Studio Kat Designs

PPC36: Cleo

Kat — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:15 +0000

So... in our last post, I told you that we had abandoned the idea of a connector piece between the sash & the strap. I liked the idea of the connector, but in the end it made the attached phone (or the attached bag) ride too low on my body.

I'm happier with this configuration as we go forward.

This strap/Sash can be worn several different ways! In the photo (above left), I am wearing it just as is. In this configuration, a phone can be stored in the Mega Pouch, (just be careful not to open it completely as your phone could fall out), along with a few credit cards and a license can be placed in the card slots. The Mini Pouch can be utilized as a place to store your keys/key fob, along with small cosmetic items.

The Cargo Strap can also be attached to virtually any bag or wallet with top side rings for even more storage (the bag pattern, the Easy Go Wallet, is sold separately).

And I thought you might like a little peek inside the Mega Pouch. As you can see, there are THREE card slots, which you can use for a driver's license and 2 other cards!

And if you feel more secure carrying our phone on the inside of this Mega Pouch, there is certainly room for that, but there's also room for a passport too!

And here we have the option of wearing your phone, (via a tether tab), by snapping it to your Cargo Strap. You can hear it easily, AND... you can access it quickly on the go!

and finally- here's two pictures that are almost mirror-images. I didn't include a picture with sunglasses handing off the outside D-ring on the Mega Pouch this time, but that's pretty much what that feature is for!

And just so you know, one of the things I enjoy the most about making up samples for this new design, is that it requires SO little fabric for the focal print (just a 9" X 16" cut)! This means I can go back thru my stash & dig out small pieces of some of my all-time favorite prints that I couldn't bear to throw away & give them a new life! Such was the case with this beautiful "cat fabric", called Cleo, by Chong-A Hwang for Timeless Treasures!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

I'd love to get some feedback on how you feel about this design thus far! If you have comments you'd like to share, suggestions you'd like to make, or questions you'd like to ask about this design in general or this sample in specific, (and I hope you do), please feel free to leave any or all in the space provided below.

And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

Check out the best sewing pins with me on Pinterest, join in on discussions or show off your work in our FaceBook Group, or get your daily sewing fix on our Facebook Business Page or the behind the scenes scoops on Instagram! And don't forget to check out our video tips & tricks on our You Tube Channel and be the 1st to know about new patterns, discount codes and sample sales by signing up for "Bag Making is Fun", our bi-monthly newsletter.

The post PPC36: Cleo appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC36: Paisley Empress

Kat — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:01:49 +0000

So in our last post, I mentioned that I felt pretty well satisfied with this design, but still, I've had this nagging feeling that I just wasn't happy with that Connector area at the bottom of the Sash.

For this sample, I made another adjustment in this area, and while I think it looks better, I still feel like when the phone is tethered up AND when a bag is snapped in place, that they are both seem to be riding a little low.

There's several ways that this design can be worn. In the photo above you can see it worn completely by itself. The lower zippered pocket is large enough to accommodate ANY smart phone currently on the market today, along with your driver's license and two credit cards & even your passport!

But if you prefer you can tether your phone at the end of you Strap where it's easy to hear & reach when it rings! And in the meantime, the upper zippered pocket is perfect for holding your key fob along with a lipstick or a small cosmetic or two.

Here's a couple interior shots of the two zippered pouches which gives you a good idea of how roomy they are! You really can carry pretty much ALL of your essentials here while still enjoying the total freedome of being absolutely handsfree!

And so here's a couple of closing shots to give you a closer-up view of these zippered pouches, and the photo at right even shows that you can carry your sunglasses or readers by clipping them to the exterior D-ring.

And just so you know, one of the things I enjoy the most about making up samples for this new design, is that it requires SO little fabric for the focal print (just a 9" X 16" cut)! This means I can go back thru my stash & dig out small pieces of some of my all-time favorite prints that I couldn't bear to throw away & give them a new life! Such was the case with this beautiful fabric (called Paisley Empress), by Chong-A Hwang for Timeless Treasures!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

The post PPC36: Paisley Empress appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

the October ’26 Eye Candy Showcase

Kat — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:40:09 +0000

So... after the hottest September on record, Fall is finally here in North Carolina! And even though I'm glad to see the hot weather gone, there's no shortage of "hot" bags to headline our October Eye Candy Showcase, so...

Let's get started!

This stunning AeroSling was created by Alison T! she actually prequilted the Bag back and said it worked out GREAT! She said she loved making this bag and found the instructions easy to follow!

And this Expand-o-Matic has a definite "60's vibe" and I love it! Diana Smith used a plastic zipper for the expansion area (which I have NEVER had good luck with)! Diana said it worked out beautifully for her!

And here's Alison T again, with two more AeroSling beauties! Thet're both colorful and FUN!

And now here's a couple of eye-poppin' Sling Alongs. Sue Hanson did a fantastic job on the makes here. (That picture perfect black & white striped bias tape really does it for me!) She said she's wants to cue up a couple of our other designs now (and I can wait to see them!)

And Alison T has sure been a busy gal because here's TWO MORE AeroSlings! I'm wondering if she's making a bunch of Christmas presents?

And this wonderfully graphic High Seas Convertible was created by Sherri Johnson! You just can't go wrong with a black & white bag, right?

And we might as well finish off this showcase with one more AeroSling beauty from Alison T, right? I love the color scheme she chose for this one but really, I just can't decide which one of her makes is my favorite! Great work, Alison!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

Did you feel inspired by any of these beauties? And would you like to see one of YOUR creations on display here for everyone to admire & aspire to? If so…that can happen in either of these two ways.

Attach picture(s) of your SKD creation to an email & send it to me here- info@studiokatdesigns.com
Join our FaceBook Sewing Group HERE, and post picture(s) of your SKD creation there (with the extra added benefit of getting some well-deserved applause from our members).

And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

The post the October ’26 Eye Candy Showcase appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC36: Butterflies

Kat — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:15:54 +0000

So... in our last post, we showed you our 1st sample of our next new pattern design, but still after finishing it, we still had several improvements we wanted to make!

First of all, you may notice that we added a more "rounded" top edge to both of these pouches & reduced the total width of the design by a full 1/4". to me, this makes for a slimmer, more stream-lined look.

The overall Sash length is slightly shorter and I changed the look of the "connectors" at both the top & bottom end.

In these shots, you can get a better idea of the sizing changes we've made & while I'm happier with this look, I think I can streamline it even MORE!

In these photos, you can see how your cell phone can be clipped in place & made easily accessible while still being hands-free!

And of course this Strap CAN be worn completely on its own, because the "Mega Pouch" is large enough to accomodate virtually any cell phone on the Market today!

And as a bonus, this Strap can substitute for any Strap that attaches to pretty much any bag with top corner rings, bringing even MORE storage opportunities to the table while still maintaining a handsfree lifestyle! (Expand-o-Matic pattern sold separately)

So do stay tuned for our next post in this series. I still have a couple of little changes I'd like to make, most notably in the Connector areas.

Other changes primarily involve the order in which this Strap is put together, you know... the kind of items that can make it easier to put this project together!

I'm anticipating that our next sample will be totally indicative of the final look for this design.

And just so you know, one of the things I enjoy the most about making up samples for this new design, is that it requires SO little fabric for the focal print (just a 9" X 16" cut)! This means I can go back thru my stash & dig out small pieces of some of my all-time favorite prints that I couldn't bear to throw away & give them a new life! Such was the case with this beautiful fabric by Chong-A Hwang for Timeless Treasures!

So ...let's talk about
this superfun fabric!

It's called "Packed Butterfly Wings", & I paired it with a very cool purple/blue batik w/pinkish dots.

This fabric combo is in stock in our Fabric Gallery & you can pick some up for your next project HERE!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

If you have comments you'd like to share, suggestions you'd like to make, or questions you'd like to ask about this design in general or this sample in specific, (and I hope you do), please feel free to leave any or all in the space provided below.

The post PPC36: Butterflies appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC36: Windswept

Kat — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:15:02 +0000

So... in our last post we showed you our original thoughts about this new design, (via our sketchwork), AND.... we shared with you the photos of our 1st prototype. And actually we were pretty pleased with our first effort, so now it's time to get serious about perfecting this design!

So there's actually THREE ways you can wear this unique Cargo Strap

Firstly, you can wear the strap all by itself. The Mega Pouch is perfect for storing your phone and a few cards. You can even hang your reading or sun glasses from the convenient hook on the Mega Pouch front.

But if you'd rather, you can hang your phone from a connecting hook, leaving room in the two pouches for other items, but still be hands-free!

And lastly, you can actually attach this Strap to pretty much any bag that has attachment rings at the top corners. Now you've REALLY got a LOT of storage capacity! (Expand-o-Matic pattern sold separately)

And here's a couple of closeups of the Strap. This time I made the Petit Pouch ~1/2" shorter and both Pouches are ~3/8" less wide on each side, & I'm liking these proportions much better!

also, I used a 3/4" D-ring for the Hook Tab, but I think next time I'll use a 1/2" D-ring, as I think the glasses will be held more securely in the smaller ring.

And so far I really haven't shown you much on the inside of these pouches, but here they are... both wide open. You can see the 3 card holders in the Mega Pouch, and the Petit Pouch has plenty of room for a key fob & small cosmetics

And as you can see, my Samsung Galaxy fits with room to spare and you know what else fits? A passport and boarding passes! Just think how convenient it would be to get thru an airport with all your necessities and still be hands-free!

I'm really not sure if the Cargo Strap would have to be counted as a personal item or not. Anyone have any ideas about this?

And speaking of fabric, this beautiful exterior fabric is called "Windswept" & by Sally Kelly for Windham Fabrics. If you like this "Windswept" fabric, we've added it to our Fabric page and you can pick up some for yourself or just find out more by clicking HERE.

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

What do YOU think of this design so far. Does this bag seem like one you might enjoy carrying? And if you have comments you'd like to share, suggestions you'd like to make, or questions you'd like to ask about this design in general or this sample in specific, please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

The post PPC36: Windswept appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC36: the Sketch & the Prototype

Kat — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:15:38 +0000

So... while we were overseas this summer, I noticed quite a few gals wearing their phone tethered to what looked like a crossbody strap...

which made me think....

if they're already wearing a crossbody strap, why not add a couple of pockets to it, so you might could avoid carrying a bag at all? Instead of "Cargo Pants", it would be kinda like a "Cargo Strap"!

So when I got home, I started messing around with this idea, and here's what I came up with! I mean if you're going to wear a strap, why not incorporate a couple of other storage options and be totally handsfree?

In these photos you can see two separate zippered pockets and in the photo on the right, there's a pair of sunglasses hooked thru a d-ring tab!

Above left- the larger zippered pouch can easily hold 3 cards... maybe a credit card, a debit card and a driver's license.

Above right- and there would be plenty of room in here to also house your phone if you desired.

Here's how this setup would look with a phone tethered at the bottom clips.

And here's the deal... I'm thinking, why not just unclip your regular strap & clip in your cargo strap and STILL be handsfree?

This Fabric- which I call "Flowering Stripes", is available on our Fabrics page. Just click HERE to check it out or to pick up a package for YOUR next project. It's by Carla Reed for Sykel Enterprises (a division of Fabrique Innovations).

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this prototype for a 1st effort, but there are a few changes I'll be making before make the next sample...

I'll be placing the two Pouches closer together, (not as much blank space).
I'm not exactly thrilled with the top or bottom connector areas.
I'd like to change up the look of the Pouches so they aren't quite so boxy looking.
And I think I'd prefer to have the Card Caddy to be placed on the dropdown flap of the larger Pouch mainly because it would be easier to access the cards that way, but the customer could make this choice.

But do stay tuned for the next post in this series,
to see these changes come to life!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

The post PPC36: the Sketch & the Prototype appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC35: Tester Update- Beth

Kat — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:50:17 +0000

Beth Revere hails from Council Grove, Kansas and started testing for us WAY BACK in the 8th cycle of Purse Pattern Chronicles in 2014 with the Wrapsody design. I always love the bags Beth creates (and this AeroSling is no exception) and here’s the deal… the comments & suggestions Beth sends are always on point & SO helpful! For this reason Beth has become a bit of an institution for us!

Beth had to lay out of our last cycle due to hip surgery, (for the Expand-o-Matic), & we're so glad she's back, better than ever! And even though I love all things “black & white”, it’s ALSO fun to see that our AeroSling looks SUPER in COLOR!

Ane what I ALSO loved was that Beth opted to "cover her zippers" to perfectly match the contrasting fabric she chose to use! (She employed the use of our free tutorial here to accomplish this look, & I LOVE the result!)

Here's a good shot of the back of Beth's AeroSling! Obvious perfection! Checkout that even topstitching!

And when this zipper is opened, it reveals a SURPRISE red interior, (and aren't those covered zippers EVERYTHING?)

And in conclusion, Beth chose to place her optional Credit Card Caddy inside the Back Pocket, which is a very safe location for it! Her AeroSling turned out fabulous and I hope she enjoys carrying it for a long, long time!

And now it's YOUR turn...

And if you have any questions about the testing process in general, or any of these bag samples in particular, you can leave those there as well and I (or they) will do our best to answer them!

The post PPC35: Tester Update- Beth appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC35: Tester Update- Jeannette

Kat — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:15:26 +0000

So... I decided to do something quite different this time when it comes to showing you the samples that our Testers created while testing our new design for us. They all tend to send me multiple pictures of the bags they create & since this round of testing proved to be no exception, I decided that all of these pictures deserve to be seen & documented... so here we go!

Jeanette hails from San Antonio, TX & she began testing for us in the Spring of 2022 with the release of our Bella BiFold design.

Now I'm no expert on this but I think this fabric has Harry Potter influences, of course I could be wrong.

Jeannette said that after cutting out the interfacing for this project, she realized that she mistakenly had laid it out incorrectly, but rather than start over, she decided to just go with it, and the result is that her bag is a "mirror-image" of my bag, but no problem with that, right?

I like that Jeannette chose to use our black & white mini-striped zipper for this fabric. I've always maintained that they go with virtually ANYTHING and this combination proves my point! She also chose to go with the black & white striped paracord for the water bottle pouch to complete the "look".

Here's a good look at the upper bag area which Jeannette decided to reinforce with a screw-tack.

and this closeup of the zippered strap area was accomplished wo perfection, with perfect fussy-cutting to boot! Great job, Jeannette!

All in all, I'd say she exceeded expectations with this sample. Would you agree?

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

If you have comments you'd like to share, or questions you'd like to ask about this sample, (and I hope you do), please feel free to leave any or all in the space provided below.

And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

The post PPC35: Tester Update- Jeannette appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

the September’26 Eye Candy Showcase

Kat — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:15:48 +0000

So... this is the time of year when I'm TOTALLY sick of summer! I'm ready for cooler weather & especially cooler nights, aren't you?

But you know what? I never get tired of seeing the "hot" bags that our customers make, & the "Eye Candy Showcase" for September is as hot as ever, so...

Let's get started!

To kick things off this month, here's Elaine Thousand's Sling Along, which she says is "her favorite by far"! I love how Elaine chose to use cork for the front pouch of her bag and also for the contrast on her strap!

And here's a variety of photos of Don Distler's "chicken-inspired" Tandem Tote! This isn't the 1st time I've seen Don use "chicken" fabric for one of his creations, so I'm thinking he must be a big fan of poultry!

And Jodie Dennhardt says she's FINALLY gotten back to her sewing machine! She's been wanting to make her a new Sling Along her last one died. "It's understated", she said. but the pop of color gives her joy, PLUS the exterior fabrics are waterproof!

It's been a LONG time since we've heard from Rebecca Brent Kemp, but she's finally back with a "cat-lover's Quattro"! Great Job Rebecca! It's great to hear from you again!

And Jeannette Jay makes some of the prettiest Cignet Phone Pouches I've ever seen, and this one is no exception! Thanks for posting these pictures Jeannette! I always love to see what you create!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

So... did you feel inspired by any of these beauties? And would you like to see one of YOUR creations on display here for everyone to admire & aspire to? If so…that can happen in either of these two ways.

Attach picture(s) of your SKD creation to an email & send it to me here- info@studiokatdesigns.com
Join our FaceBook Sewing Group HERE, and post picture(s) of your SKD creation there (with the extra added benefit of getting some well-deserved applause from our members).

And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

The post the September’26 Eye Candy Showcase appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC35: Tester Update- Mary

Kat — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:26:37 +0000

So... I decided to do something quite different this time when it comes to showing you the samples that our Testers created while testing our new design, the AeroSling, for us. They all tend to send me multiple pictures of the bags they create & since this round of testing proved to be no exception, I decided that ALL of these pictures deserve to be seen & enjoyed... so here we go!

Mary Larson of Rochester, MN started testing for us in the 11th cycle of Purse Pattern Chronicles with the Triple Play in 2015. WOW! That's over TEN years ago! But check out her modern take on our new design, the AeroSling!

I am totally IN on the fabrics she chose. I love the black & grey exterior Mary chose, combined with our black & white striped zippers! And the red print seems to be the perfect contrast to pull this whole look together, right?

Here's a good shot of the Bag Back, where the distinctive red contrast shows just as beautifully as it did on the Bag Front! I love everything about these photos, including the grey wicker chair that seems perfect as a background for this bag!

And finally, in this photo Mary is showing off the larger of the two front slash pockets

All in all... even though Mary's been testing for us for over 10 years, I really think this may be the prettiest sample she's ever created while testing for us (but then, I think I've said that before)!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

If you have comments you'd like to share, or questions you'd like to ask about this sample, (and I hope you do), please feel free to leave any or all in the space provided below.

And remember, we love reading your comments and answering your questions too, so please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

The post PPC35: Tester Update- Mary appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

Studio Kat Designs

PPC36: Cleo

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

PPC36: Paisley Empress

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

the October ’26 Eye Candy Showcase

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

PPC36: Butterflies

So ...let's talk about this superfun fabric!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

PPC36: Windswept

So there's actually THREE ways you can wear this unique Cargo Strap

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

PPC36: the Sketch & the Prototype

which made me think....

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this prototype for a 1st effort, but there are a few changes I'll be making before make the next sample...

But do stay tuned for the next post in this series, to see these changes come to life!

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

PPC35: Tester Update- Beth

And now it's YOUR turn...

PPC35: Tester Update- Jeannette

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

the September’26 Eye Candy Showcase

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

PPC35: Tester Update- Mary

And now.... it's YOUR turn!

So ...let's talk about
this superfun fabric!

But do stay tuned for the next post in this series,
to see these changes come to life!