006, I’m actually starting my 4th pattern in 2020.
But you know what? I guess that’s the natural result when there’s a pandemic causing all the Quilt stores to shut their doors and our Retail Shows, our Quilt Market AND our vacation ALL get cancelled! Yeah, 2020 won’t go down in history as one of my favorite years but I sure have gotten a lot of work done! Only time will tell, but for now, let me walk you through my inspiration for this new design as well as the original sketch and the 1st prototype.
First of all– I would call this a medium-sized bag, (see above), taller than it is wide. I’m planning on it having 2 completely separate compartments, with the back compartment being a good deal roomier than the front.
Additionally, the front compartment will have a MUCH longer zipper that opens completely across the top as well as 3/4 of the way down the side! I’ve planned it this way so that we’ll have easier access to the double-row of credit card holders that will be inside!
I’m also planning two more zippered pockets for this design, one on the inside and the second on the bag exterior.
Off-hand I’m thinking that were it made up in the right fabrics, that this bag would be one that could be carried by both a man OR a woman!
So what comes next? Why the initial prototype of course!
Now remember, the whole purpose of the 1st prototype is to assess the finished dimensions of the bag and to get the pattern pieces for the “shell” perfect! There’s a few things however that I never waste my time with on a 1st prototype and these would include…
- nice fabric
- a lining
- storage features of any type (inside or out)
- good zippers
So even though this prototype leaves much to be desired in terms of looks, it proved to be very useful indeed as I was able to assess that this sample was about a full inch taller than desired. Additionally I was really happy with how these pattern pieces came together, needing only a couple of slight modifications.
Now, based on what I deem as the resounding success of this prototype, I will confidently move along to the next round where I’ll be adding the storage pockets to both the lining areas & exterior and actually carrying this sample for a week (or more if I like it) to determine whether I actually enjoy carrying this bag AND if the features are placed in the right places. If you’re thinking that the next post in this series will feature our “Gorilla Sample”, then you are absolutely correct so I’m hoping you stay tuned for that!
And now, it’s YOUR turn!
What is your initial reaction to the what we’ve shown you so far? Do the dimensions and features of this bag pique your interest? And are there additional features that you wish that we’d include? 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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happy New Year Kat…love your hair by the way…I let mine go grew a few years back…got tired of the whole ‘coloring thing’…..anyway….I love your patterns and this is on its way to being a great design… and the outside credit card compartment is a great idea with secure zippers…..but, please don’t make it too tall….not a fan of bags where things disappear to the bottom…also, more zipper compartments the better, I say…maybe a pocket on the front to drop your phone it ? can’t wait to see it completed
Thanks for the comments Christy! I agree on the depth of the new bag. I dont like “bottomless pits” either. 🙂 I love hearing suggestions and I’ll consider them all. 🙂
(Thanks for the hair comment too!)
Looks good. I agree with Christy about a pocket on the front. And a pocket to put my keys so they won’t get lost. Will it have a coin pocket?
Thanks for writing Dawn! I’m not sure about a coin pocket. I hesitate to make this on a wallet substitute. But I feel certain you could add a coin area if you so desired. There would definitely be room for that! 🙂
A metal ring to keep keys attached not in the bottom.
A special easy excessive place to store room key or card
Like the others, I think you’re on the right track. A phone pocket would be nice, and I like the idea of a coin pocket, in case you want to eliminate a billfold. How will the straps attach? I am assuming that this is a shoulder bag?
Thanks to the input Barbara. As I said below, I’m not too crazy about making this one a wallet substitute, so I doubt I’ll add a coin purse. My thinking is that the credit card holders would mostly be used for those pesky loyalty cards that I for one hate digging around for! 🙂 The straps will attach at the side and I’m thinking that this will be a shoulder/crossbody bag and that it could work for women AND men. 🙂
Dear fearless leader aka Kat … I’m liking your idea with additional zippered pockets on the outside. This pattern will be a very practical, useful cross-body bag. Would the credit card holder on the inside be optional? I’m a gal who prefers a wallet. It would be helpful if the width could be 4 inches or even 5. My thinking is when you look inside, you could see all the important junk we feel obligated to carry. If the bag is too narrow, then you would have to ‘stack’ things on top of each other to fit. Finally, I agree, with the right fabric, even a GUY would like this (faux leather, denim, or I could see some sports theme emblem on the outside). Would you consider this pattern one for the intermediate level experience?
Thanks for commenting Sharon and I’m glad you find our new bag idea interesting and yes, the cards Slot on the inside would indeed be optional. Stay tuned for our next post in this series! 🙂
I agree about outer pockets for keys and phone.i am not a fan of credit card slots, since I change purses. I do like inside pockets.
Thanks for the comments Jo Lacy and the CC Slots can easily be substituted for an extra wall of interior pockets! 🙂
Love the size! What a good idea to have the zips wrap to the sides. I need a pocket for my eye glass case to stand up. The new ones are very boxy. Watching your process is a wonder I thoroughly enjoy!
Thanks for the question Peggy! I like my glasses case to stand up as well and it does in this design! 🙂
I like it! Wonder what it would look like turned 90 degrees, same proportions regarding zippers going down the sides. My most favorite crossbody bags are wider than they are tall. But you may have plans percolating for the taller profile regarding the interior.
Hi Dar- Thanks for the question- Right now we’re planning on this design to be taller than it is wide for two reasons. 1- It different than all of our other designs and we have had many requests for such. and 2) I think it will appeal more to the men among us this way. But do stay tuned for the next post in this series where we’ll show you the 1st sample! 🙂
I like watching you walk through a new purse(bag) design. And I am an odd duck. I LIKE the material used for the prototype.
Thanks Patty! Stay tuned for the next post in this series. I appreciate your support!
Great hair Kat!!
I like this one! It reminds me of my favorite “Odyssey” bag. Loved the card pockets and front and back sections. Will it have a gusset (probably the wrong term) or piece of something so the one that zips to the bottom, won’t disgorge everything when you open it all the way?
Thanks Karol! So glad to hear you like it! As for the side zip opening, I’m thinking I’ll not have it open ALL the way to the bottom, but I’ll be testing it to see if it really NEEDS a gusset! Stay tuned for more!?! 🙂
Hi there! This looks like it might be a good travel bag with the zipper opening farther to allow easier access. I find your patterns are the best for making bags. Thank you for sharing the process.
Thanks Janice- for a variety of reasons this comment means a lot to me today! 🙂
THis is a fantastic concept. With the crossbody feature, it never leaves my possession!
(I’ve had the hostess insist that I put my bag in the overhead compartment—sorry, no. If I want to move about the cabin, it will be with me, and if I nap (when the contents can be snitched) everything is in my hand!
I love the two good sized compartments—like my travel buddy the Guardian! But this is a clearer plan! Maybe a pocket behind the CC older—for passports? and that exterior pocket—great for a mobile phone. I think I’ll order more snap locks for this, and line the outer pockets with aluminum (RFID).
A suggestion for the tabs that hold the rings for the straps–use pellon, or scraps from the strap for reinforcement against wear and tear! I had to replace them on my Guardian.
Great Job, can’t wait to order!
Alma Lou
Thanks so much for the comments Alma! Do stay tuned, I have much more to show you! 🙂