Purse Pattern Chronicles- The Sequel

It Starts with an Inspiration 
(This post is part of a continuing series focusing on the development of a new handbag pattern from its initial conception to it's release.)

So are you ready for another go at the Purse Pattern Chronicles? I hope so, because I'm ready to 'raise the curtain' just a bit and let you take a peek at my new design. And what better place to start, than by talking a little about the original inspiration for this new bag.

A good example of a balloon valance

And for this bag, curtains... specifically balloon curtains, are an appropriate place to start. Remember back in the 80's when balloon curtains were popular? My Mom made several of these type of valances when they were living in Florida, and it  was the first time I had ever seen any. She stuffed tissue or scott towels or something in the balloon part to make them extra puffy. I found them fascinating. Not enough to make any for my home mind you. I lean toward clean geometric lines in my home decorating. But still, there was something about the puffed edge of those curtains that I found appealing then AND now!.

For a balloon skirt, this is a good example

Not that i like all things 'balloony'. For example- I really never got into the balloon skirt craze (at right). This type of skirt always looked uneven and unfinished to me, and how can a hemline like that look good after you've sat thru supper? Which begs the question..."Do you think the balloon skirt was originally inspired by balloon curtains"? But back to the point...

Well, I had a movie on in the studio a few months ago, and I noticed a beautiful set of balloon curtains in the background of a particular scene, and it hit me... EUREKA!!! Maybe I could find a way to translate this wonderful balloony feature into a bag embellishment? I was totally inspired and set about figuring out how to accomplish it. And when I finally show you the new bag (you KNEW it wouldn't be today, right?), I think you will easily see the balloon curtain inspiration.

So....let's have a little fun. Why not put on YOUR 'designer' hat and see if you can figure out how I might be translating this effect from a curtain to a handbag, or better still... how YOU might can use this inspiration as a special effect in something that YOU are making. Leave your comments below, and stay tuned for more posts in the 'Purse Pattern Chronicles- The Sequel' series for a front row seat as inspiration becomes reality.