Today I worked on new pictures for my duffle bag pattern.
I made this duffle pattern back in the summer. I started working on it back in the spring but couldn't get it quite right so I kept delaying and waiting for a better design idea to come into my head. It finally came to me in June right before we took a trip to the beach and I made bags for all of us girls in the family. I was so happy with how I simplified the construction and thrilled that when I got back from our trip that I could work on the pattern. Well, 4th of July came and all the other summer stuff and I didn't get it done until early August. I knew this was not the best time to put a vacation bag in the shop but I had no idea that this bag would be such a flop! I mean I don't think I have sold this more than 10 times. That is BAD! I decided today that maybe my baby (that is what I sometimes call my patterns) just needs a makeover.
The one on top is Anne's duffle. She had her first spend the night with a favorite cousin and I packed it up for her. I thought, "Hey! This is one cute bag!" She thinks it is the cat's meow (in fact she thinks everything is the cat's meow). It is not the real size of the child's version of the bag on the pattern since it was a trial. It turned out too tall and I thought it looked like a bowling ball bag. Isn't it funny how you can be so disappointed in a project right after you do it and then a few weeks/ months later you look at it again and see how cute it really was?
So, instead of making another duffle in better fabrics (which was my first thought when I wanted to give my baby a makeover), I just tried out my new picture taking skills from this post. Here is one that is kinda cute but isn't going to make the cut. I like to call this one duffle tower~
and this will be the new main picture with my recently acquired photoshop skills.
I am hoping this will do the trick to get this pattern going at least a little bit better. What do you all think? Do I need to make a new bag with better fabrics? Or is this pattern just not interesting enough for people to want to make? Looking forward to hearing some feedback! Leave your comment about my baby (I'm still talking about the pattern here) & on Wednesday, November 10th, I'll choose a random commenter to send a free pattern of the getaway duffle. Make sure you leave your email in the private comment section so that I can contact you!
Hannah P. is the winner of the pattern! Here is her comment...
I really really liked hearing all of your comments. So much good advice about how to market this bag. I heard what you had to say and changes are in the works. Read down through the comments if you have a moment and see what all these savvy women had to say. Stay tuned!
Let's get together for lunchMy watch is faster than yours.We look forward to your visit.Have you ever driven a BMW?eventually i caved in.We are prohibited from smoking on school grounds.We are prohibited from smoking on school grounds.What's your goal in life.Keep your temper under control.I guess I could come over
Posted by: topmonclerkidsoutlet.blogspot.com | November 19, 2012 at 05:53 AM
I am trying to make this pattern and have a few concerns - my B pieces do not match up for the adult version, but they do for the child. Is this a problem you have heard before? Also, my the photos on my pattern are really fuzzy - the text is fine. Is this something that can be changed? I've made your On the Go Organizer and Art Caddy with great results. Thanks for providing creative patterns!
Posted by: Emily | January 11, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Hi there I ordered this on Monday and now I have exceeded to number of views when I went to print it. My order number is 6C8C0231CA84C95E. I replied to the order email and it bounced back. I'd like to be able to access the pattern I bought. Help!
Posted by: joan whitman | November 10, 2010 at 07:52 AM
I think the duffle bag is really cute but the fabric doesn't really appeal to me. I think having another sample in a more appealing fabric might help. I would recommend adding more interesting props to go with the bag. Maybe you could add a towel and sunglasses and a tropical drink in the spirit of a "getaway" theme? Good luck!
Posted by: Marilyn | November 10, 2010 at 01:15 AM
I am new to this sewing thing but would definitely make this duffel bag one of my first projects! I love the fabric, especially the pink one, and they look very functional! I look forward to making one for me and my two girls!
Posted by: Janise Smith | November 9, 2010 at 07:39 PM
i love the material you made the duffel bags with. I'm making a diaper bag for my daughter in law so the patterns would be great to win to make something different for her
Posted by: rini | November 9, 2010 at 04:59 PM
I love this duffle and it would be perfect for packing my daughter up to go to Grandma's.
[email protected]
Posted by: Lindsay | November 9, 2010 at 06:10 AM
I love this bag and the fabrics are gorgeous. Personally I like the size and shape of the smaller childs one but I would definitley give this pattern a go. I would love to make one for my daughter for a weekend bag.
BTW Ive just found you through Prudent Baby and LOVING your blog. Cant wait to try out all your stuff.
Posted by: debbie | November 9, 2010 at 12:18 AM
I love this pattern! These are perfect and sure beat a bulky suitcase for a quick weekend trip. I think a photo of the bags next to something familiar in size to compare them to, maybe a chair or some cute shoes? Either way your current pics worked on me!
Posted by: Christina | November 8, 2010 at 10:07 PM
I think this looks like a great pattern - something my BFF and I were talking about the other day. We see lots of duffles but they are either ugly or too expensive. I would love to win this pattern & make one for her in fabrics of her liking.
I think your photos look great & make buying the pattern very enticing!
Posted by: Stephanie | November 8, 2010 at 07:55 PM
I really think this bag has so many uses, the fabric you have chosen to display is fine, (in my opinion), and any one who is a sewing is more than capable to visulise it in their favourite fabrics. I could see this being a great gift with a matching makeup bag/toiletries bag, and the gift ideas would be endless. I am not a great bag maker, but would tackle this with good step by step instructions and pictures.
Posted by: SewHappyJan | November 8, 2010 at 06:29 PM
I love the bag, but I agree with a couple of the earlier commenters about it not being a fabric I would use. BUT, with that being said, I also agree that I can easily picture it in a pattern I'd love! I'll definitely keep it in mind when I need to make a new bag. :)
Posted by: Rachel | November 8, 2010 at 03:10 PM
I do like this bag, it's very cute! However, it's not really my favorite out of all your stuff. The only thing I might change on it is the handles. They seem a little small for a bag that seems so big, so I get the feeling that it might be hard to carry because of this. But it's kinda hard to tell from the picture on the proportions. That's really the only thing that has kept me away from this bag. I really do like it though, so please don't think I'm knockin your bag!
Posted by: Julie | November 8, 2010 at 02:23 PM
The bag shape is great. Maybe what it needs is just a little bit more details. Adding some piping to the end seams and maybe a cord in the folded over handle would give it a little more structure and visual "umph." These changes would not really take that much more work to add to the pattern, either. I was actually thinking of purchasing this pattern and making these changes myself. We have to drive 400 mi to visit family, and one of these per person would stuff into the trunk much easier than 2 large suitcases. Maybe a picture of them all lined up in the trunk of a car would be a good idea! Hope this helps!
Posted by: Sarah | November 8, 2010 at 09:37 AM
Hi,
i followed a link from Prudent Baby :-) I think that your bags are great. I actually like the look of the one for your daughter that you say isn't qite the right size.
Posted by: Lynne | November 8, 2010 at 09:20 AM
I like this bag! I think the new pictures help, maybe one of the inside so we can get an idea of how much it can hold? I love your fabrics
Posted by: Hannah P. | November 8, 2010 at 08:03 AM
I think it looks great and the fabric is just fine! Maybe add a couple of photos showing the details like the zipper, handles, and contrasting fabric on the sides?
Posted by: EG | November 8, 2010 at 07:58 AM
Such a cute bag!!!!I have 4 children so this would be perfect to make so they each had their own special bag!!
Posted by: Christine Rogus | November 8, 2010 at 07:09 AM
Looks like a great design. I have four girls to sew for, lotsa sleepovers ans opportunities to pack a cute little duffle.
Posted by: seanne | November 8, 2010 at 06:53 AM
I love the look of the new bag. While the fabric choices do not appeal to me, I can easily imagine it in the fabrics I have on hand. It is something I would definitely make.
Posted by: Melanie P | November 7, 2010 at 01:33 PM
the new pictures look awesome! I LOVE that leafy print with the yellow flowers!
Posted by: Amy Dunn | November 7, 2010 at 01:31 PM
I don't understand why that bag doesn't sell. I was so excited when I saw it and I'm the person that bought it on the first day and I loved sewing it and I'm in love with my duffle bag!
I would suggest making another one with some maybe more attractive fabric and maybe a smaller size too? I would love to have a "tiny" duffle, smaller than you child size.
The best of luck to you!
Anie, a true fan!
Posted by: Anie | November 7, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Well it is spring here so a getaway bag is perfect for our summer holidays which start in a month!Love the fabrics :)
Posted by: Lissy | November 6, 2010 at 07:02 PM
I think bags of this size are just a hard sell, especially if they don't have much structure to them. That said, I think it's a cute bag and the fabric is a great use of a large print -- hopefully the new photos will be the answer.
Posted by: christina | November 6, 2010 at 05:28 PM
It looks like a great pattern and something I would definately like to have a go at making.... although I must say that the fabrics really don't appeal to me at all but Surely people have enough imagination to picture things made up in different fabrics?? Hope your new photos do the trick!
Posted by: Thimbelina | November 6, 2010 at 05:18 PM