Can You Say, Back Pack, Back Pack?

I haven't written on my blog for some time. Life just keeps getting in the way and it hasn't been much happiness.  I also had to give up some of my writing venues as they either closed down or just got to cumbersome to work with.  But I am always glad to have my sewing room as a haven and my talents as therapy! I look back over the last two months and think..did I do anything? And then I make a list and yeah.. I guess I did get alot done in spite of all the drama!

The biggest and funnest thing I did was make things for my 3 grand daughters ages 8,5 & 4.

I made them "superman/hero" capes. Searched all over for a pattern then just kind of "winged" it on my own... One was the comic super heros (she loves Wolverine and Hulk), one was Dora, the Explorer and the other one was Disney princess. They loved them but of course, I forgot my camera! But they have a huge backyard with trees and such so they'll be able to swoop all over the place! I lined them with poly/cotton broadcloth...good way to get rid of all that I had stashed up!

I then had the inspiration to make them back packs. I got a Simplicity pattern and was surprised at how quick I was able to whip them up! Again, one of Dora the Explorer in purple/green camo, one with dinosaurs and one with pink camoflauge. I wanted the closure to be quick and easy, yet heavy enough to hold the flap closed no matter what they stuffed inside! So I chose a large, metal washer and a heavy, metal nut from the hardware store. I made a thin strip of the matching fabric and sewed them to the back pack. I wanted them to be able to just drop the nut into the washer and go instead of ties or clips. They loved them and this time I did take pictures!

 This is Lillyanne..the 4 year old...she loves Dora!

I used purple to make the flap and appliqued images of Dora and Boots that I cut from the fabric onto the front flap. And then here is how the closure looks. Quick and easy to close, just drop the nut into the washer. The weight holds the flap closed, no matter what is in there!  

Then there is the Pink Camo...the oldest loves pink camo! I couldn't find actual camo so this is camo made with deers hidden amongst forest branches.

 
And the dinosaurs! This one is for the 5 year old...and she is just getting into her dinosaur stage so she was thrilled to have some dinos "on her back". The fabric is a dinosaur print and I made the flap a solid blue and appliqued 3 of the dinos on the flap.
 

I also use a bright poly/cotton for the lining in each of them so it isn't so dark inside when they go searching for things!

 

They all three turned out really cute and the girls loved them. I just hope the parents remember to let them take them out to play or on the road with them. I told their dad (my son) to let them store outside toys in them, then they can just take and go. Or store writing/coloring supplies in them and then when they want to color, they just take the whole pack pack to the table, color then put it all way right there. And hang them in their rooms on the door knob, a hook on the wall, the bed post, back of a chair...that way they are easy to get to and use,  yet everything is picked up and organized all the while having a cute room decoration!

This is the pattern I used, if you are interested in making one...or two...or three...how many kids do you have? Make one for each! And with Christmas coming up...this back pack will make a great Christmas gift...especially if you are a distance from the kids..the back pack is light weight and inexpensive to mail!

Want to read more at Fabric and Memories? CLICK HERE This post linked to the Linky Party for the day. Click on the "Daily Linky Parties" tab at the top of my page and join us! Lots and lots of amazing talents on "display"


Thanks for stopping by and...keep on sewing those memories!