PPC33: Shangri-La

In our last post in this series, I shared our original sketch, and the first prototype that we created, and for a first effort, I was pretty happy with it.

But even so, there were changes that needed to be made!

So… let me show
you around!

First off–if you check the picture above, you’ll see that we beefed up the width of the Closure some. I didn’t feel it was proportionally correct in the prototype, but I like the size and width of it now.

At right is a good look at the Bag Back which is basically unchanged from the prototype.

I’ve purposely made this front Phone Pouch very generous. I have a large cell phone, but I’ve seen several that are larger at some of the shows I’ve been to recently. Either way, it’ll be secured by the mag-snap closure, (you might notice that I made the bulbous closure end much wider this time). And as you can easily see in the photo (above left), the BIG change I made for this sample was the side width. I added a panel alongside the zipper and made the Side Panels wider which will allow for MORE room in the main compartment. Now I can fit my wallet easily in there, (when placed on its end), and I like that. Maybe you do too?

And in response to many of you who have been yearning for a look at the interior of the zippered compartment, here ya go (at left).

The wallet you see in this photo is pretty much standard width, but it is probably a little “thicker” than is the norm, but as you can see, it fits quite comfortably in this sample!

And finally… as for this fabric, if you’re thinking I’ve used it before, my answer would be… Not Exactly, but Kinda. 🙂

Not long ago, in the 31st edition of Purse Pattern Chronicles, for the High Seas Convertible, I used another fabric from the same collection. This fabric is actually a “striped version” of the Shangri-La fabric, which I thought was PERFECT for this design!

So, please stay tuned for our next post in this series as we get closer & closer to our finished design!

And now…. it’s YOUR turn!

So… what are your thoughts about this design so 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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Kat

9 Comments

  1. Gale Rowland on May 5, 2025 at 10:02 am

    Love this, I have a very plain bag that is similar and did not want to take it apart for pattern. When is this available??

    • Kat on May 5, 2025 at 4:19 pm

      Glad to hear that you like it Gale. Right now I’m thinking mid summer sounds reasonable. 🙂

  2. Kim Black on May 5, 2025 at 10:59 am

    Do you have dimensions decided on yet? Thanks

    • Mary B on May 5, 2025 at 1:17 pm

      LIKE, LIKE, LIKE!

    • Kat on May 5, 2025 at 4:20 pm

      Yes- it will be 6″ wide by 9″ tall by 1-3/4″

  3. Nancy Rosa on May 5, 2025 at 11:01 am

    Looks great!

    • Kat on May 5, 2025 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks Nancy! 🙂

  4. Katherine Scoggins on May 5, 2025 at 11:06 am

    I really like this one. It is big enough without being too big. Are there any pockets on the inside? I always have to have a small pocket to carry medicine with me that I may need. Not a large one, but I like a closure (like a zipper or velcro tab) to make sure nothing falls out of that pocket.

    • Kat on May 5, 2025 at 4:21 pm

      I’m not planning on pockets on the inside, but one could be added easily enough.
      🙂

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