So… it’s that time again! And honestly, this is one of my favorite times in this whole pattern-making process! Because we’re fleshing out a new design… and all options are still on the table!
So after much deliberation & consultation with my assistants (one of whom is pictured at left)… I’m thinking that it might be about time that we added another true handbag to our lineup. It’s been awhile sine we’ve done that.
So… let me show you what I’m thinking…
The last time we published what I would characterize as a true “handbag pattern”, was when we developed the Flaptastic in 2017 (at left). So I’d say its high time we revisited this category again, right?
My thoughts at the moment include a medium-sized tote-type bag with a top recessed zipper closure, a front slip pocket and a back zippered pocket. I know that sounds a bit “plain-jane” but I promise I’ll make it interesting!
And if you’ve been following our “Purse Pattern Chronicles” posts for any length of time, then you know that the first thing I ALWAYS do, is to create a “shell” of the eventual bag.
By my way of thinking, its crazy to spend a lot of time (and fabric/supplies) on specific details until I’m happy with the basic shape, size and function of the “shell”. In this case, what I learned from this shell is…
- I’m happy with the overall size & functionality
- I’d like the base to be a little less “squarish”
- the recessed zipper needs to be a little less deep
But… I’m satisfied enough with this prototype
to move straight into the Gorilla sample!
Here it is at left… so let’s talk about what I like about it, and what I don’t about this 1st try!
Overall I’m pleased with how the bag came together. All the elements are functioning well, and that’s great, but the bag just seems a little… well… plain, or perish the thought… MATRONLY!
And we can’t have THAT!
This is the Bag Front (at left) which features a slip-in pocket which I like, but my phone is unfortunately taller than the pocket, so that calls for a redesign to remedy that. Actually, I’d prefer to have a mag-snapped closure in this area as well, so expect some big changes here!
I’m satisfied with the roominess of the interior (above-left). I’m using a Porta-Pockets Purse Insert to organize my items, but I still think this interior could benefit from an additional slip pocket, for a passport or other important slips of paper.
The photo at above-right is a Bag Back view featuring a useful zippered pocket. All in all, I’ve honestly enjoyed carrying this bag, but here’s the deal… my goal for my next sample will be to create a little more visual interest in the style lines, and to provide some creative opportunities to incorporate a focal print, creative piecing or embroidery to make this design extra-special!
So do stay tuned for our next post in this series!
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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It looks great to me. It resembles one of y favorite purses from Thirty-One. What will the overall size be? Yes, I want at least one slip pocket inside for something flat, like a notepad. I can’t wait to see the next step.
I’m so glad to hear that you are intrigued by this design. I’ve got some pretty significant changes though, so I hesitate to give dimensions just yet. 🙂 Do stay tuned though?
I think I’m going to like this design very much! You did such a nice job with the chevron fabric that it doesn’t even look matronly to me! Double handles are not my favorite because I tend to get tangled up in them (ha), but they do look very nice with this design. I’ve never made the porta pockets, but I just might this time since they fit so beautifully in this pattern. I can’t wait to see the next sample.
Thanks so much Beth! For once Ive made a gorilla sample I could carry for quite some time! 🙂