Something as Simple as a Zipper...

I know I've done something right when I can't take my eyes off of it. Luckily for me, I caught myself gazing happily upon the back side of one of the new Lucy bags. This is lucky because this is the back side that has had my mind in a twist since I made the very first one a long, long time ago.
This first version was just a plain ol' backside. Nothing ventured, nothing dared.

Back side of the first Lucy (left)

Then I noticed that was a big chunk of real estate on a little bag, I could fit something there! So I added a simple slip pocket.

This pocket was super cute, and was great for things like small papers or mints. However, I still wasn't 100% on it because I couldn't put my phone back there if I carried it as a wristlet. I was too worried it would fall out!
So my next move was to make a flap top pocket to hold larger items securely.

Flap top pocket version 1

Flap top pocket version 2

Again, super cute, and yes, more functional...  but it wasn't smooth and easy and effortless to get things in and out of the pocket. Maybe I was thinking TOO securely.
Then it came time to standardize and rework these patterns because I was spinning in circles with custom orders and troubles with keeping the shop full etc. So I sat down with my graph paper and started the new patterns.
Several glasses of wine and garbage pales of crumpled paper later it came to me: a zipper! It was so simple, so perfect, so... why didn't I think of this in the first place?!
So I drafted the pattern and it was beautiful on paper. I couldn't wait to get one made out of all the beautiful new waxed fabrics I was now within reach of and happily stocking.

Back side of new Lucy bag. (click to enlarge) Isn't that brown  gorgeous?!

We chose these molded tooth zippers because they are plastic. I wanted to make bags that were water resistant, and I was afraid of metal zippers rusting. I chose white because I love the way it pops brightly off of all the colors.
Now, when carried as a wristlet, I feel carefree about throwing my phone or keys or favorite new lipstick right into that zipper pocket for quick access.
The Lucy bags are all sewn up and ready for photography. The Kimballs too. Photography day will be a big day and I am in a constant state of self soothing about it. "It will be worth it, and afterward you can eat ice cream to celebrate." It's the ice cream part that keeps me going.
October is just a few days away and that's the month I vowed to have everything up and running. So, fingers crossed and good vibes everywhere... !