PPC5- Junk Yard Special

(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.)

are you able to see our original inspiration in this sample?

So... in our last post we revealed our original sketch for our new design, and now you know that our next pattern will be our vision of what the NEXT GENERATION of Purse Inserts should look and function like. And if you're a fan of this series, you know that the first working sample that we make of any new design is never a thing of beauty since we always make it up in cast-off fabrics and throw-away notions.

So with that in mind, let me give you a quick tour!

In this first pic, I hope you can see our inspiration starting to come to life. The front insert is made up slightly shorter than the PortaPockets and the back unit is a little over an inch taller. Of course, the final user (you) will determine whether you want two units of the same height, or of two different heights as displayed here. The choice will be YOURS!



Here's a closeup of one of the 2 little zippers that holds our two inserts together. I looked and looked but could not find a tiny separating zipper, and by small I mean under 5 inches. We'll be remedying this by adding a correctly sized zipper to our zipper line, because it was NOT fun cutting this zipper so small and bending the top edges back into the seam with those teeth!

And this picture of course demonstrates the versatility of this new Purse insert, because it's just as easy as pie to zip the two units apart (once the zippered are sewn in).

Once they're separated we can easily use one unit in a much smaller bag yet still remain organized.







Or, we can leave one of the zippers in place and use the units in a side-by-side configuration (for use in a wide tote bag, for example).




And now let's look at a few of the features-



       We placed a full-height  pocket with a gusset on the tall unit and similar to the Encore Insert, utilized two zippers, facing them toward each other. I loved this feature in the Encore, but upon testing this feature in THIS design, I realized I didn't care for it at all because the pocket itself is just not wide enough to warrant this feature, and because of this, BOTH zippers ALWAYS have to be opened EVERY TIME. It's a nuisance, not a help, so in our next sample, we'll just use one zipper, and place it a tad lower on the exterior rather than along the top edge.

Here's an overhead view of the shorter unit and do you notice what's in the slot pocket?

It's a credit card caddy that can handle 6 cards on each side. I found that I have REALLY enjoyed this feature because I can always find the card I need without removing the caddy or my main wallet from my bag. And because there's so many slots, there's plenty of room to store (and easily find) all my loyalty cards and insurance documentation.

I decided to add a key clasp to this unit, because my keys are the one thing I STILL end up digging for even when I use my PortaPockets. OK- this particular key clasp isn't the one I would choose, but this is a junkyard sample, remember? I'll find a much better looking and functioning clasp for the next sample.

So here's my unit, back in it's zipped-together state. I'm relatively happy with the size and proportions. I think I will make it just a tad wider  next time. My wallet seems a bit of a tight fit, so widening it will rectify that issue.

And even though this duo may look bulky and large, it fits just right into a Boho Baguette, which I've been testing it in for over a month now.

Also for next time, I plan on adding a flat zippered pocket option for one of the walls. I always like to have a secure pocket like that to store bank deposits, important papers and such. I also think it would be cool to add a third, smaller unit that can be connected on the side (like in our sketch from our last post) for use either in very large bags, or disconnected totally for use in smaller bags like the Bellagio or the Gadabout.

So there you have it folks. I'm happy enough with this junkyard sample, that I'll be making the next sample up as a 'keeper', which means that I'll be using coordinating fabrics and notions. I'm toying with the idea of making this pattern a "fat quarter friendly" pattern, which would be a first for my line.

So stay tuned for the next post in the Purse Pattern Chronicles series. It's already shaping up to be one of Joba's favorites! 

And as usual, we would relish hearing any thoughts or suggestions you might have, especially if any of those suggestions might be a potential name for this new design!

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