**MY GOODNESS! I'VE HAD SO MANY RESPONSES TO THE CALL FOR TESTERS. THANK YOU ALL!!! I'M GOING TO CLOSE THE REQUEST FOR TESTERS NOW. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT**
Friends! I would like to introduce you to the next sewing pattern that I plan to release: the Anya shoulder bag pattern. I'd love to hear your initial thoughts, whatever they may be...
A brief explanation: the Anya bag is a deceptively voluminous, lined shoulder bag with an optional button tab closure. Like the Dolores batwing pattern, it will be available as a downloadable PDF file pattern. The pattern PDF will consist of just three pattern pieces: bag body, yoke and button tab. Dimensions will be given for the straps which are formed from a simple rectangle that can be drawn directly onto the fabric, rather than wasting your printer ink and paper by including it in the PDF. The bag should require only approx. 80cm of outer fabric, preferably a sturdy medium to thick woven fabric with no stretch content (I've found that curtaining and upholstery fabric work brilliantly, as do denim, twill and canvas) and 40cm of light to medium weight woven fabric for the lining. Fingers crossed, it'll be a suitable project for those fairly new to sewing and more experienced sewers alike.
My hope is that this'll be the kind of pattern that you will want to make again and again, in many different fabrics, for yourself and possibly for your friends and family (I can't help but notice that there's a rather significant public holiday coming soon that traditionally involves gift-giving...). Over a number of years, I have made approx. ten squillion of these bags in various prints and solids, and the outcome each time always looks unique; the pattern seems to be a good canvas for many different types of fabric.
A brief history: I drafted the first version of this pattern a number of years ago, and it has proved very popular over the last almost-decade. I used to make bags from this pattern, usually in vintage fabrics from 50s, 60s and 70s, and in African wax fabric, and sell them on various market stalls and at craft fairs. Unlike a lot of my other stock from that time, these bags always sold consistently well, and occasionally I got asked if I would share or sell the pattern. Well, it's finally time for me to do that!
So, the tester bit: I'm looking for about 6 or 7 testers with a variety of sewing-experience to try out the pattern and instructions and give me their honest feedback. If you think you might be interested in being a tester, please read on...
What will be required:
- I will email you two PDF files, one with the pattern pieces that will need printing off, and the other with full instructions that will include large colour images that you may prefer to read on your computer screen to save on ink and paper.
- You will need to print off the pattern, make a bag as per the instructions, and email me your feedback ideally with a photo of your creation, all within two weeks. Normally, I'd suggest a longer time period, but I'm really hoping to release this pattern in November so people can use it for making Christmas presents.
- I will email you some questions to respond to as part of your feedback, plus I'd love to hear your thoughts on any other aspect of the pattern/instructions that may not have been referred to in the questions
- Unfortunately, I am not able to pay for your time nor supply you with fabric for the testing. I will, however, send you the finalised versions of both pattern and instructions once any corrections have been made. And you will have my undying gratitude, of course!
What will not be required:
- You do not need to be a blogger or have any social media presence at all. I am not looking for reviews of the pattern until it is finalised, in fact please don't review this beta version of pattern and instruction, for obvious reasons!
If you are willing and able to test this pattern, then please email me at sozoblog (at) g mail dot com by the end of Sunday 25th October. Please write a sentence or two about your level of experience using sewing patterns, and of sewing generally. I'm only asking for this to make sure that I get testers with a range of experience levels. Many, many, many thanks in advance for anyone able to help me out with this.
15 comments:
The email address is not complete I think ... Only sozoblog (at) dotcom
Hi Jess, thanks for that! All fixed now.
Zoe xxx
What a cute bag. I would have loved to test drive your pattern but am moving house at the end of the Month and can't see me having any sewing time for a few weeks. Good luck with the testing, it looks really fun. Xx
Yes, yes, yes! I would love to test this. Emailing now!
I love this bag! The only thing I would say is that it is quite similar to a pattern by Made by Rae called the Buttercup bag. Not sure if that's an issue but thought I'd let you know in case you hadn't come across it before. Hope all goes well with the release.
Very cute!
@Rosie, thanks for your comment, although I'm a big fan of Made by Rae patterns, I wasn't aware of the Buttercup bag. I agree, there's similarities for sure, but I don't think it's exactly the same so am going to proceed with this release. Thanks again.
Thank you everyone for your lovely comments!
Zoe xxx
Such a cute bag. What are the finished dimensions?
Can't wait to see all the variations that come out of this test run! Great bag for the holidays.
Great bag! Good luck with the pattern:)
@Martha, such a good question. thank you! Without the straps it is 38cm wide and 27cm high.
Thanks everyone!
xxx
A gorgeous bag Zoe - I've never made a 'proper' bag before, just a few simple totes, but I will definitely be trying this when the final pattern is released. Quick getting stitching, all you testers! xx
Thanks for the dimensions. I can't wait for the final pattern release.
Cute design, hope the testing goes well.
I'm glad you found enough testers! I'll have to give it a try myself in the new year for birthday presents that don't require so many toiles. :-D
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