I’ve been sketching and thinking a bunch on my dream bag over the past month, and I think I’ve finally decided on what my dream bag is going to look like — which means I’m finally drafting the pattern!!

I’ve looked at many different backpacks over the past month and now know I want something sleek and mid sized. Exterior pockets keep reminding me of cargo pant pockets and can’t shake the disturbing reminders of my middle school youth. I also want a bag not big enough to tote my entire life in (as much as I’d like to imagine), but big enough to be useful. Something in the 14”x10”x6” size range which could handle a wallet, water bottle, and an extra pair of shoes if need be, vs the mini backpacks trendy cool girls carry around that fits a cellphone and a tube of lipstick in the 10”x8”x4” size range.

I also have decided that I want a drawstring top bag. Over my many years of education in PDX I learned that even the best zippered backpacks would let water in if the lapped edges didn’t fully cover the zippers. Then while they might work when done properly, the techniques involved are also pretty difficult and I don’t honestly feel as though it would end up being worth it. My current bag has a drawstring top with a buckled down cover and it does wonders for keeping out the rain. Added bonus is that the style is much easier to construct.

So decision made. Below are some screen grabs I nabbed for inspiration.

With those two decisions made, I can get started drafting my pattern and putting together a test sample! As can probably be seen I hope to use either leather or faux leather. Goal would be to re-purpose leather instead of buying new, and if not — faux leather. If I end up using faux which tends to be thinner and flimsier (especially over time) I’ll probably end up lining it, though I don’t particularly want to. I’ll probably make a test bag in waxed canvas. Has some heft and weight and structure, but much cheaper than leather will be to source.