I love sewing pouches. I made many Little Wonders, Twice as Nice or sweet lace pouches. And now without too much thinking, I made a triple pouch.
A very functional pouch, very spacious, all those three compartments have boxed bottom.
But I have a problem with it: it looks like a big, UGLY box! My hubby thinks it is because of the solid fabric – faux suede. Maybe…
Maybe I could make it with only two zippers. I could use lace zippers (but I don’t have any right now). Or I could change the shape a little (but I have no idea how!) or add some tabs.
This was the first version I messed up. The space between two zippers is only 1/2”. Faux leather is not the easier material to work it, especially when it comes to zippers, but it has a drape like no other fabric, I love to use it.
Does it look UGLY to you? Should I bother to improve the pattern? What do you think?
Thank you!
Geta
Must admit, I do prefer the faux leather. It's a much softer shape and somehow looks more professional. The suede seams are more harsh.
Well, it kind of is ugly. Looks like a Kleenex box with zippers. Sorry! On the bright side, I just finished sewing your Twice as Nice pouch and it turned out really cute! I found some Tribute to Tammis Keefe fat quarters among my fabric and used the cute cat fabric. I really like it!
Some pretty floral fabrics would soften it, and maybe a handle on one end?
Like the concept. Since it is a little boxy looking could it be a compartment to go inside of a larger more stylish purse/pouch.
However if one knows what they want to use it for then perhaps the looks of it isn't all that important. Retreats? traveling?
I'm sure you will come up with something. I love your other pouches and everything else you do.
I like it. I like the boxy-it's not going to fall over. Three separate compartments-things won't tangle or get scratched. How about a clear vinyl box with 3 fun fabrics?
That would be a great idea. I have a piece of clear vinyl, but it is so stiff, I can't use it for complicated things! I might try find another type of clear vinyl.
I think the concept is a great one but I do think it looks a little boxy, although part of that is probably due to the stiffer fabrics you have used to make it. I was wondering how it might work if you were to change the way in which the zippered top is constructed so the zips stretch all the way from one side to side to the other rather than being inset. As it is they look as they might limit access a little. I also think adding a hang/carry/wrist tab/handle on one end would make the pouch even more practical.
I don't mind the boxy shape at all, though it would be cute made with prints. I'm not a fan of the faux leather for this one, but like the suggestion of Paula about lengthening the zippers. How about a sneak peek inside? I am curious to see in there…..:) plus how big is it?
I really love the shape and design. I agree with your husband that a beautiful pattern fabric would look really fantastic. I would love to make this in rich geometric pattern fabric. The boxy shape and three zippers looks brilliant!
I don't think that the bag is ugly, but I'm sure that it would look better in fabric…
But the faux suede ist nice too, you could add an open pocket to the sides maybe.
The shape and design is new and unique – I like it!
It can be sewn in any size and material depending on what you want to use the bag for.
Great Idea Geta!
It just needs a handle. Somehow that makes it look more bag-like. The suede is nicer than the brown, but a handle would help that too. Maybe a small outside pocket to add more interest.
I am thinking a triangle tab on the ends would break up the boxy look and make it easier to open and close the zippers. You could also put a short loop type handle on one end. Clever to use three zippers.
It would be cute to have the middle zipper open from the other direction! And a side handle would be useful. It's cute!
Maybe from a nice printed fabric, with handles both parts, don't know, I'd like to be your tester!
I agree with most of the other commentors that the concept is a great one. I'm not a fan of this pouch made with solid fabric. I think that some bright prints would soften the square lines of the bag and it would not appear quite so boxy. Good luck with this. If you decide to make changes I will look forward to seeing them.
I love this! I would add a block/applique to each side, and feature it in the center! Maybe a cute hexie flower or if using it for sewing, favorite pinwheel patterns, etc.
It is really clever!!!
Susie
I like the boxy but I am an ex-engineer so straight lines make me happy 🙂 I think this would be beautiful in a texty print.
The photo looking down on the top of the pouch reminds me of a toaster, lol!!! I think you do need a tab or something to grab ahold of to zip and unzip the pouch. If you don't like the 3 zippers, how about making 2 zippers from the top and a 3rd zipper on the front or back of the bag? I would have liked to see a photo of at least one zipper unzipped to see inside the lining. Would you have anymore space with 3 zippers on top versus 2 and one on the front? Something to thing about.
I think YOU feel it requires improvement- if you were totally sold, you would have also made it in a print. Also, if you felt it ready for 'prime time' your pictures would have included openings spread open in 1 pic enabling viewer to figure uses. Leaving all in closed position, viewer can't assess whether convenient or not-let's face it, if an item has so much function but isn't a 100% appearance winner, they'll go with it. It appeared to be made with a sueded fabric- if ultrasuede, that's superior to lowgrade suedes but real suede, well, if not used to leather & suede, many will need to buy different needle-diffterent in most aspects defining a sewing machine needle, I didn't read all descriptor lines so, you may have identified the fabrics detail but I think adding an appealing print or animal print with brownish ultrsuede will make it an awesome man's travel tote but I wouldn't be a fan of browns. I remain puzzled since I lack your anwers but I'd likely be a customer but like choosing my own fabrics.Good luck, Sandie
Not sure if you ever redesigned this bag since post from 2015. I like the idea of 3 different compartments but…I agree it does look just a tad unfinished.
What if you added a drawstring top in a contrasting little bit heavier fashion fabric?
Your work is absolutely beautiful. I am having such a good time browsing your site. Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge.
Lynn
Hi Lynn!
It’s in the same stage, I forgot about it; I don’t have a new pouch on the list right now.
I am glad you like my work!
OK, I’m just seeing this today. I’m thinking about how functional this pouch would be. With purses with a zipper, if they are just straight up and down, I have trouble with the opening being scratchy on my hand with the zipper, and not being able to get it open enough to see inside. So looking at this box, first of all, I’m wondering what you would use this for. What would the pouches contain? You couldn’t put anything thick in the compartments because they would crowd each other, and there’s no “give” in the piece. You wouldn’t want to put small things like jewelry in them, because they would get lost in those compartments because you can’t see inside them very well. If it were bigger, you might want to use it as a portable filing cabinet, but then the compartments would have to be made of smoother and more sturdy material. So, I think the problem with this pouch is it doesn’t have a purpose yet (at least as far as I can see). I guess I’d ask the ex- engineer krislovesfabric if “form follows function” would work in using this idea.
Hi Geta. I love this little boxy 3 zippered container. I would love to know how you put it all together. I’ve been looking for a tutorial for a 3 zippered bag, haven’t found one yet….
Until now…
I like the pouch and have been looking for something to hold appliqué threads, etc, along with the project. It would keep things separated. It could use a tab to be able to grab it more easily. Another thing I might consider is having a hole at the end of a zipper that the thread exits through so it’s always handy to cut off another section. They are doing this with knitting bags. Quite handy.
Any thoughts about designing bags to carry needlework projects in? A section to carry the items being worked on and then sections for thread and notions. Craftsy has some but none I want yet. That same bag would work great for hexy projects, I bet.