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?

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!

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.

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(opens in new tab)), & 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!

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 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.

Then a Hamster Came to Visit!

Kat — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:11:12 +0000

So... you remember a while back that my granddaughter's pet bunny came to visit us a couple times while his family went on an extended vacation!

As far as bunnies go, he was a pretty big guy and to be honest, was quite labor-intensive, although I thoroughly enjoyed having him for a few weeks!

But time has passed, and now my granddaughter has a new pet...and I must say, that as much as I enjoyed the bunny, I have an undeniable "connection" to this little guy!

He's a hamster & his name is Marshmallow & he brings back SO many wonderful memories of what is still one of the all-time favorite pets I've ever had!

My little guy's name was Caesar and as it turns out, he & Marshmallow have a whole lot in common!

First off- he's a totally "chill" little guy (just like Caesar was), & by that I mean that he likes being held & petted & he especially loves being "pouched"...

that is, being ensconced in the folds of a t-shirt where he can sleep his afternoon away! I was known for taking my hamster all sorts of places by keeping him "pouched" in a deep jacket pocket, (much to my Mom's chagrin!)

In many ways he's an easier houseguest than most! He came equipped with his own luxury accommodations (enclosure), which means that any mess involved is pretty much contained, making cleanup operations SO much easier!

And due primarily to the size differential, his appetite is proportionally SO much smaller. As a matter of fact, my daughter had to gently warn me off giving him too many treats, (but he really DIGS spaghetti)!

So... the big question is... "have I introduced him to the Cats?"

And the answer is an emphatic NO!

First of all, I'm not even sure the cats know that he's in the house, after all, Marshmallow has his own private suite upstairs where the cats never go, (behind a LOCKED door).

And secondly, (as opposed to that big bunny), Marshmallow would be no match against my two mini-lions & given how much my granddaughter LOVES this little guy, I could never take the chance on the unthinkable, so my choice is that they will never even SEE each other!

And here's the fun part... my granddaughter has informed me that Marshmallow has modeling aspirations that are specifically aimed at the handbag community!

She recently sent me this auditioning picture to convince me how photogenic he is!

So what do YOU think?

How desirable do YOU think a "hamster pouch" would be as an optional feature in a future design?

If you have comments you'd like to share, or questions you'd like to ask about Marshmallow, please feel free to leave any or both in the space provided below.

The post Then a Hamster Came to Visit! appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC35: the AeroSling Introductory Video

Kat — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:15:51 +0000

At long last, the AeroSling pattern and webpage have been released! It's a great little bag that can be worn as a one-armed chest bag or back bag! ,

But here's the exciting part! If you ever get to thinking you wished you could switch your sling bag to a true backpack YOU CAN! All you need do is move a snap hook & unzip the strap zipper, and this versatile bag can be worn as a true backpack!

Please click HERE to see more pictures & get more info about the AeroSling pattern.

And also click
HERE
to see the introductory video
for the AeroSling pattern

AND--- if you need a Supply Kit, why drive all over town (or search all over the internet with those related shipping charges), in order to get started on your new bag? We can easily slip a prepackaged AeroSling Supply Kit in with your pattern order (also at a nifty discounted price), so you can start sewing the day your package arrives in the mail! Just click HERE to check it out!

And don't forget!

We'd LOVEto see pictures of your AeroSling creations, or any of our other patterns. Simply emaiI them to info@studiokatdesigns.com and it will make my day!

The post PPC35: the AeroSling Introductory Video appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC35: the AeroSling Pattern Release

Kat — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:15:28 +0000

FINALLY!

The Aerosling pattern
is ready for release!

Click HERE for more info about this fun, & versatile bag pattern, which is roomy & versatile enough to be your go-to, hands-free bag! How is it versatile? Well... here's the deal! The AeroSling can be worn several ways! Firstly, as a one-armed chest bag, secondly as a one-armed back bag, & lastly as a true backpack (by opening the zippered strap)!

And we're celebrating this new release in our usual way, by offering a discount off the regular retail price until midnight on 8/9/26. Just use this code - 4ZSUCAERO - to claim $1.99 off the regular price of our AeroSling pattern (now available in both Hardcopy AND Instant Download), and/or our AeroSling Supply Kit.

Because here's the deal-- Why drive all over town looking for the supplies you'll need to get started on this fun bag , when we can easily slip an AeroSling Supply Kit in with your pattern purchase so you can start creating the day your package arrives in the mail! Just go HERE to add a Supply Kit to YOUR order, and HERE for more pictures and information. (Hardware finish & zipper style to be chosen at checkout!)

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 get behind the scenes scoops on Instagram, and be the 1st to know about new patterns, discount codes and sample sales by signing up for our monthly newsletter.

The post PPC35: the AeroSling Pattern Release appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

the August ’26 Eye Candy Showcase

Kat — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:15:57 +0000

So... summer is in full swing & it's hot as ever here in NC!

But you know what else is hot??? The "Eye Candy" for August is as hot as ever and if you'd like to feast your eyes on a few "hot" beauties today, ..

then let's get started!

This is Veronica Frolich's 1st SKD bag, a Sling Along which she fashioned entirely in Harry Potter fabrics.

Additionally, you may have noticed that she opted for adding the "Convertible Strap" so that she could carry her new bag as a one-armed chest or back bag AND... as a true back pack!

Marjorie Baker was so proud to say that she taught a class recently on our Expand-o-Matic pattern at the Thomas Sewing Center in Lexington, KY , and here are the results.... everyone finished BEAUTIFULLY!

And #SewMuchFun321 is pleased to report that Michele, Betty & Deb had such fun creating their Guardians.

Gosh, I just don't know which one I like the best?!?

Beth Knisely used "Red Truck Road Trip" as the main fabric for her new Expand-o-Matic because she thought the red, white & blue was appropriate for this summer!

And oh my! What a delightful combination of fabrics Karen Mead used as she created her Gateway! I can only imagine that Karen is turning heads everywhere as she carries her new bag!

Helen Bartel reports that she is very pleased with the fabric she chose for the exterior of her Everyday Attache (and she chose the perfect coordinate too)!

Now she says all that's left is to "enjoy carring her new bag!" And I hope she does so for a very long time!

And Janet Gilbert say that she's received "tons of compliments about her Bella BiFold, and even a couple of offers to purchase it from her!" I can certainly see why!

And finally... Alma Lou Annab says that she absolutely ADORES the Carolinian pattern because its "easy to make, & easy to make variations depending on the fabric she chooses!"

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

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 August ’26 Eye Candy Showcase appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

PPC35: the AeroSling Pattern Cover Reveal

Kat — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:56 +0000

So... in our last post we had a little fun letting YOU be the designer to choose which of our bag samples YOU would select to stand alone on the pattern cover for our next new pattern of 2026, the AeroSling, if the choice were up to you..

So thanks a bunch to everyone who voiced their opinion! Pattern design can be rather solitary work & I REALLY enjoy hearing the logic behind which bag our customers would choose for the cover.

(Here's all of our AeroSling samples, shown in the order they were created, from left to right)

So... here's what we decided....

Dreaming in Color - 4/6/26

So... this was the very 1st sample I made for this design, and since I never really have high hopes for the 1st sample, I chose fabric that I's already featured on this blog before.

But here's the deal, this sample actually came out darned pretty great, and once I combined this fabric with our tan & gold zips, I found that I was sorry I didnt save this combo for later on in our process....

But...since there were a couple of critical flaws with this sample, (as is common this early on in the process), this sample could not be seriously considered for the cover sample, so...

It was OUT!

Sun & Moon - 4/17/26

So I've had this fabric for a long time & it just never seemed quite right for any project I was working on, but since nothing else I had in my stash seemed to be calling out to me at the time, I thought I'd use it!

And you know what? the fussy-cutting was perfect...it looked great with my zips...& the contrasting blue was on-point! But the water pocket was just too short & this would need to be rectified... so for that reason...

It was OUT!

Back to Tucson - 5/8/26

I had great hopes for this directional print, but I got this wild hair (over a boring weekend) to cover the zips with a fun complimentary print (since none of my zips matched quite right), and even though I loved this look and had a good deal of fun during this process, the overall look was just a bit too busy... so for that reason...

It was OUT!

Dragonfly Dance - 6/3/26

I loved this fabric from the moment I first saw it, and I do in fact LOVE the way this bag turned out, so much in fact that I was totally torn between it, and the sample I finally chose.

But the thing is... as much as I love this sample, it strikes me as one that folks would either totally love, or be totally turned off by... so for that reason...

It was OUT!

A Wavy Dimension - 6/24/26

And once again, this was a VERY large print, the center section of which was actually various shades of blue. It has a very three-dimensional look to it, and the fussy-cutting turned out good, but you know what...

this final look just didn't grab me. I also didn't think it would stand out in a crowd, or in the midst of many other patterns, so for that reason...

It was OUT!

A Peach Flowerbed - 7/3/26

This fabric actually belongs to the same collection as the "Wavy Dimension" fabric that I used for the sample above.

It was easy to work with, & easy to fussy-cut, & I loved how the final look came together with the contrast fabric and all, but I was just a bit concerned that this large print would overwhelm the design elements on the pattern cover... so for that reason...

It was OUT!

So...if you haven't already guessed, (by process of elimination), it's with great pleasure that I now reveal to you the official pattern cover for the "AeroSling"!

So was the Plum Affinity sample the perfect choice for our "cover model"?

Truth is, only time will tell! I guess I easily could have gone with a couple other choices for our cover model, & I know from experience that had I chosen another, it probably wouldn't make a bit of difference "sales-wise".

But I feel good about this choice. I especially feel good that it was validated by SO MANY of you either by commenting on the post, or on social media or even by email! THANK YOU for all of your feedback!

So... all that's left now, is to RELEASE THE PATTERN!

But PLEASE NOTE!!!! -- Just as we did for our Expand-o-Matic rollout this past winter, we'll be announcing the AeroSling pattern release will most likely be next week, by means of a special edition of our bi-monthly newsletter, Bag Making is FUN, so be on the lookout for that? (If you're not already on our mailing list, please sign up for that HERE.)

As is our norm, it will include a time-sensitive discount code toward the purchase of the AeroSling pattern, so don't miss out! If you don't already receive our newsletter in your Inbox bi-monthly, you still have a small window of time to sign up & get in on the fun, PLUS pick up our newsletter discount coupon also, by clicking HERE.

And now it's YOUR turn!

Call me crazy but I always love knowing if you agree with our selection or if you think we totally blew it! So please feel free to leave your comments and/or questions in the space provided below! Don't worry. We won't be mad if you disagree with us!

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 PPC35: the AeroSling Pattern Cover Reveal appeared first on Studio Kat Designs.

Studio Kat Designs

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!

Then a Hamster Came to Visit!

And the answer is an emphatic NO!

So what do YOU think?

How desirable do YOU think a "hamster pouch" would be as an optional feature in a future design?

PPC35: the AeroSling Introductory Video

And don't forget!

PPC35: the AeroSling Pattern Release

FINALLY!

The Aerosling pattern is ready for release!

the August ’26 Eye Candy Showcase

then let's get started!

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

PPC35: the AeroSling Pattern Cover Reveal

So... here's what we decided....

It was OUT!

It was OUT!

It was OUT!

It was OUT!

It was OUT!

It was OUT!

So was the Plum Affinity sample the perfect choice for our "cover model"?

So... all that's left now, is to RELEASE THE PATTERN!

And now it's YOUR turn!

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

The Aerosling pattern
is ready for release!