Purse Pattern Chronicles 3- A Good Start
It's always one of my favorite of days...
It's the day that I make the initial pattern pieces that will bring life to my sketch, my creation. I love it.
I always start my fabrications with the main feature... the definitive one... the one that will differentiate it from all my other designs, and any others on the market... and in the case of this pattern, that of course would be the unique tri-colored side pockets, (and by unique, I am not alluding to the fact that I chose 3 totally ugly prints). The first time out, my goal is to make sure the pattern pieces fit together properly, and that the proportion is what I want, so I don't waste good fabric in the process.
In my last post in this series, I showed you that my original thinking was that all three colors (in equal portions) would be 'worked' up and into the strap attachment area as shown on the right. This is a wrap-around style pocket, accessible from the front of the bag or the back, so it's great for keys, movie tickets, or anything else you need to grab quick. And even though this looks like a double pocket, it isn't. The lower of the two pockets is just there for show. (It's really too shallow to be useful anyway.)
And I liked the exterior Pouch feature from the DittyRoo so much, that I decided to repeat it for this bag as well. I don't know about you, but I got so used to putting my phone there when I was carrying MY DittyRoo, that I just can't hardly imagine being without it!
The Braided Strap
Here's my first prototype of the braided handle. Now I know these colors are gross, but I was pretty happy with the finished look. (If I had used great colors it would look awesome!) What I was NOT happy about, was the bulkiness at either end. With the tricolor Strap Holder already being a tad on the bulky side, I'm afraid this cool strap just isn't going to work. I would have to use a hydrolic stapler in the Strap Holder area to make a go of this feature. Too bad. I'll shelve it for now, and maybe try it again later on for this design or perhaps a future one. I don't want to spend any more time on it for now.So here it is all put together. Per usual, there's things I like and things I don't about this 1st attempt. (And just so you know, I never bother taking the time to line a 1st try.)
Let's Sum it up- Keep it?... or Chuck it?
So... what are we keeping or chucking in the next prototype? In general I like the look of the pocketed area, but the proportion and the angle is a bit 'off'. I do not like the fact that the bag has a low wide look. That is not what I was going for. I'll adjust this by proportioning the center section 'taller', and the pocketed area 'thinner' and as already mentioned, the braided handles are out... at least for now. But... I'm satisfied enough with how the templates went together, and I'm sure enough that I can resolve these other issues, so the next bag will be made from 'real fabric' and will include a strap, a lining, and it will have the fusible fleece foundation that it needs in order to drape properly. I'm also going to play around with some kind of flap or pieced item to better define the edge of the front pouch area. Maybe its just the fabric of this ugly sample, but the pouch feature seems invisible here. Might be a good idea, or it might not....
So stick with us, because this ride has only just begun. And here's the deal...We value your feedback. Do you agree with our assessment? We've got a couple of features to show you in the next sample that you haven't yet seen, but why don't you play designer for a second and tell us what feature YOU would add, if this was your creation?
wish there was a way to make the braided handle work - I really like the look of it... maybe thinner fabric strips partially lined with fluffy batting? or cord?
ReplyDeleteI agree on the proportion adjustments - just way too wide and shallow the way it is. Like the outside pouch area of the DittyRoo, glad to see that feature used again.
I agree Thea-
ReplyDeleteI'll keep working on it. I like to think about it right before i go to bed. I swear sometimes I wake up knowing what to do... (but not so far for this.)
I didn't want to stall the process for this one feature, but I would still love to include it. Got any ideas?
Maybe stop the braiding a couple inches from the end, stitch across to hold the braiding in place and flattening out the three layers one on top of the other and attaching THAT part? Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assessment of the pattern so far. It does appear to be
ReplyDeletelow & squat. I do like the ideas of the side pockets. I like the
appearance of the bag overall.
Hope this helps,
Belinda
I like the tricolor pockets. I agree they should be deeper and all of the
ReplyDeleteusable. I do think the purse is wide from side to side. Maybe making it
taller will ofset the visual width. I like the idea of the tricolor
handle, maybe continue the pockets into the handle with a layered (wide,
medium and narrow) straps stacked and sticthted together (or use a
coordinating ribbon as the 3rd layer to reduce the bulk?). I don't think
these fabrics are ugly.. some of us really like tone on tone and don't
always want to be carry a strongly colored bag..... Lynn in Va (who would
love to test this design for you!)
Thanks all! Please stay tuned to see how we decided to resolve all of these issues. You never know- we might have used YOUR idea!
ReplyDeleteAnd to Lynn- Thanks also for your kind offer to test for us. We have all of the testers we
need lined up for this particular design, but if you really are interested, please send us a
short summary of your sewing experience and why you'd like to test for us along
with a few pictures of some of your work.
We'll keep your name on file for possible use in the future.
Like Lynn, I'm not fond of the proportions. I'd like to see it not quite so wide in proportion to its height. Prefer the look of the original sketch. Side pockets are good. Somehow, though, it doesn't look like a very safe purse. Pat Winship
ReplyDeleteLooks cute. I don't think the fabrics are ugly either, but I would love to really set off the features with contrasting colors.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be able to zip the top or have a flap for better security. But this is coming from a person who is just getting back to sewing after a few years' absence. I am going to start My DittyRoo tonight as the fabric came in yesterday.
to Pat and Mom of Kings-
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. There is a zippered top planned for this purse as indicated on the original sketch. I just don't include interior items at this stage of the production. Hang tight though... the next post in this series will give y ou a peek at the zippered top of the bag as well as the Bag back.
Kat
Kat, this is not a "scrap it" project. Just need to work it a bit more. the suggestions above are good. I reiterate: the proportions width to depth are off, maybe shorten the width a bit more than lengthening it.
ReplyDeleteMy first instinct is to make the braids in the handles using piping filled cloth. Attach to the bag using patches over top of the ends. I'm sure they have a name but don't know what???? OR keep this idea for another purse, and go with your standard handle. It's shaping up quite nicely.
Thank you Bette
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I might play with the braided handles a bit more once I have the design completely hammered out. I don't want to get side-tracked by the handles, since it isn't totally integral to my vision.
I like your ideas for incorporating the braiding though!
I really like watching your patterns develop. I love watching the creative process and seeing how you use suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI like the braided handles and had a thought. The center two thirds of the handle is braided with a large wooden bead slipped up to the bottom of the braid on each side and anchored with three separate knots. The remaining three strands are floating free and now can be attached to the purse in a traingle design; sort of like wrapping a gift where you are trying to create a Christmas tree. This would give a wide base of support, preserve the idea of braiding the straps and elminating a bulky knot. Just an idea---Denise S
ReplyDeleteHI Denise
ReplyDeleteThanks SO much for taking the time to comment and Hmmm-- I'll have to think about
that. You might be on to something.
Stay tuned and see how we resolve (or do NOT resolve) this! It's going to be FUN!
Look at the handles for the BALI bags made from clothes line. They are
ReplyDeletemade with thick upholstery piping and covered in matching fabric, very easy
to do. I don't care for the wideness of this bag, seems to have gaping on
the ends from the handles? Love the pocked though, good for cell phone.
It needs to cozy up under your arm when carrying it - especially at a quilt
show. But I do love your bags.
I, too, really like the original sketch, and think maybe making the sides not so wide might be better than making the center taller. (My first thought when I saw the completed sample was "picnic basket".) For braiding the handles, I'd suggest *not* using and cording/filler, just the seam allowances. It keeps the braid a little flatter, so the ends are easier to sew through, and I like Denise S.'s idea. Overall, I *do* like this bag!
ReplyDeleteHI Diane
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for writing. I love to get feedback.
As for this idea- I've checked out the handles on the Bali Bag.
I'll think on this, but right now I'm just not sure that was the look I'm going for.
As for the gaping top at the sides, give us time if you would. I think you'll be
pleased with our next sample which will finally include the zippered top, lining
and at least a webbing handle, unless i figure out the braided thing in the meantime.
Thanks again and keep the ideas coming!
I don't know what you'd put in those end pouches but I'm thinking that putting anything in them, except maybe a folded piece of paper, would make it look lumpy bumpy all over and destroy the look. it wouldn't be a pattern I would purchase.
ReplyDeleteKarol
Thanks for the feedback.
ReplyDeleteActually, we have designed enough of a gap between the pouches we have
test-loaded a phone, keys, lipstick, and most any other small item in there with
no trouble, and without causing the bag to look 'lumpy or bumpy'. Of course its
not a good place to store a water bottle, or a hair brush, but thats what the
main compartment is for.
But here's the deal- not everybag appeals to everyone. As a matter of fact, thats
why we have a full line of handbag patterns, so no problem.
Fabulous!!! My favorite, yet. And the fabric actually looks good!
ReplyDeleteI agree it's too wide. As far as the strap, I like the braiding, but why not make the strips narrower? I'm thinnking of making the strap like one on the Lolapalooza with yarn or rag strips with the handy tool you used (getting one soon!). I like my zippered pocket in my Boho in the back.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the bag being too short and wide. I sure wish the braided handle would've worked. I liked that. What if they were not put in the seam, but attached to the outside by just one of the pieces before braided? Is that possible? It's looking good. As usual you're great in design and forsight.
ReplyDeleteArlene
I have a couple of ideas about your purse strap for the "project in
ReplyDeleteprocess."
1. You might want to try making a "puffy" (stuffed) strap and sewing a
couple of seams the length to create three "channels." One method I have
seen is to create a flat fabric strap, then insert a length of puffy batting
with a tool, then sew the seams (Itty Bitty City Bag).
2. Another idea is to, perhaps, create a flat strap. Then, also create
maybe three small tubes (ie, spaghetti straps) which could be braided and
sewn down on top of the flat strap. I've seen this done in faux leather on
inexpensive bags.
Anyway, I've been thinking of your "strap issue" when I lie awake at night
and wanted to share it with you.
Ginger H
PS: You are my new favorite website, as I love making bags.
I am so pumped about all of this feedback. Stay tuned to see how we resolve all of our 'issues', and keep those 'cards and letters' coming!
ReplyDeleteKat