New design & sample...

Yesterday I spent several hours trying to adapt my regular multipurpose tote design for a customer. I wasn't worried about the bag body; I was concerned how the single handle she requested would affect the overall look once the bag was carried.

After poring over several design books and sketching out a prototype (cheh, sounds so grand heheh... I just did a rough sketch aje :p), I pulled out some linen-type mid-weight cotton & started cutting.

I needed to see how it would look like once completed, but it also had to be a quick job so I skipped my usual interfacing for this sample. For added strength & for interest, I quilted 3 straight lines on the handle (more visible on the beige side since I used red thread). This is still reversible so I didn't put in any tabs or button closures, but I'n thinking maybe ties or ribbons? It turned out quite well, I think. What do you think?

Now I can get started on the customer's bag :) Looks like I may just skip the interfacing for hers too & replace it with a canvas lining or batting for the floppy look, and add ties at the top for closure...

p/s. Forgot to take pics of the red side... I'm keeping the sample since there's some stitching that I'm not too happy with... Good enough for me to use but not to sell :) love the bag!!