Thimbleanna

Backpacks

Thank you all so much for your great advice for the bleeding tree skirt. I told MeMum about all the great suggestions, but she’s afraid doing anything will cause more bleeding. I’m thinking I’ll probably have to kidnap the tree skirt and then if I ruin it, I’ll just have to make her another one. (It’s just more embroidery and quilting, right?) I’ll keep you posted when the deed is done.
This years pre-Christmas sewing frenzy included several backpacks that I couldn’t show you, for obvious reasons. You may remember that I made a backpack for myself several months ago and I LOVE it! I originally made mine to carry my laptop when I have to go on a work trip, but recently I was without a purse for a month (while it was being repaired) and I started using my backpack for everyday use. I have my purse back now, but I’m still using my backpack as a purse. I love that I can throw lots of stuff in there.

Anyway, I made two backpacks for my almost 11 and 15 year old nieces.

Girls Backpacks

I used this pattern from Cindy Taylor Oates. This is the small backpack view. I love, love, LOVE this pattern. The instructions are easy to follow and Cindy uses some really solid construction techniques. I love the way the straps are constructed on this small backpack. Bag straps have always been a pet peeve of mine, ’cause they are often flimsy. Cindy uses my favorite method of covering webbing straps. Nice and sturdy!

Girls Backpacks

Then, for SweetiePie, I made a “Bride-to-Be” backpack out of the large backpack pattern. This is the same pattern as my backpack. This backpack is made from the black and white fabric that SweetiePie will be using a little bit in the wedding. SweetiePie loves polkies.

Bride Backpack Bride Backpack

Knowing, that SweetiePie will only be a bride-to-be for 5 more months, I made the bride-to-be tag removable and put her new married monogram under the bride tag.

Bride Backpack

If you need a backpack, I can’t say enough about this pattern. I did a few things differently than Cindy suggested, but I suspect that’s ’cause I’ve been sewing since the stoneage and it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks Cindy, for another great pattern!

XOXO,
Anna

35 thoughts on “Backpacks”

  1. Oooh, I love those backpacks! Daughter J needs a new one. the leather one we gave her is showing much wear & some tear!
    She never uses handbags! LOL think she thinks they are for oldies..

  2. Your backpacks are so pretty and they look so professionally made. I love the detail with the bride-to-be backpack in that she can remove that label later to reveal her new monogram–such an exquisite and thoughtful idea.

  3. OK now these are just to dang cute sister. I LOVE all of them and the bride one for sweetiepie is a great idea and having the new initials underneath is another great idea. I think it must have been a surreal moment when you embroidered those initials. It would have brought a sweet happy tear to my eye. Your amazing Anna – thanks for more inspiration :)

    Your Fan – Karen

  4. Anna, ooooooooooooooooooh so neat! How do you do it? I am sure they all loved them. xoxo Jewels

  5. Those backpacks are gorgeous Anna – and they look so fantastically made too. I wish my work looked that professional! I’m going to look out that pattern too and have a try sometime! Lucy x

  6. I love bags of all kinds and seeing yours makes me want to dig right in…they are absolutely stunning. You’ve done a fantastic job.

    So how old does that make you….when was the stoneage…chuckle…Did they have sewing machines…LOL

  7. Anna those backpacks are just tooo dang adorable. I’m telling you. LOVE THEM!! And what a great one for your daughter. That is such a cool idea with the tag.
    Hubby was looking at houses in Ft.Wayne tonight on the internet. LOOK OUT!!!

  8. LOVE LOVE LOVE the backpacks!!!!! I have to have one. It’s the old problem of “Oh, it’s a pattern? Can’t I just buy one?” Thanksfully, I do have a friend who sews and doesn’t just quilt like I do. She’ll help me out, especially when I show her how darling these are. Thanks for showing us!!!

  9. Lots of good stuff here, as always! I gave you a “You Make My Day” award–take a look at my blog when you get a chance to see what that’s about.

  10. You did a wonderful job with the backpacks. They are lovely. The bride-to-be’s backpack is soooo creative. You are going to be one great MIL!!!
    Hugs,
    Joni-the-MIL-to-be too.

  11. The backpacks are darling – and I’ve got to give you major, major props: the idea of the “temporary” B2B tag (which is removable and has the new married monogram underneath???) – sheer genius!

    You’re a clever, clever girl!

  12. Those backpacks are awesome, Anna!! I have to buy that pattern now! Love the fabrics you used! Can I be on your Christmas list this year? Hee hee!!

  13. Oh Anna these are gorgeous! I’m seriously in awe of you. When you come visit I should kidnap you and have you teach me a thing or two at the old sewing machine.

    What lucky girls to receive these!!

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